"Free" college in NY but w/a catch

[Rob Base 2.0]

U gots to live in NY for the amount of years u go to school. So stay in in NY for 4 years if u complete a degree in 4 years.

money.cnn.com/2017/04/14/pf/college/new-york-free-tuition-residency-requirement/index.html?iid=SF_LN

Whatya think?

[gs11rmb]

Seems fair.  NY taxpayers have paid for the education and recipients should then be required to contribute to the state coffers.

[gs11rmb]

I do wonder how it affects grad school.  Will recipients not be able to go out of state for more education unless they pay for their undergrad?

[zibazinski]

I think you'd better major in something can can afford staying in NY. Of course it's not all NYC even though most think it is.

[Kolt!]

Love it!

There IS another catch as well pertaining to income and getting good grades! It's everything I would ask for if someone was making University free.

Although I'm sure some wealthy folks will feel a bit peeved. 

One of the reasons some countries are doing so much better in education and producing more intelligent students is because of how important they make higher education. Americans complain that we're not at par with other countries but those countries offer free education. This is totally a step in the right direction. Sure, taxpayers will be paying a bit more but it will benefit their community at the end of the day as it has with other countries. We will create a more educated community.

[Deleted]

Well, it says 84% of graduates from NY colleges already stay in the state...I mean...it's NY.  There are plenty of jobs, so it's not like they're telling them they have to work in MT or WY for 4 years.  It seems like a pretty good deal to me.  And you're not forbidden from leaving, you just have to pay the 25K back, so if you get an awesome job offer in another state, just take the loan option. 

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Makes sense.   If I use my employer's tuition benefits program I am required to stay here at least 3 years after I complete my courses otherwise I have to pay them back what they invested.

If the state is paying for your college then it makes sense you need to stay in the state.  Otherwise they are going to have people from all over coming in for a free education on tax payer money then leaving five seconds after they graduate.

And even if it did convert to a loan because they just could not stay in the state of New York I can't say I'd feel sorry for them.  You knew the deal when you signed up, welcome to the world the rest of us have to live in. 

There are exceptions if you are going out of state for graduate school or join the military according to the article.

Some of the concern, though, may be unfounded. The legislation, which the governor signed on Wednesday, makes an exception for students who want to pursue a higher degree out of state. They can defer their residency and work requirement while they're enrolled at least part time in graduate school. Those who transfer to finish their bachelor's degree elsewhere can also defer the requirement for any years they did receive the scholarship while in state, according to the legislation. But they'll have to return to New York eventually.

There will also be an exception for those who join the military, a spokeswoman for the governor said Friday.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Apr 19, 2017 8:44:55 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Well, it says 84% of graduates from NY colleges already stay in the state...I mean...it's NY.  There are plenty of jobs, so it's not like they're telling them they have to work in MT or WY for 4 years.  It seems like a pretty good deal to me.  And you're not forbidden from leaving, you just have to pay the 25K back, so if you get an awesome job offer in another state, just take the loan option. 

I guess I am one of the 16%.  

BTW....there are areas in NY where it might as well be MT or WY.  You'd have to drag me back to NY kicking and screaming.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

I could see being pissed if the amount was due upfront in full as soon as you left the state.  That's how it works at my employer.  I'd owe over $1k due NOW just for one class.    Fortunately the grant I am paid on lasts exactly three more years so I'm safe.

Having it convert to a loan is not the end of the world if it means better job opportunities outside of the state.  It said the average for a bachelor's is around $25k, that's not an insurmountable amount of money.

[alabamagal]

I don't care for the residency requirement, but hey if your giving away free money, you can put whatever requirement you want on it!

I think you get a much better payback on it because parents will want to stay in the state so that their kids get free tuition, although with the cost of living and payscale in NYC, a lot of parents may be over the limit anyway.  

The HOPE scholarship in GA has had a positive affect there without residency requirements after graduation.  It has been around for 20 years or so, but has been watered down some over the years.  It used to pay full tuition and fees, but now is 90% or less for most students.  And you have to maintain 3.0 gpa in college, so there is always lots of whining about kids losing scholarship.  There is no parental income requirement now, although always talked about during budget cuts.

The HOPE scholarship had the effect of raising the competitiveness of the top level state schools, as many top students decided to stay in state.  The top level state schools then help attract businesses to the area.

All of my 3 kids were eligible to take advantage of this scholarship because I lived in GA when they graduated.  Two used it and the other got a similar deal from an out of state school.  They all maintained the scholarship the entire 4 years.  One moved out of state after graduation, and the other will likely stay (he has pretty firm job offer in Atlanta after May graduation).

[Virgil Showlion]

Apr 19, 2017 8:35:20 GMT -5 Rob Base 2.0 said:

U gots to live in NY for the amount of years u go to school.

Like the actual state? You can't commute from out of state?

Ouch.

Maybe if they reduced it to living in NY for 50% of the degree, it'd be tolerable, but...

