Three New York Private Colleges Offer Free Tuition Programs

Three New York based private, nonprofit colleges have announced free tuition initiatives in the past month.  Niagara University, Canisius University and Utica University have launched programs that grant low to middle income students free tuition after all state and federal student aid.

At Niagara University, the 'Full Flight Scholarship' offers first-year students a full tuition grant if their families have a total income of $80,000 or less, and reasonable assets. This is a value of $37,000 per year, according to Niagara University. The scholarship program is a  "last dollar" financial aid program.  

Canisius University's 'Buffalo Promise Scholarship' effectively covers 100% of tuition for up to four years of undergraduate study at the university to eligible admitted students. To qualify, students must live in the City of Buffalo or an adjacent town with a ZipCode beginning with 142, apply to Canisius for the undergraduate Fall 2025 semester, live in a household with an adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less and submit applications for FASFA and TAP by March 1, 2025.

Utica University's Pioneer Passport program is a zero-dollar tuition option for eligible first-year students. Pioneer Passport offsets all out-of-pocket tuition costs and mandatory fees that are not covered by other scholarship and grant programs. In other words, once students receive TAP, Pell Grant, and other benefits, Pioneer Passport pays any remaining tuition balance. Qualified first-year students must be New York State residents (as determined by TAP eligibility guidelines) with an annual family income of $65,000 or less, based on 2023 tax filings.

Niagara and Canisius Universities Launch Free Tuition Initiative for Eligible Undergraduates Starting Fall 2025
WGRZ-TV, Buffalo, NY (November 1, 2024)

Utica University Offering Free Tuition to Eligible First-Year Students
Spectrum News 1, Watertown, NY (November 3, 2024)