On July 1, Governor Kathy Hochul launched New York’s free community college program for SUNY and CUNY students to lower costs for New Yorkers and make education more affordable. Starting this fall through SUNY and CUNY Reconnect, New York State will cover tuition, fees, books, and supplies for community college students ages 25 to 55 pursuing select associate degrees in high-demand occupations.
“The cost of pursuing a degree should never be a barrier for New Yorkers – that’s why we’re opening the doors of opportunity at SUNY and CUNY so that students can achieve their dreams,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m fighting to make education more affordable and accessible, and the Reconnect program will continue to pave the way forward for students as they enter our State’s future workforce.”
For the four million working-age adults in New York who do not already have a college degree or credential, the free community college program for adult students provides a valuable education at SUNY and CUNY campuses, with tuition, fees, books, and supplies all covered after applicable financial aid. In addition, eligible students will have access to advising and support.
New York State has stepped up as a national leader in many emerging industries such as semiconductor and advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and AI. As a result of these investments, many of the new jobs available in New York will require workers with a degree or credential to fill these specialized positions. The SUNY and CUNY Reconnect programs will help connect eligible New Yorkers to these job opportunities.
In order to be eligible for the program, students will enroll in high-demand fields including:
•Advanced manufacturing
•Artificial Intelligence
•Cybersecurity
•Engineering
•Technology
•Nursing and allied health fields
•Green and renewable energy
•Pathways to teaching in shortage areas
In order to ensure that students have the tools they need to succeed, the program includes funding for SUNY and CUNY to support retention through wrap-around supports such as academic advising and student success coaching. In addition, it also includes funding to support marketing for effective outreach for the program.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “The Governor’s free community college initiative will help empower eligible New Yorkers to achieve their full potential and move our state economy forward. By implementing SUNY Reconnect, campuses throughout New York have already seen promising interest and enthusiasm from adult learner students ready to seize this opportunity. We appreciate the strong support from Governor Hochul and the State Legislature to ensure New Yorkers receive the world-class education and job training opportunities they deserve, on the path to upward mobility and career advancement.”
This program will significantly expand the reach and impact of CUNY Reconnect, which launched in 2022. As of fall 2024, CUNY Reconnect has supported over 40,000 New Yorkers in their efforts to return to college. Drawing from the proven strategies of outreach, re-enrollment and support services that made Reconnect successful, the governor’s program expands this work by providing tuition-free pathways specifically aligned with labor market needs.
SUNY Reconnect, launching in fall 2025, will help empower New Yorkers and serve as a powerful engine of upward mobility for hard-working adults. Through SUNY Reconnect, community colleges will hold information sessions this summer to assist all who are interested in eligible degree programs. Information can also be found at https://www.suny.edu/communitycollege/free-cc/.
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