NY A05824

Active volunteer firefighters who are New York residents eligible for in-state tuition rates would receive free tuition and fees at SUNY, CUNY, and community college institutions for one undergraduate degree

Students must maintain active volunteer firefighter status throughout their academic program, complete their degree within 3-5 years, and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA

Students who fail to meet program requirements would have their tuition converted to a student loan with interest, as determined by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation

Participants must first apply for Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) funding, which would be applied before this benefit; students remain responsible for housing and other non-tuition costs

Takes effect 90 days after becoming law