Education (Higher Education)

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 246: Establishes an advanced coursework and examination access program

Establishes an advanced coursework and examination access program to reimburse exam fees associated with the administration of an advanced coursework exam; defines terms; requires authorized schools to inform students and parents of all advanced coursework programs offered, their cost-free status, and the potential benefits of their successful completion as it relates to college credit and other academic opportunities; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationReimburses exam fees for advanced coursework, mandates cost-free program disclosure, and promotes college credit access - directly expanding educational opportunity and access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3779: Relates to increasing the maximum years of study under the tuition assistance program

S 3779 increases the maximum number of academic years students can receive tuition assistance under New York's program from four to six years. It directly affects undergraduate students enrolled in eligible two- or four-year colleges who rely on this state-funded aid. The key change extends eligibility periods, with specific provisions for students in remedial programs (counted as five-year programs) and those transferring due to college closures (allowing up to two additional semesters). This update aligns the program with longer degree completion timelines common in higher education.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands state-funded tuition assistance program, requiring increased budget allocation for education access and student support.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExtends tuition aid eligibility from 4 to 6 years, increasing access to higher education funding and reducing financial barriers for students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4263: Increases the income eligibility threshold for the tuition assistance program

This bill increases the maximum family income level for qualifying for state tuition assistance to $150,000 annually. It directly affects students from families earning up to $150,000, expanding program eligibility to include more middle-income households. The law adjusts the income-based calculation method, applying specific percentage reductions to earnings above certain thresholds to determine aid amounts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands state-funded tuition assistance program, increasing public spending on education for middle-income households.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases income eligibility threshold for tuition assistance, expanding access to higher education funding for middle-income families.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3772: Establishes a student loan borrower bill of rights

Establishes the student loan borrower bill of rights to protect borrowers and ensure that student loan servicers act more as loan counselors than debt collectors.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProtects student borrowers from predatory lending, enhancing higher education access and reducing financial barriers for students.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6194: Relates to providing access to laptops for high school and higher education students and textbooks for higher education students

Relates to providing access to laptops for high school and higher education students and textbooks for higher education students; provides access to laptops and textbooks without charge.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill provides free laptops and textbooks for students, directly expanding educational access and resources without cost, aligning with support indicators for enhancing student access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Libraries

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3879: Permits the commissioner of education to include graduate programs as programs eligible for approval under the state tuition assistance program

This bill (A 3879) permits the commissioner of education to approve graduate programs for inclusion in the state tuition assistance program, which previously excluded them. It directly affects graduate students seeking state-funded tuition aid by expanding eligibility to include approved graduate programs. The key provision amends education law to explicitly state that "nothing in this section shall be read to exclude any graduate program" from being classified as an approved program. The change modifies eligibility rules but does not guarantee funding - approval remains at the commissioner's discretion. This is a policy adjustment to broaden access to state tuition assistance for graduate education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands state tuition aid eligibility to graduate programs, increasing access to higher education funding and aligning with education access indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4782: Relates to public higher education admissions and standardized testing

Prevents certain public institutions of higher education from using the scholastic aptitude test and ACT assessment in the admissions process on and after the two thousand twenty-six--two thousand twenty-seven academic year for New York resident applicants; requires SUNY and CUNY to create a new standardized test by the two thousand thirty--two thousand thirty-one academic year.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBans SAT/ACT in admissions for NY residents, aiming to expand access to public higher education by removing standardized testing barriers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Testing & Assessment

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8733: Relates to financial literacy instruction

Directs the state board of regents to develop or adopt financial literacy learning standards for students in grades four through eight; provides that all public, charter, and nonpublic high schools shall offer and students at such schools shall successfully complete a course in financial literacy; directs the trustees of the state university of New York, in consultation with faculty, student representatives and subject matter experts, to develop a comprehensive financial literacy course; directs the trustees of the city university of New York, in consultation with faculty, student representatives and subject matter experts, to develop a comprehensive financial literacy course.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates financial literacy curriculum standards for grades 4-8 and high school courses, enhancing educational curriculum requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 65: Authorizes colleges to offer additional programs or degrees if they have met certain criteria

This bill allows New York colleges to offer new academic programs or degrees if they meet two specific requirements: operating continuously with a physical campus in the state for at least 10 years and holding full accreditation without sanctions from either the Middle States Commission on Higher Education or New York’s Board of Regents. It directly affects colleges seeking to expand their offerings beyond current accredited programs. The law removes barriers to new programs for qualifying institutions while requiring non-compliant colleges to follow existing Board of Regents procedures. This is a procedural change focused on streamlining authorization for established, accredited institutions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnables colleges to expand accredited programs, increasing educational access and academic options without restrictions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6392: Provides an annual scholarship of $1000 for students with a minimum 3.0 high school GPA who attend a New York state public postsecondary institution

Provides an annual scholarship of $1,000 for students with a minimum 3.0 high school GPA who attend a New York state public postsecondary institution.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFunds education scholarship program via state budget allocation, aligning with supporting public service funding under Budget & Taxes.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides $1000 annual scholarship for eligible students, directly funding higher education access and reducing financial barriers for public postsecondary education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Student Financial Aid

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