Applications for State University of New York schools for next fall have more than doubled over this time last year.

SUNY says it has seen a more than 110% year-over-year increase as of Nov. 25 – from 97,257 to 204,437.

Suny attributes the increase largely due to its first-ever two-week fee waiver period last month that saved applicants up to $250.

Out-of-state applications also rose by 80% under a new policy that reduces tuition for applicants from eight states - matching tuition and fees to in-state tuition.

The out-of-state tuition match option makes applicants in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Illinois and California eligible to receive in-state tuition and fees at a SUNY school.

Interim SUNY Chancellor Deborah F. Stanley said, “SUNY’s fee waiver has been an incredible success and we are encouraged by the increase in potential students taking this step to pursue a college education. Campuses will now be working to ensure that students choose a SUNY school for their academic pursuits, providing them with guidance and financial aid assistance, when necessary. New York State has significantly invested in higher education as a driving force for its economy, and we want to make sure all New Yorkers can avail themselves of a high-quality, affordable education across our state.”