Admissions & Aid

Here for a business education anyone can afford

At Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship, expect high standards, not high debt. Tuition is always $8,900 per year, including books, laptop, and all technology.

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Hello!

Golisano Institute’s admissions team is here to answer any questions you might have to see if we’re the right next step. If you decide to apply, we can help you along in the process—don’t hesitate to reach out to admissions@golisanoinstitute.org or schedule a visit to campus center.

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How to apply

Walk through Golisano Institute’s easy application process with Maren Welch, director of admissions and financial assistance.

Step 1:

Create an account.

Click the button in the next section to create an account. The application portal allows you to save your progress so you can log back in at any time and pick up where you left off.

Step 2:

Upload transcripts and add work experience.

Submit your high-school transcript or an equivalent showing high-school completion. You may also detail any experiences in the workforce you’ve had over the last five years.

Step 3:

Attend interview and take ACT WorkKeys Math Assessment.

Once your application is submitted, sign up in the portal for an interview and ACT WorkKeys Math Assessment. These are ways we will evaluate your motivations, attitudes towards personal growth, academic competency, and fit within our culture of collegiality and respect.

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Step 4:

You receive a response.

Once the above steps are successfully completed, the admissions committee will review your application. You will receive an admissions decision in the application portal within 10 business days.

Application timeline

Ready to take the first step toward launching your business career? Our rolling admissions process is designed to align with your planning needs.

Spring 2026 cohort

Applications accepted until:

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Classes start:

Monday, March 9, 2026

Fall 2026 cohort

Applications accepted until:

Friday, August 28, 2026

Classes start:

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Get started today.

Create your account and begin your application.

Start your application

Tuition and financial assistance

Tom Golisano, our founder, personally invests in every student at Golisano Institute to empower them to take on the world of business, not a world of debt.

Tuition + Books + Technology

$8,900 Per year

Needs-based financial assistance

We do not require a FAFSA at Golisano Institute. Instead, we offer needs-based financial assistance to students who qualify for free or reduced school lunch in New York State. To prove your eligibility, a copy of a U.S. federal tax return is required. The second grid below details which filing year should be submitted according to when you intend to begin your studies.

Annual net costs for eligible applicants:

Free Lunch Eligibility

Grant Amount

$6,900/year

Net Costs

$2,000/year

Reduced Lunch Eligibility

Grant Amount

$4,900/year

Net Costs

$4,000/year

No Eligibility

Grant Amount

$0/year

Net Costs

$8,900/year

Tax-return year required by start date:

Tax Filing Year

February 2026 Start

2024

Tax Filing Year

September 2026 Start

2024

Tax Filing Year

February 2027 Start

2025

Joint degree programs

For graduates who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree, the Institute has joint-degree partnerships with four colleges/universities, offering high-quality education and significant cost reduction.

Learn more

Employer-partner tuition benefits

Tuition benefits are available for employees and employee spouses/dependents of Golisano Institute partner employers.

Learn more

Frequently asked questions

Is the institute only for students coming immediately out of high school?

No. Golisano Institute is for learners at any stage of life. Some students may be recent high-school graduates, while many others come to the institute following different pathways.

Tuition is $8,900 per year, which is affordable compared to the cost of most four-year bachelor’s degrees and a graduate business degree. This affordability helps students avoid taking on debt.

The application and admissions process includes an online application as well as a formal interview with applicants who are selected.

Learn more

Applicants will be evaluated on their initiative; commitment to completing a real-world, hands-on education; self-awareness; focus on their professional and earnings potential; and ability to thrive in a tight-knit community of diverse learners. Applicants are required to submit a copy of a high-school transcript or high-school equivalency completion. They must also detail any experiences in the workforce over the last five years. We do not require standardized test scores. Instead, we focus on education (including a high-school transcript) and work experience, an introductory statement, as well as a formal interview and an ACT WorkKeys Math Assessment.

The interview is conducted to ensure that you are ready for the institute’s professional work environment, that you have a set of goals in mind before starting, and also answer any questions you might have. The interview is focused primarily on who you are and your motivation for attending.

Yes. Tuition assistance and merit-based scholarships are available for eligible students. We offer financial assistance to anyone who cannot cover the $8,900 per year tuition. You can apply for tuition assistance on your application.

Once you have completed all admissions requirements, you can expect to receive an admissions decision within 10 business days.

Learn more

Unfortunately, we are currently unable to support applications from international students.

Apply Now.

Enrollment for Spring 2026 at Golisano Institute is now open for those ready to take the next step.

Get started

Connect with admissions.

Interested in learning more but have questions? Get in touch with our admissions team—they’re happy to help.

Get in touch