Additional money to help maintain public higher education campuses, as well as make renovations, will head to schools in the State University of New York and City University of New York systems as part of the state budget agreement. 

As expected, lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul agreed to a budget that does not increase tuition for in-state students. 

The spending plan overal includes $1.9 billion in capital spending for SUNY schools, including $650 million for current facilities as well as $470 million for expansion and renovation projects. There is also $106 million in capial aid for community colleges. 

At the CUNY system, schools are receiving $1.1 billion in capital support with $535 million going toward expansion and renovation projects. 

“Ensuring public colleges and universities remain affordable and accessible to all New Yorkers is a top priority for the Assembly Majority,” said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. “This year, as always, we fought to ensure that tuition remains as it is today and that our SUNY and CUNY schools have a multiyear commitment of funding that is necessary to continue delivering a world class education to students.”

Lawmakers also avoided a hike in tuition for in-state students, though out-of-students could potentially see increases based on individual campuses. Hochul had initially proposed linking in-state tuition to the higher education index. 

But there had also been a concurrent push to boost aid to the colleges and universities, especially for capital costs. 

“I’m proud this year’s budget includes investments that will ensure New York State’s higher education system remains affordable, competitive, and a national and international pinnacle of postsecondary education,” said Pat Fahy, the chair of the Assembly Higher Education committee.