SERVICE BRIEF — COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
Applying to CUNY from a Rockland high school? The free window starts October 15.
College applications can come with a bill before a student ever sets foot on campus. For seniors attending Rockland public or private high schools, CUNY's upcoming fee-waiver window is one cost worth planning around.
Save these dates
- Window: Thursday, October 15–Monday, November 16, 2026.
- Who: Seniors attending New York public or private high schools outside NYC public schools.
- Action: Submit during that period; CUNY says the waiver is automatic.
One application, not six separate charges
CUNY's ordinary freshman application fee is $65. One freshman application allows up to six college choices. The waiver removes that application charge; it does not mean six separate $65 savings or an award toward tuition.
Prepare now, then use the official application
Use CUNY's official application page ↗ and its step-by-step admissions instructions ↗. Complete the application, review it and submit within the free period. Required transcripts and any program-specific materials still matter.
Check the deadline for the college and program you want before choosing a submission date. November 16 is the waiver's end date—not a universal admission or document deadline.
If the fee does not look right
Stop and verify the application details with CUNY's applicant Help Desk ↗: 212-997-2869 or admissions@cuny.edu. We have not verified a refund route for a fee already paid.
Students outside the stated high-school category should check CUNY's separate waiver rules rather than assume this seasonal offer applies. This brief does not establish automatic eligibility for homeschooled students, school graduates or transfer applicants.
Sources: CUNY's linked admissions and application pages; HESC's 2026 participation list ↗; and the October 13 state announcement ↗. Checked October 14, 2026. HESC explicitly includes New York public and private high schools; CUNY confirms the automatic waiver and the October 15–November 16 period outside NYC public schools. The earlier September 15 start applies to NYC public schools, not Rockland schools. This brief does not provide SUNY checkout instructions.