Chancellor King Announces SUNY Campuses Ready to Launch Governor Hochul’s Free Community College Program for Fall 2025

May 16, 2025

Through ‘SUNY Reconnect' Community Colleges Across New York State Will Cover Tuition, Fees, Books, and Supplies for Adult New Yorkers Ages 25-55 Without a Prior Degree

Albany, NY – State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. today announced that SUNY campuses are ready to launch Governor Kathy Hochul's free community college program, which was approved in the FY25-26 enacted budget. Through SUNY Reconnect, starting in Fall 2025 community colleges across New York State will provide free tuition, fees, books, and supplies for adults ages 25-55 who don't already have a college degree and pursue an associate degree in a high-demand field.

This free community college opportunity, spearheaded by Governor Hochul and supported by the State Legislature, 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 this link: suny.edu/freeCC.

"I applaud Governor Hochul for fighting tirelessly to advance higher education and affordability, and I thank the State Legislature for supporting this proven model to help unleash New Yorkers' full potential," said SUNY Chancellor King. "The SUNY Reconnect program, launching for the Fall 2025 term, will help break barriers to a college degree and provide financial support and flexibility for adult students to enroll, and more importantly, to succeed through to graduation at one of our excellent community colleges."

SUNY Board Trustee Robert J. Duffy, Chair of the Community Colleges Committee, said, "SUNY's community colleges have long been a source of opportunity for New Yorkers. Our campuses provide an excellent education with robust support and an academic curriculum that prepares students for success in the workforce and continued education. The Governor's free community college program will mean so much for adult learners and our campuses are ready to serve them today."

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "A skilled and knowledgeable workforce is essential to New York State's economic future. Offering free community college to adult learners will provide a gateway to new career opportunities in high-demand fields, and feed critical workforce pipelines. I applaud the Governor for making historic investments into higher education to support these programs, and the New Yorkers who take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity."

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "New York's community colleges are vital to creating the skilled workforce that will support and sustain new economic development across the state. Thanks to Governor Hochul's commitment to affordable and accessible education, these important institutions will provide new opportunities for New Yorkers looking to pursue a career in one of the state's high-growth industries."

Dr. Kristine Young, president of SUNY Orange and of the New York Community College Association of Presidents (NYCCAP), said, "SUNY's community colleges are proud to join Governor Hochul and Chancellor King in opening doors for more adult learners across New York. Many of these students will be taking their first steps into college, and our campuses are ready to welcome them, guide them through the admissions process, and support their success in the classroom and beyond. Since our founding, community colleges have offered local, affordable pathways to quality higher education. SUNY Reconnect strengthens that mission while advancing the Governor's vision for a skilled workforce and greater economic mobility, all with little or no cost to the student."

Dr. Karen A. Stout, President and CEO, Achieving the Dream, said, "We applaud SUNY's commitment to creating more inclusive pathways to success and the impact it will have on individuals, families, and the communities they serve. SUNY will transform their community colleges into engines of economic mobility and community prosperity. This important effort stands to make a lasting difference by removing barriers, expanding opportunities, and helping more working-age adults achieve their academic and career aspirations."

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, "The State Legislature championed the SUNY Reconnect initiative to ensure that adult New Yorkers have a meaningful pathway to opportunity. As someone who pursued a college degree while working and raising a family, I understand the challenges—and the rewards—of returning to the classroom. By making community college truly accessible and covering tuition, fees, books, and supplies, we are opening doors for individuals who have long been excluded from higher education. This investment reflects our commitment to the idea that it is never too late to learn and succeed in New York State."

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes said, "The Governor's Free Community College Program will change the lives of students across the state who are seeking higher education degrees in high-demand fields. Let's face it; tuition, books, supplies and fees can be expensive. If those things are taken care of, all a student needs to worry about is excelling in the classroom. The financial burden has been lifted. I want to thank Governor Hochul, the legislature, SUNY and Chancellor King for coming together to provide this essential educational need."

State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Chair of the Higher Education Committee, said, "Everyone's educational journey is different. Sometimes the path has hurdles and challenges. This initiative will enable students between the ages of 25 to 55 to complete their journey. It also expands work force development in high demand fields. As a result, everyone benefits."

State Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman, Chair of the Higher Education Committee, said, "Governor Hochul's SUNY Reconnect free community college initiative, supported by the Legislature, is a necessary investment in New York's future. By removing financial barriers for adults ages 25 to 55 and funding tuition, books, and fees in high-demand fields, this program opens the door for thousands of working New Yorkers to return to school and earn a degree. The $47 million Opportunity Promise Scholarship and increased funding for SUNY and CUNY community colleges reflect our commitment to expanding opportunity and building a workforce that's ready for the future. In Southeast Queens, this means real pathways to success for families who have long deserved access to quality, affordable education."

State Senator Joseph A. Griffo said, "New York's community colleges are a critical part of the SUNY system and our state. Each campus provides students with access to a high-quality education, personal and professional enrichment, and important workforce development opportunities that will help them to flourish in their careers and lives."

State Assemblymember Robert Smullen said, "The New York Opportunity Promise Scholarship program will help expand educational opportunities to New Yorkers between the ages of 25 and 55 throughout our state. It is so important for our higher education system to encourage and help students to pursue careers in high-demand, essential fields—this program will ensure thousands of people have access to the resources and support services necessary to do so. I am excited to see it continue to expand in the future."

State Senator Anthony H. Palumbo said, "I applaud Governor Hochul's efforts to provide New Yorkers with expanded and more affordable access to a college degree and/or critical workforce training. Suffolk County Community College, and our 2-year institutes across the State are invaluable partners in equipping non-traditional students with the tools, resources, and skills they need to thrive in today's complex economy. This program is an investment in our Community Colleges and the countless students who will benefit from this forward-thinking initiative."

State Senator Jake Ashby said, "Workforce development, affordability, economic competitiveness—SUNY Reconnect is a program that hits on so many important bipartisan priorities. I was glad to support it in this year's budget, and I'm looking forward to reading all of the new chapters written by New Yorkers who take advantage of this program, change their lives, and uplift their families and communities."

State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, "Higher education promotes economic mobility and puts more members of our community in a position to enter high-demand fields. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Hochul and Chancellor King, SUNY Reconnect will make access to our renowned community colleges more attainable than ever and break down barriers for those looking to return to school."

State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, "Community college is a bridge to family-sustaining careers, and making it free for adult learners entering high-demand fields will be a lifeline for many—and a near-immediate boost to our rural and upstate job market. I'm incredibly proud to represent both Dutchess Community College and Columbia-Greene, and to have helped champion this new investment, which will open doors for more people to build a better, secure future for themselves and their families."

State Senator Rachel May said, "For many, higher education is out of reach because of cost. That's why I am especially proud that the Senate Majority worked hard to ensure our community colleges will now offer free tuition for several high-demand professions. This initiative guarantees that all New Yorkers who wish to improve their lives, regardless of their financial situation, will have the opportunity to do so. Thank you to Governor Hochul and my Senate colleagues for supporting New Yorkers pursuing education, and to Chancellor John B. King Jr. for successfully implementing this program within the SUNY system."

State Senator Rob Rolison said, "Opening the door to community college for adults who've long put their education on hold is an investment in people, families, and futures. By removing financial barriers, this initiative gives more New Yorkers the chance to earn a degree in a high-demand field, build a meaningful career, and reach their full potential."

State Senator Chris Ryan said, "This is a game-changer for working New Yorkers who've put college on hold to raise families or keep up with work demands. Thanks to Governor Hochul's leadership and the Legislature's commitment, SUNY Reconnect will eliminate cost as a barrier and create real pathways to degrees in fields that are critical to our state's future. Here in Central New York these investments will help ensure we have the skilled workforce to meet rising demand in a growing economy. SUNY Reconnect is not just an investment in individuals. It's an investment in New York's economy, workforce, and long-term prosperity."

State Senator Lea Webb said, "As an alum and supporter of SUNY Broome, I am pleased that we were able to pass this initiative in the budget. To provide free community college for adults ages 25 to 55 is a critical step toward equity and economic mobility. Access to higher education should never be out of reach because of age or financial barriers. By covering tuition, fees, books, and supplies, we're not just supporting individual learners—we're investing in families, in our workforce, and in the long-term health of our communities."

