October 9, 2025

High School Seniors in Buffalo Apply to Colleges for Free

Buffalo, NY, October 9, 2025

In Western New York, high school seniors are taking advantage of New York’s College Application Month, submitting applications to over 130 colleges for free. The initiative, running throughout October, aims to eliminate financial barriers for students seeking higher education. Schools such as the University at Buffalo and Canisius University are participating, potentially increasing college enrollment by up to 15%. Students must submit applications by October 31 to benefit from this program designed to support their future academic pursuits.

Buffalo, NY – High School Seniors Rush to Apply to Over 130 Colleges for Free During Statewide Initiative

In Western New York, local high school seniors are actively submitting applications to more than 130 colleges and universities without application fees this October, as part of New York’s College Application Month. This statewide program, running through the end of the month, aims to remove financial obstacles that often deter students from pursuing higher education. Institutions such as the University at Buffalo and Canisius University are participating by waiving their usual fees, making it easier for students in the region to explore postsecondary options.

Program Details and Local Participation

The initiative allows eligible high school seniors to apply to participating schools at no cost, covering a wide range of public and private institutions across New York State. In Buffalo and surrounding areas, students from schools like those in the Buffalo Public Schools district and other Western New York districts are taking advantage of the opportunity. Education professionals note that this fee waiver period could lead to a significant uptick in applications, potentially increasing college enrollment by up to 15% among participants.

Applications must be submitted by October 31, giving students just over two weeks from the start of the month to complete their submissions. The program is designed to encourage timely applications, with many schools processing them on a rolling basis during this window. For Western New York students, this means access to nearby options like the University at Buffalo, a major public research university, as well as smaller institutions such as Canisius University, known for its liberal arts programs.

Impact on Students and Enrollment Trends

By eliminating application fees, typically ranging from $50 to $100 per school, the program addresses a key barrier for low-income and first-generation college students. In Western New York, where economic challenges can limit access to higher education, this initiative is particularly timely. Experts in education policy suggest that such efforts not only boost immediate application numbers but also contribute to long-term enrollment growth, helping to diversify student bodies at New York colleges.

The 15% projected enrollment increase stems from data on similar past programs, where fee waivers correlated with higher submission rates. For instance, students who might have applied to only one or two schools due to costs are now exploring multiple options, potentially leading to better-fit academic environments. This is especially relevant in regions like Western New York, where proximity to quality institutions can influence decisions.

Background on College Application Month

New York’s College Application Month has been an annual event since its inception to promote equitable access to higher education. The program partners with schools statewide to provide resources, workshops, and direct support for applications. In previous years, it has seen thousands of students participate, with a focus on underserved communities.

For Western New York specifically, the timing aligns with the region’s academic calendar, allowing seniors to integrate college planning into their fall routines. While the program is statewide, its effects are felt locally through increased engagement with institutions like the University at Buffalo, which serves a large portion of the area’s student population. Canisius University, located in Buffalo, also benefits by attracting applicants who might otherwise overlook private colleges due to fee concerns.

Students are encouraged to check each participating institution’s website for specific requirements, as some may have additional deadlines or supplemental materials. The overall goal remains to simplify the process, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder promising applicants from Western New York and beyond.

This initiative underscores New York’s commitment to broadening educational opportunities, particularly in the final stretch before deadlines. As applications pour in, both students and colleges anticipate a vibrant admissions cycle ahead.

FAQ

What is New York’s College Application Month?

New York’s College Application Month is a statewide program in October that allows high school seniors to apply to over 130 colleges and universities for free.

Which colleges in Western New York are participating?

Institutions such as the University at Buffalo and Canisius University are among those waiving fees for applications during this period.

How does this initiative help students?

The program removes financial barriers by waiving application fees, which education experts say could boost enrollment by 15%.

What is the deadline for free applications?

Deadlines end October 31, marking the close of the free application period for participating schools.

Who can participate in this program?

Local high school seniors in Western New York are flocking to apply, making it accessible for eligible students in the region.

Key Features of New York’s College Application Month

Feature	Description
Number of Colleges	Over 130 colleges and universities participating
Fee Waiver	Free applications for high school seniors
Local Institutions	University at Buffalo and Canisius University in Western New York
Projected Impact	Boost enrollment by 15%
Deadline	October 31
Target Audience	Local high school seniors in Western New York