The dates, rules and costs New York families ask about most, each from an official source with its year. Tap any number to see where it comes from.
Every number: official source, data year, checked Nov 13, 2026. Tap a number to see its source.
1 The 2026-27 state test season at a glance
Grades 3-8 English and math, and grades 5 and 8 science, happen between . Your school sends its exact days.
What this means for you:Grades 3-8 English and math, and grades 5 and 8 science, happen between . Your school sends its exact days.
2 What the 4 levels on your child's score report mean
NYSED says Level 2 is on track for today's graduation rules, and Level 3 is proficient for the grade. A score is one snapshot; ask the teacher what comes next.
What this means for you:NYSED says Level 2 is on track for today's graduation rules, and Level 3 is proficient for the grade. A score is one snapshot; ask the teacher what comes next.
3 New York's 4-year graduation rate
In 2021-22, % of New York students who started grade 9 graduated in four years, the same as the U.S. average.
What this means for you:In 2021-22, % of New York students who started grade 9 graduated in four years, the same as the U.S. average.
4 22 credits to a Regents diploma
Today's diploma needs credits plus Regents exams. NYSED's NY Inspires plan may change this; check the timeline below before you plan.
What this means for you:Today's diploma needs credits plus Regents exams. NYSED's NY Inspires plan may change this; check the timeline below before you plan.
5 What may change: NYSED's graduation timeline
NYSED says none of these changes are final until the Board of Regents approves the rules. Until then, plan with today's rules.
What this means for you:NYSED says none of these changes are final until the Board of Regents approves the rules. Until then, plan with today's rules.
6 Attendance: where 'chronically absent' starts
Missing % of school days, typically about days a year, counts as chronically absent in New York.
What this means for you:Missing % of school days, typically about days a year, counts as chronically absent in New York.
7 College prices: average yearly tuition and fees
These are list prices before aid (). Grants and scholarships can bring the price down a lot.
What this means for you:These are list prices before aid (). Grants and scholarships can bring the price down a lot.
8 The biggest Federal Pell Grant for 2026-27
A Pell Grant usually does not have to be paid back. The FAFSA is how a student applies.
What this means for you:A Pell Grant usually does not have to be paid back. The FAFSA is how a student applies.
9 FAFSA dates for college in 2027-28
The 2027-28 form opened . The federal and New York State deadline is , but early is better.
What this means for you:The 2027-28 form opened . The federal and New York State deadline is , but early is better.
10 NY 529: yearly state tax deduction
Saving in New York's 529 lets you deduct up to a year ( if married filing jointly) on your state taxes.
What this means for you:Saving in New York's 529 lets you deduct up to a year ( if married filing jointly) on your state taxes.
11 Languages spoken in New York State
Your family's language is part of New York. Ask your school for help in your language any time.
What this means for you:Your family's language is part of New York. Ask your school for help in your language any time.
12 Why it pays to finish: median weekly earnings
In 2025 the median for all workers 25 and older was a week. Each finished level raised the median.
What this means for you:In 2025 the median for all workers 25 and older was a week. Each finished level raised the median.
About these numbers
Only official published numbers: NYSED, NCES and the U.S. Department of Education, BLS, the Census Bureau, IRS, Federal Student Aid, the NYS Tax Department and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Each number shows its data year. Some federal tables are a few years old; we say so on the panel.
Statewide New York and national numbers only. No school or district is singled out.
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Found a number that changed? Tell us on the Corrections page.