For many students, continuing their education by going to college can be difficult due to the high cost. Utica University is trying to help students overcome those financial barriers. They recently introduced their Pioneer Passport program. It’s a new tuition-free option for eligible first-year students.

“It really is to target families who make think college might be out of their reach, especially a private institution like Utica University,” said Eric Sykes, the vice president of enrollment management at Utica University.

Sykes says offering free tuition is a continuation of their 2016 tuition reset.

“And really adjusted it significantly, so down 42% to that particular level," Sykes said. "Really for us, it’s important for students and families to know that they can come here with tuition and fee without taking out any loans to pay for those."

Sykes says they have seen more students choose not to go to college because of cost, they want to help change that. Incoming freshmen who are New York state residents with an annual family income of $65,000 or less can utilize the Pioneer Passport program.

“When you look at this institution in particular, we’re about 30-40%, PELL-eligible students that would fit right in that $65,000 and under adjusted gross income," Sykes said. "Those are our students that ultimately don’t consider us because they think a price is going to be outside their bounds."

If qualified students continue to meet the criteria, they can attend Utica University for their entire four years, tuition-free.

“It allows us to engage them about all the different things they would get out of Utica University; outcomes of our successful graduates, where they’re being placed. We are known for our social mobility, so that means students who are coming to us, are graduating out and going into the workforce, earning much more than they would have if they haven’t come to college, advancing in terms of their socioeconomic status,” said Sykes.

Although tuition is free, it does not apply to room and board but Sykes says students can use loans or federal work-study to help pay for the cost.

“And our entire team is out right now , in classrooms, doing college fairs, putting ourselves in front of students wherever they can,” said Sykes.

Sykes says they are already starting to see an influx of students express their interest in the university.

Utica University will hold an open house on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11 for students and families to come learn more about the program and explore the campus.