Lawmakers in Albany were close to approving a measure Wednesday that would provide free tuition at state colleges for eligible students.

Under the proposal, a qualifying student would receive an award of up to $5,500, and then the state college would waive the remaining tuition cost to the student.

College students who have been accepted to a state or city university in New York would be eligible, provided they or their family earn $125,000 or less a year.

Proponents of the measure say the new income eligibility level allows families who previously made too much money to be eligible for the tuition funds.

If a student participates in the program, the school is not allowed to raise tuition for that student as long as they remain eligible. Voting on the measure is expected to be completed Thursday.