Starting this fall, eligible adult students across New York will be able to attend community college for free through a new state initiative announced on Tuesday by Governor Kathy Hochul.
The SUNY and CUNY Reconnect program will cover the full cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies for students ages 25 to 55 pursuing associate degrees in high-demand fields at community colleges within the State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) systems.
“The cost of pursuing a degree should never be a barrier for New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said in a statement. “The Reconnect program will help open doors for adults ready to pursue new opportunities and join our future workforce.”
The initiative, first proposed during Hochul’s 2025 State of the State address, targets the more than four million working-age adults in New York who don’t currently hold a college degree or credential.
To be eligible, students must enroll in programs tied to growing industries, including:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Artificial intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Engineering and technology
- Nursing and allied health
- Green and renewable energy
- Education pathways in teacher-shortage areas
In addition to covering costs not met by financial aid, the state will also fund academic advising and student success coaching to help participants stay on track. SUNY and CUNY will also receive support to market the program and conduct outreach to potential students.
State officials say the initiative is part of a broader effort to prepare New Yorkers for jobs in emerging industries, such as renewable energy and semiconductors, that are expected to drive future economic growth across the state.
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