Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has proposed a new tuition plan, known as the Excelsior Scholarship, for students at public schools to ensure a college education for children of lower and middle class families earning an income between $55,000 and $125,000 per year by 2019. The Excelsior Scholarship will require an enrollment for at least 15 credits, but no minimum GPA, and New York residency for at least one year.

The scholarship will discount tuition, including room and board, books, fees and more to approximately amount $14,000. Cuomo hopes to encourage those who were unable to attend college in the past due to financial hardship to receive at least a bachelor degree. “A college education is not a luxury — it is an absolute necessity,” Cuomo said (Lobosco).

Advocates of Bernie Sanders support the plan because of its similarity to his campaign promise. However, some critics believe it will cause a tremendous rise in taxes for New Yorkers that is not worth the odds. “I think it could help a lot of people, but it is going to badly affect even more,” said senior Sukhmani Singh.

The plan still needs to be approved by the state legislature by April 1, 2017. So far only the State University of New York System and the City University of New York are participating schools in the plan. “If I could go to college for a lower price, it would make college and the search for good scholarships a lot less stressful,” said junior Jessica Krushinsky. “I want to have fun my senior year, not worry about the burden [that] paying for college might be for my family.”

Cuomo’s Excelsior Scholarship potentially marks a revolutionary shift in the American education system. With more people receiving bachelor degrees, the U.S. economy could benefit with more people qualifying for better paying jobs.