This increase will be a great economic impact for most CUNY students and will force many to withdraw from college. More than half of CUNY students live in households with incomes of less than $30,000 a year. Taking into consideration New York City high cost of living, is it possible for a student to afford such a high tuition? Many CUNY students hold a full time job while also going to school full time. Their finances are extremely tight and even $300 would represent a heavy burden for them. Some CUNY students live in shelters and qualify for food stamps. How can a person living under these conditions afford to pay such a high tuition?

This is a very important moment in the history of Public Education in New York City. CUNY was established with the mission of making higher education accessible for all. At this moment that accessibility is in jeopardy for many students.