Free tuition doesn't mean free college, students point out

New York public college students who would stand to gain from the nation's most ambitious free-tuition proposal are quick to point out a sobering reality from their own meager finances:

Take Brooklyn College senior Florencia Salinas, who despite having her tuition nearly covered in full through scholarships and grants, still expects to graduate with a daunting $50,000 in debt.

Students interviewed by The Associated Press said that any tuition help is welcome, but they could also use help paying for the many other costs of a college education.

Democratic Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo has proposed making two years of community college or the final two years of a four-year degree free at a public college in that state.

Sanders' plan would have eliminated tuition at public universities and colleges, while Cuomo's "last-dollar" approach pays the tuition after awards from the state and federal sources of aid are applied.

The New York program also comes with a push to get students to tap into existing state and federal financial aid programs that could lower their costs even more.