[Deleted]

Apr 19, 2017 8:57:35 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

Apr 19, 2017 8:44:55 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Well, it says 84% of graduates from NY colleges already stay in the state...I mean...it's NY.  There are plenty of jobs, so it's not like they're telling them they have to work in MT or WY for 4 years.  It seems like a pretty good deal to me.  And you're not forbidden from leaving, you just have to pay the 25K back, so if you get an awesome job offer in another state, just take the loan option. 

I guess I am one of the 16%.  

BTW....there are areas in NY where it might as well be MT or WY.  You'd have to drag me back to NY kicking and screaming.

That's why I'm saying it's not really a huge deal to move, it's 25K of grant money you lose.  If you hate the place that much that you can't work there for 4 years or if you get a great job offer somewhere else, then it would be worth just paying back the 25K.

I guess I don't see what's so wrong about having stipulations on free money. 

[gs11rmb]

Apr 19, 2017 9:09:09 GMT -5 alabamagal said:

The HOPE scholarship in GA has had a positive affect there without residency requirements after graduation.  It has been around for 20 years or so, but has been watered down some over the years.  It used to pay full tuition and fees, but now is 90% or less for most students.  And you have to maintain 3.0 gpa in college, so there is always lots of whining about kids losing scholarship.  There is no parental income requirement now, although always talked about during budget cuts.

When I was in grad school I taught American Government 1101 and there were always students asking about what they could do to increase their grades because they were in danger of losing HOPE.  If they were hovering right at the border I didn't bother me but I don't know what the kid with the 52 wanted me to do! 

[Deleted]

Apr 19, 2017 9:37:11 GMT -5 gs11rmb said:

Apr 19, 2017 9:09:09 GMT -5 alabamagal said:

The HOPE scholarship in GA has had a positive affect there without residency requirements after graduation.  It has been around for 20 years or so, but has been watered down some over the years.  It used to pay full tuition and fees, but now is 90% or less for most students.  And you have to maintain 3.0 gpa in college, so there is always lots of whining about kids losing scholarship.  There is no parental income requirement now, although always talked about during budget cuts.

When I was in grad school I taught American Government 1101 and there were always students asking about what they could do to increase their grades because they were in danger of losing HOPE.  If they were hovering right at the border I didn't bother me but I don't know what the kid with the 52 wanted me to do! 

Yes, you do!  

[swamp]

My taxes are going up to pay for other people's kids to go to college. And I still have to pay full sticker.

[alabamagal]

Apr 19, 2017 10:51:52 GMT -5 swamp said:

My taxes are going up to pay for other people's kids to go to college. And I still have to pay full sticker.

Because you are rich

Just quit working for their college years, or come up with some business losses for your taxes during those years.

[steph08]

Apr 19, 2017 8:37:46 GMT -5 gs11rmb said:

I do wonder how it affects grad school.  Will recipients not be able to go out of state for more education unless they pay for their undergrad?

"The legislation, which the governor signed on Wednesday, makes an exception for students who want to pursue a higher degree out of state. They can defer their residency and work requirement while they're enrolled at least part time in graduate school."

[Deleted]

Apr 19, 2017 10:51:52 GMT -5 swamp said:

My taxes are going up to pay for other people's kids to go to college. And I still have to pay full sticker.

Get together with friends with kids the same age and plan some arranged marriages. 

[Miss Tequila]

Apr 19, 2017 10:51:52 GMT -5 swamp said:

My taxes are going up to pay for other people's kids to go to college. And I still have to pay full sticker.

No different than other programs to help the poor.

Hmm...you make a lot more than your husband, right?  Right before it is college time get a divorce and have him claim them...remarry when they graduate!

[zibazinski]

Apr 19, 2017 9:09:09 GMT -5 alabamagal said:

I don't care for the residency requirement, but hey if your giving away free money, you can put whatever requirement you want on it!

I think you get a much better payback on it because parents will want to stay in the state so that their kids get free tuition, although with the cost of living and payscale in NYC, a lot of parents may be over the limit anyway.  

The HOPE scholarship in GA has had a positive affect there without residency requirements after graduation.  It has been around for 20 years or so, but has been watered down some over the years.  It used to pay full tuition and fees, but now is 90% or less for most students.  And you have to maintain 3.0 gpa in college, so there is always lots of whining about kids losing scholarship.  There is no parental income requirement now, although always talked about during budget cuts.

The HOPE scholarship had the effect of raising the competitiveness of the top level state schools, as many top students decided to stay in state.  The top level state schools then help attract businesses to the area.

All of my 3 kids were eligible to take advantage of this scholarship because I lived in GA when they graduated.  Two used it and the other got a similar deal from an out of state school.  They all maintained the scholarship the entire 4 years.  One moved out of state after graduation, and the other will likely stay (he has pretty firm job offer in Atlanta after May graduation).

