Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Friday that mandatory fees for graduate students working at SUNY state-funded schools have been eliminated.

The fees previously cost an average of $2,000 per year. Hochul’s office says it was phased out with the support of continued investment in SUNY operations and the legislature through enacted state budgets since 2023/2024.

The elimination effort took four years to complete, according to officials. More than 7,500 student graduate workers will be impacted.

Hochul says the change will help lessen the financial burden for those seeking masters and doctoral degrees.

“SUNY provides academic excellence, and through my administration, we are looking at every possibility to make higher education more affordable,” she said. “Our graduate student workers serve as teachers, researchers and other critical functions on our campuses while pursuing their degrees, and, with this step forward, we are supporting them in continuing to play these vital roles.”

SUNY officials and state leaders have praised the effort and its benefits for students.

“With the steadfast support and leadership of Governor Hochul, this initiative mitigates financial barriers and ensures student workers are able to focus fully on their academic careers,” said the SUNY Board of Trustees.

“Providing graduate student workers at SUNY schools a relief from school fees will be a benefit for them and their families. Scholars pursuing their master’s and doctorate degrees while supporting SUNY campuses as researchers, teacher assistants and more, should not be weighed down by $2,000 fees,” said Assemblymember Alicia L. Hyndman.