After New York's Free College Tuition, The Bill Is Still Almost $20,000

A state-funded scholarship for middle class students was supposed to help with college costs and reduce the "brain drain" of young adults leaving for other states. But after six years, less than 10 percent of SUNY students are taking advantage of the Excelsior Scholarship. They must still pay thousands of dollars in other costs if they accept the award, as well as promising to live in the state for years after graduating – all in exchange for an average of $4,200 a year.