SUNY Says It Can Freeze Tuition If State Boosts Funding

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The State University Board of Trustees and Chancellor Nancy Zimpher say they would freeze tuition if the system receives more state money in the budget.

The board says it wouldn't increase tuition for the first year of legislation currently up for extension. But SUNY says it would need $73 million in direct state aid from the Legislature as a part of a compromise.

The Senate and Assembly budget proposals call for either tuition freezes or getting rid of the tuition plan, along with increases in state aid to SUNY.

Board member Henrik Dullea also says Wednesday that community colleges are asking the state for an extra $285 per student in base operating aid.

He says 43 percent of community colleges' expenses are put on students.