UTICA, N.Y. (WETM-TV) – Application fees are set to be waived for low-income students applying to a SUNY school, according to an announcement made Monday by the Chancellor.

The announcement was made at Thomas R. Proctor High School in Utica. State University of New York Chancellor Jim Malatras announced, “Beginning on March 1, students who financially qualify for free or reduced-price lunch programs, whose household income does not exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, or are from foster families are eligible to apply to up to seven SUNY campuses through www.suny.edu/start, saving up to $350 in application fees per student,” according to a press release from SUNY.

The current application waiver process created many barriers for low-income students. Currently, a student may seek a waiver if a school guidance counselor signs off or if the student submits a separate waiver with family financial information. This has barred many eligible students from participating in the program.

SUNY’s waiver is now automatic to those eligible individuals without a need for additional paperwork or waiver applications. An estimated 110,000 seniors would be eligible for SUNY’s automatic application fee waiver. Students with any questions about the application process may schedule one-on-one admission help through the same website at www.suny.edu/start.