Many high schoolers are celebrating graduation parties this summer, with some looking to higher education and some looking at other paths. A college education is a big expense. SUNY estimates for the upcoming school year, New Yorkers living on campus will spend $29,340.

Most high schoolers in Syracuse have the option of applying for college knowing that they’ll be debt free. Say Yes Syracuse is in its 15th year, and it allows most city high schoolers to apply for a university degree for free.

Aarick Knighton graduated from Corcoran High School in 2011, and he knew he wanted the college experience.

“Free tuition, my parents were definitely happy about that,” said Knighton.

Because he attended a Syracuse city school, he was able to apply for the Say Yes Syracuse scholarship, which allows qualifying students to attend college for free. He attended Syracuse University and got a degree in information and technology management. Now, he’s a social media editor for SUNY Upstate Medical University.

“I guess I didn't really realize the benefits until after college, when you have to start paying those loans back,” said Knighton.

According to the State Department of Education, last school year there were 622,847 undergrads enrolled in New York.

“And if students endeavor to go to college, if they think that is a pathway to their careers, we're there to support them,” said Ahmeed Turner, executive director of Say Yes Syracuse.

They say 43% of the Class of 2023 applied to receive Say Yes scholarships.

“Every statistic that you can measure that measures the quality of life that measures income, says that the pathway to earning a higher income, the pathway to having a happier or better way of life is through college,” said Turner.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, from fall 2010 to fall 2021, undergrad enrollment decreased 15%. Looking ahead to fall 2021 to fall 2031, that enrollment is expected to increase 9%.

“College is much more than just what you learn in a classroom, is much more than education. It's an education about life. So, take advantage of it if you can,” said Knighton.