This probably works in NY as it's a good place to start a career after college. Try doing this in West Virginia, Alabama or North Dakota. If you took that program after graduating you'd probably find yourself working for low wages and being underemployed.
College tuition is free, you're required to live and work in NY State for the same number of years that you accepted the state funding for after graduation. If you don't do that, the scholarship/grant becomes a loan.