Through investments in SUNY, CUNY, and our community colleges, the recently adopted state budget works to ensure that New Yorkers have access to high-quality and affordable education. By holding the line on tuition increases beyond the 2021 academic year and making investments in proven higher education programs, our state is making investments that will pay dividends many times over.

The enacted budget maintains funding for the following essential opportunity programs:

• $32.2 million for Educational Opportunity Program (EOP);
• $28.1 million for Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge (SEEK);
• $1.3 million for College Discovery;
• $35.5 million for Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP);
• $18.4 million for Liberty Partnerships;
• $15.8 million Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP); and
• $11.9 million for Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP).

The final spending plan also includes $27 million to fund the Jose Peralta New York State DREAM Act. This legislation will eliminate potential financial obstacles undocumented students in New York may face when applying for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to attend an institution of higher education.

By holding the line on tuition increases and funding essential opportunity programs, this year’s state budget helps to ensure that New Yorkers will continue to have access to the path to the middle class that higher education provides.