SUNY has successfully launched the replication of two comprehensive degree completion programs modeled on evidence-based practices across a growing number of SUNY campuses. A total of 25 SUNY campuses elected to join the pilot launch of SUNY ASAP|ACE with support from the historic New York State funded SUNY Transformation Fund
Inaugural cohorts of 150 students per college were admitted across Spring and Fall 2024. All partner campuses participated in a structured planning and technical assistance process led by the CUNY ASAP|ACE national replication team in collaboration with the SUNY Office of Student Success to replicate these proven program models with fidelity.
Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) and its baccalaureate version, Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) remove financial barriers to full-time study, provide structured pathways to help students gain and maintain academic momentum, and create connected communities through integrated supports and engagement activities—all in service of dramatically increasing timely completion rates for participating students.
Eligible students have access to a wide array of resources and support to help them overcome barriers that can prevent them from obtaining a degree. This includes funding to cover textbooks, groceries, transportation, and other costs of attendance, as well as comprehensive personalized advisement, academic support, and career development activities.
In June 2025, Governor Hochul announced the expansion of SUNY ASAP|ACE to more than 7,000 students at 34 SUNY campuses in Fall 2025. Nine SUNY campuses joined ASAP|ACE in Fall 2025, and 14 currently participating campuses added spots to serve more students. This expansion was made possible through $12 million in allocated funding from the FY26 State Budget that placed SUNY ASAP|ACE on the path to reach 10,000 students by Fall 2026.
In Fall 2026, the FY27 New York State Budget included additional funding to allow SUNY ASAP|ACE to serve 10,000 students across 44 campuses.
The ASAP|ACE model operates as a consortium, with shared responsibilities between the SUNY Office of Student Success (OSS) and our partner colleges, with a clear division of labor to support consistency and fidelity to the model. OSS provides the shared structure (program expectations, data and evaluation, and standardized resources), while campuses lead direct work with students through advising, recruitment, and day-to-day program operations. This consortia model is a partnership that allows the program to scale while maintaining fidelity to the practices that make it effective.
Learn more about ASAP|ACE at SUNY:
SUNY ASAP|ACE is modeled on the highly successful City University of New York (CUNY) Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) and its related baccalaureate program Accelerate, Complete and Engage (ACE), which have been found through rigorous evaluation to dramatically increase completion rates, narrow opportunity gaps, and realize cost efficiencies and benefits. Since their inception in 2007, ASAP|ACE have collectively served more than 100,000 students and have been replicated in seven states.