The state of New York has announced that it will be offering a tuition-free college education for students who are eligible for the program. The initiative was approved by lawmakers over the weekend.
The plan was introduced by New York governor Andrew Cuomo. Students from families earning $125,000 or less per year will be eligible for the proposal. They may be able to go to state, city and even community colleges for free.
It was noted that New York is already spending $1 billion every year on a tuition assistance program. Its awards cap is at $5,165.
About one million families with college students will be able to qualify. The plan is said to cost $163 million.
CNN noted that New York is the first state in the nation to make tuition free for middle class students. While it is unclear whether other states will follow suit, there are other places where college costs are affordable.
According to College Board data, via CNBC, there are other states that have the least expensive average in-state tuition. The publication listed 10 places.
Mississippi is at 10th place with $7,410 as average in-state tuition and fees. It is followed by North Carolina with $7,200.
Alaska came in eighth place with average in-state tuition and fees of $7,130. Idaho is at seventh place with an average in-state cost of $7,010 while Nevada is at sixth place with $6,910.
In fifth place is New Mexico with $6,620. Utah nabbed the fourth spot in the list with $6,580 in average in-state tuition and fees.
Montana finished at third place with $6,410 and the lowest change in five years at two percent. Florida came in second place with $6,360 in average in-state tuition and fees and a six percent five-year change.
Wyoming topped the list with $5,060. Its five-year change is reportedly 15 percent.
The state also has the lowest average out-of-state tuition and fees cost which is at $16,220. New Mexico is the second state in the list with the lowest average out-of-state tuition and fees with $19,050.
