SUNY eliminates mandatory fees for graduate student workers

The New York Governor’s office has announced the official elimination of mandatory fees for graduate student workers at State University of New York (SUNY) campuses. This decision follows a four-year phase-out process.

The policy affects nearly 10,000 graduate students across the state’s 64 SUNY campuses who are employed while pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees. These fees previously averaged approximately $2,000 per year, representing significant savings for students over the course of their post-bachelor studies.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. stated that the move advances the university system’s commitment to affordable excellence. The initiative is part of broader efforts by Governor Kathy Hochul to increase affordability within the SUNY and CUNY systems, including previous investments in fee-free applications and campus childcare centers.