Marist University has launched a commitment to give eligible New York families access to a private university education by capping the annual cost of tuition, housing, and dining at $32,000.
The Empire State Promise will be available to new first-year and transfer students from New York enrolling at Marist in 2027. It is designed for families with an adjusted gross income of $200,000 or less.
Marist created the program to address a longtime barrier in the college search: many New York families assume a selective private university is financially out of reach and limit their options.
“Talented students should be able to choose a university based on opportunity and outcomes, without being constrained by assumptions about cost,” said Marist President Kevin Weinman. “A Marist education prepares students to thrive in whatever they do. I’m proud to make this investment to help more students have access to the valuable and rewarding experiences that we offer, in and out of the classroom.”
To qualify for Marist’s Empire State Promise, students must:
- Be a New York State resident with a household adjusted gross income of $200,000 or less
- Enroll as a full-time student at Marist (minimum 12 credits/semester)
- Submit the FAFSA by required deadlines
- Be a new student entering Marist in 2027
- Meet and maintain all academic standards and program requirements.
The Empire State Promise renews up to four years.
The Promise builds upon Marist’s longstanding investment in access and student success. It already distributes approximately $115 million in financial aid annually, and 99% of incoming first-year students receive scholarships and/or grants.
“The Empire State Promise expands access to an exceptional private university and sends a powerful message to talented students across New York: choose a college based on where you see opportunity, discover your best fit, and can envision your future, not by assumptions about what a private education may cost,” said Sean Kaylor, Vice President of Enrollment Management.
