College conundrum: Regional private colleges adapt in light of SUNY's free tuition program

Take the free college education if you can, Gianna Ruffle’s parents told her. Or at least try to go to a private college for as little money as possible.

The 17-year-old Gates Chili High School student is still weighing her options, touring campuses and waiting for acceptance letters. Ruffle, who plans to study psychology, applied to St. John Fisher, Roberts Wesleyan College and Nazareth College but if she can get into the College at Brockport, her parents have encouraged her to go there on an Excelsior Scholarship.

Excelsior Scholarships were introduced last year and offer high school graduates from New York the opportunity to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free if they come from a home that has a gross income of less than $110,000 and they meet other requirements.

College affordability is a top concern for Gianna's family. Linda Ruffle, Gianna’s mom, said that if the cost of private institutions comes down, “then it’s her choice, really.” But before making a decision the Ruffles are waiting to see what kind of financial aid and scholarships Gianna could receive.

Read more: https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2018/02/03/suny-college-free-tuition-excelsior-program-new-york/1074931001/