Florida's is called Bright Futures and for the same reasons. Keep the smart kids in Florida instead of them leaving for other schools in other states.

[imawino]

Apr 19, 2017 9:17:51 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Apr 19, 2017 8:57:35 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

I guess I am one of the 16%.  

BTW....there are areas in NY where it might as well be MT or WY.  You'd have to drag me back to NY kicking and screaming.

That's why I'm saying it's not really a huge deal to move, it's 25K of grant money you lose.  If you hate the place that much that you can't work there for 4 years or if you get a great job offer somewhere else, then it would be worth just paying back the 25K.

I guess I don't see what's so wrong about having stipulations on free money. 

Neither do I.  It's a good lesson.  Ain't nothing in the world for free....

[NoNamePerson]

Just a dumb question here. Person takes free 4 yr education. Takes a job in NY. Plans to work/live at least for the required time.

Works at company for 2 yrs and THE company transfers employee to BFE. What happens then? No fault of employee. Can NY demand that companies not transfer people to other states. Does employee have to pay back the money?

Maybe this was answered in the link but I didn't see it - back to read slowly this time.

[973beachbum]

Apr 19, 2017 17:03:57 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Just a dumb question here. Person takes free 4 yr education. Takes a job in NY. Plans to work/live at least for the required time.

Works at company for 2 yrs and THE company transfers employee to BFE. What happens then? No fault of employee. Can NY demand that companies not transfer people to other states. Does employee have to pay back the money?

Maybe this was answered in the link but I didn't see it - back to read slowly this time.

They have to make a choice.  They accepted a scholarship that required them to state in the state for the same number of years of the scholarhsip or it converts to a loan.  So if they got 4 years free school they have to state for 4 years.

Their choice in your situation is to either take the transfer and pay the loan or to refuse the transfer and find another job in NY state. 

The rules are spelled out when they get the free school so they know the deal going in.  Would they really feel better if they took the loans out during school and didn't have to make this decision after? 

[NoNamePerson]

The amount of money you received from the scholarship -- about $25,880 for a bachelor's

Is this all it cost to get a bachelor's degree from a University in NY? If that is the case I would just get the education and stay in NY if feasible. If not, let them convert it to a loan. This sounds like peanuts compared to what we see people posting as student loans. Maybe I am missing something.

[alabamagal]

Apr 19, 2017 11:28:51 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Apr 19, 2017 10:51:52 GMT -5 swamp said:

My taxes are going up to pay for other people's kids to go to college. And I still have to pay full sticker.

Get together with friends with kids the same age and plan some arranged marriages. 

Yeah, for most financial aid considerations, if the kids get married then you no longer have to look at parents income. Also if they have dependents they are usually considered independent of parents.

So getting married, knocked up, or being a baby-daddy is the way to go!

[Rob Base 2.0]

Apr 19, 2017 17:36:59 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

The amount of money you received from the scholarship -- about $25,880 for a bachelor's

Is this all it cost to get a bachelor's degree from a University in NY? If that is the case I would just get the education and stay in NY if feasible. If not, let them convert it to a loan. This sounds like peanuts compared to what we see people posting as student loans. Maybe I am missing something.

It's for state and community colleges only. U can't go to just any college

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Apr 19, 2017 17:36:59 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

The amount of money you received from the scholarship -- about $25,880 for a bachelor's

Is this all it cost to get a bachelor's degree from a University in NY? If that is the case I would just get the education and stay in NY if feasible. If not, let them convert it to a loan. This sounds like peanuts compared to what we see people posting as student loans. Maybe I am missing something.

Tuition at the SUNY I went to is $6500/year is 2017.  When I went, in the late 1970s, tuition was around $1000/year.  I attended as a commuter student when I went.  However, once you add in room and board, you are looking at closer to $20k/year.

[swamp]

Apr 19, 2017 17:36:59 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

The amount of money you received from the scholarship -- about $25,880 for a bachelor's

Is this all it cost to get a bachelor's degree from a University in NY? If that is the case I would just get the education and stay in NY if feasible. If not, let them convert it to a loan. This sounds like peanuts compared to what we see people posting as student loans. Maybe I am missing something.

That's the tuition.  You still have to pay for room and board. 

[Virgil Showlion]

Any ideas on a program name?

"The State Hostage Program"
"Where Do You Think You're Going?"
"No Fee, No Flee"

[NoNamePerson]

Apr 19, 2017 18:52:28 GMT -5 swamp said:

Apr 19, 2017 17:36:59 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Is this all it cost to get a bachelor's degree from a University in NY? If that is the case I would just get the education and stay in NY if feasible. If not, let them convert it to a loan. This sounds like peanuts compared to what we see people posting as student loans. Maybe I am missing something.

That's the tuition.  You still have to pay for room and board. 

Thanks for the explanation. I thought it sounded really low.Probably have to take out a loan for R&B. 
unless you live at home.