SUNY Announces More Than $10 Million in New Funding to Capital Region Campuses

May 13, 2025

Increase in Annual Funding Statewide of $114 Million from FY2025-2026 Enacted Budget Thanks to Governor Hochul and the Legislature

Albany, NY — State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. and the SUNY Board of Trustees today announced the allocation of $114 million in increased operating aid across State-operated SUNY campuses from the FY 2025-2026 Enacted New York State budget. The funding marks a continued historic investment and commitment to public higher education under Governor Kathy Hochul's leadership with strong support from Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and the entire State Legislature. Every State-operated campus has received at least a 30% increase in operating aid over the last three years.

"This year's budget continues a historic investment in New York's public higher education system – one that will bring essential support to our students and faculty," said SUNY Chancellor King. "Thanks to the leadership of Governor Hochul and the State Legislature, SUNY is on the move, and all of New York will benefit. These resources ensure SUNY's continued affordability and invest in our academic and research excellence. There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and this funding strengthens our ability to promote student success and advance upward mobility."

The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "This budget represents a bold affirmation of SUNY's pivotal role in New York's future. With this investment, Governor Hochul and the State Legislature are reinforcing their commitment to academic excellence and expanding the promise of opportunity for every New Yorker. These new resources will fuel innovation, support cutting-edge research, and ensure SUNY remains a powerful engine of economic opportunity."

In the Capital Region, SUNY has allocated:

  • $7.070 million to University at Albany
  • $2.274 million to SUNY Empire State University
  • $888,000 to SUNY Cobleskill

The Board resolution includes:

  • $100 million to offset the costs of the State-approved collective bargaining agreement with SUNY's extraordinary faculty and staff and ensure appropriate resources for every State-operated campus
  • $10 million to support student and faculty research at our most research-intensive campuses
  • $3 million to continue to mitigate fees for graduate student workers

The funding marks a continued investment and commitment under Governor Hochul's leadership to advance the State of New York and its educational institutions. The FY 2025-26 Enacted State Budget brings total additional recurring investment in State-operated campuses over the last three years to $391 million, including:

  • $322.5 million in general operating support to invest in student success and recruit and retain faculty and staff
  • $24.0 million to support cutting-edge research
  • $14.5 million to expand internship opportunities for undergraduate students
  • $10 million to provide student mental health services
  • $10 million to expand services for students with disabilities
  • $9 million to mitigate fees for graduate student workers
  • $1 million to address food insecurity

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, "The Senate Majority, together with our partners in state government, sent a clear message with this budget that New York stands up for higher education and investing in our future. With this historic support for SUNY, we are helping ensure that colleges and universities throughout New York State are able to serve as beacons of learning and hope. The Senate Majority will continue to work with SUNY to ensure every New Yorker has access to a World Class education that prepares them for a great and prosperous future."

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, said, "The Assembly Majority's continued investment into New York's public education centers signifies a commitment to nurturing our state's next generation. SUNY institutions not only provide education to thousands of students annually, but also prioritizes much needed research that drive innovation and addresses societal issues that improve quality of life for all. Public higher education extends beyond individual opportunity; it contributes to economic growth and fosters familial stability."

State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Chair of the Higher Education Committee, said, "Every New Yorker, regardless of where they grow up or how wealthy their family is, deserves access to a high-quality and affordable education that prepares them for the future. That is my commitment. This State Budget makes a significant down payment on this commitment. I thank Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and my colleagues who supported this investment in public higher education."

State Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman, Chair of the Higher Education Committee, said, "As someone who has long championed access and equity in higher education, I'm proud to see continued investment in our SUNY system. This funding isn't just about dollars — it's about real opportunities for our students to stay on track, graduate on time, and pursue their dreams. Restoring and investing in programs like EOP, as well as making the ASAP and ACE programs permanent is a game-changer, especially for students who need that extra support. I thank Governor Hochul and my colleagues in the Legislature for recognizing that when we invest in SUNY, we invest in the future of New York."

State Senator Patricia Fahy said, "SUNY is the nation's largest public university system, lifting tens of thousands of students every year into the middle class. I'm proud that this year's budget invests in the vitality and quality of SUNY education, with a particular emphasis on the 46th District's universities. When we fund our public higher education system, we're ensuring that more New Yorkers can achieve their dream of securing a higher education and putting them in a position to succeed. As the former Chair of Higher Education in the Assembly, I'm thrilled to see these investments continue in capital funding, operating aid, and aid to our individual colleges and universities. I'm looking forward to working with my colleagues, the Chancellor, and more to ensure that a SUNY education continues to be world-class and ultimately; affordable."

State Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said, "As a proud advocate of SUNY and its mission, I am thrilled to have supported this continued investment in our Capital Region campuses in this year's budget. This funding reaffirms our commitment to making high-quality public higher education more accessible and responsive to the needs of today's students and tomorrow's workforce. This budget reflects we are investing in the future success of our students and the academic excellence of SUNY."

State Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara said, "As a proud SUNY Albany graduate and SUNY dad, I know firsthand the life-changing opportunities a SUNY education provides. This year's enacted budget continues our commitment to ensuring SUNY remains affordable, accessible, and innovative. The increased investment in Capital Region campuses strengthens the pathway to success for our students, supports faculty, and fuels the economic growth of our communities. I'm proud to support SUNY's mission and its future."

About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of optometry, 12 Educational Opportunity Centers, over 30 ATTAIN digital literacy labs, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.7 million students across its portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2025, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and annually one in three New Yorkers who earn a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.

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