Times Union ALBANY — State University of New York applicants from low-income backgrounds can automatically have their college application fees waived, SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras announced Monday. Beginning March 1, students who financially qualify for free or reduced-price lunch programs, whose household income does not exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, or are from foster families can apply to up to seven SUNY campuses for free — a savings of up to $350 in application fees per student. The application fee per school is $50. Currently, a student may seek a waiver if a school guidance counselor signs off on it or if the student submits a separate waiver with family financial information. This has barred many eligible students from participating in the program, Malatras announced at a press conference at Thomas R. Proctor High School in Utica.