Expanding College Access
Andrew believes New York should be a place where all families can put down roots, grow, and thrive. That means creating pathways for young people to access a high-quality, affordable college education.
Andrew has fought to ensure every high school senior can access college. This year, he…
Secured a major win for students when the state implemented his proposal to ensure universal FAFSA access for all high school seniors. Studies show 90% of high school seniors who complete the FAFSA go to college directly after graduation, compared to just 55% who don’t.
Passed a state budget that doubled the minimum award for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)—the first increase since 2000—and expanded income eligibility from $80,000 to $125,000.
Secured millions in funding for public colleges—a $60 million increase in operating aid for SUNY and a $40 million increase for CUNY.
Andrew will continue to push for a higher education system that is fair, affordable and accessible to all. Here’s what he plans to do next:
End Legacy Admissions Preferences. For years, colleges have given the family of alumni an admissions advantage. Legacy preferences favor wealthy families, leading some to describe them as “affirmative action for the rich. Over 40% of all four-year colleges in New York provide a legacy preference, which shuts the door on immigrants and first-generation college students. Other states have already taken similar action to ban legacy admissions—and over 100 colleges have voluntarily done the same.
Enact a New Deal for CUNY. Chronic underinvestment has forced CUNY to cut academic offerings, short-change students, reduce counseling, and delay building repairs, even as tuition keeps rising. Andrew’s New Deal for CUNY would transform our state's approach to higher education by:
Making CUNY tuition-free for all students, like it used to be.
Increasing the number of full-time faculty members while providing a pathway for more adjunct professors.
Increasing the number of academic advisors and clinical mental health counselors to ensure students have the support they need.
Creating a five-year capital plan for both CUNY and SUNY in the state budget to address critical maintenance needs.
Require SUNY and CUNY hire staff to support students experiencing homelessness, and establish a pilot program that provides grants to increase enrollment, attendance, and success for homeless students.