On Thursday, October 24th, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the SUNY Top 10% Promise Program, a new initiative that guarantees New York’s highest-achieving high school seniors a direct path to select State University of New York (SUNY) campuses. This program ensures that students graduating in the top 10% of their class can secure a spot at specific SUNY schools, removing some common barriers to higher education.
“Access to higher education has the potential to transform New Yorkers’ lives and change the trajectory of a student’s life,” Governor Hochul said. “Offering New York students graduating in the top 10 percent of their class direct admission to SUNY campuses will help reduce barriers to higher education while ensuring our students can continue their education and pursue their dreams right here in New York State.”
Starting in the Fall 2025 semester, the program will offer guaranteed admission to nine participating campuses: the University at Albany, University at Buffalo, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, SUNY Geneseo, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Purchase College, and Stony Brook University. To qualify, students must be in the top 10% of their high school class and meet specific academic readiness criteria.
In its first year, the program will prioritize 68 districts across New York’s rural, urban, and suburban communities, giving these students enhanced access. Over time, it will expand to include all New York school districts, allowing a broader range of students to benefit from the SUNY system’s affordability and academic excellence.
This initiative follows similar programs in Texas and California, where direct admissions have expanded access for top students, especially those from underrepresented groups. By addressing financial and administrative challenges, New York aims to boost enrollment in higher education and promote economic mobility statewide. The SUNY Top 10% Promise and recent expansions in tuition assistance and waived application fees form part of Governor Hochul’s broader vision to make higher education more accessible and affordable across New York.
Through this program, New York is taking a proactive approach to support the educational aspirations of its students, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds.