State Assemblymember Didi Barrett, Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee said, "The launch of the SUNY Reconnect program marks an important opportunity to support both our local workforce needs - from healthcare to green infrastructure - and our adult students who are ready to take the next step in their education and careers. More New Yorkers will now have a funded pathway to professional development right in their own communities - at Dutchess Community College and Columbia-Greene Community College in my district. I am pleased to support this crucial initiative and thank Governor Hochul, Chancellor King, and my legislative colleagues for their commitment to expanding access to higher education."

State Assemblymember Billy Jones said, "The SUNY Reconnect program will be instrumental in training people to work in high demand fields such as nursing and manufacturing, which is much needed in the North Country considering our bustling manufacturing industry and struggle to hire nurses. This funding will also support our local community colleges and provide more educational opportunities for North Country residents, which will also help our regional economy."

State Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said, "Access to affordable education is critical to building stronger communities and a better economy. The SUNY Reconnect initiative is a great investment in our adult learners who are ready to take the next step in their personal and professional lives. I am proud to support this program and thank Chancellor King and our SUNY campuses for their leadership in ensuring that every eligible New Yorker has the tools and support they need to succeed."

State Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter said, "Governor Hochul's Free Community College initiative is a transformative step toward making higher education more accessible and equitable for working-age adults across New York. By eliminating the financial burden of tuition, fees, books, and supplies, this program empowers individuals to pursue in-demand careers and create better futures for themselves and their families. Here in the 128^th Assembly District, institutions like Onondaga Community College are well-positioned to lead the way in delivering these opportunities and helping more residents thrive in a rapidly changing economy."

State Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson said, "Expanding opportunity has always been a priority of mine. The New York Opportunity Scholarship program, which was included in this year's budget, enables those who wish to expand their options to go back to community college to explore and learn new skills without cost. The economy continues to evolve, and workers will need to retrain over their lifetimes to avail themselves of the changing work environment. This new program, which I was proud to vote for, goes a long way towards this goal."

State Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles said, "The launch of the free community college initiative this fall 2025 marks a transformational moment for adult learners across our region. For adults ages 25 to 55 who haven't had the chance to earn a college degree, this is an open door to job opportunities denied to them for no other reason than higher education was not economically accessible. For some this is an opportunity to change careers after years of knocking against a job ceiling that is immovable. This program not only creates a pathway to an associate's degree tuition-free, it also helps NY-based businesses launch and stay in our state. I'm proud that institutions like Tompkins Cortland Community College are 100 percent behind this effort, ready to welcome students and prepare them for high-wage, high-demand careers that meet the economic and workforce needs of our communities."

State Assemblymember Scott Gray said, "I am optimistic this will be a game changing program that will empower adults to gain new skills, advance their careers, and contribute to New York State's economic growth."

State Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha said, "Community colleges are a lifeline to so many New Yorkers whose talent and capacity for knowledge are undermined by having to grapple with gross economic inequalities. The government must play a positive role in creating paths for people to prosper, and I'm thrilled we were able to make an investment in free community college education in this year's budget."

State Assemblymember Brian Manktelow said, "Community Colleges play such an important role in our society. Beyond the educational aspect, they provide hundreds of jobs to local residents, and as we've seen with Finger Lakes Community College, they bring people from across the State, Nation and even from around the world to our region. This initiative is going to make a real difference in people's lives. No longer will money be a factor in the decision to continue your education."

State Assemblymember Demond Meeks said, "With the rising cost of education putting college out of reach for too many New Yorkers, the SUNY Reconnect program offers a real solution. By providing free tuition, fees, books, and supplies for adults, the program helps eliminate the financial barriers that have long stood in the way of opportunity. It gives working people the chance to return to school, gain skills in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, AI, and cybersecurity, and secure a brighter future for themselves and their families. An educated workforce not only changes individual lives—it strengthens our job market, attracts new industries, and helps build a more competitive, resilient economy for all of New York."

State Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, "As a proud supporter of public education, I fought hard during this year's budget negotiations to ensure we expanded academic access to opportunity for every New Yorker. The inclusion of funding for free community college through SUNY Reconnect reflects the State Legislature's commitment to empowering adults across the state with the tools they need to succeed in today's economy. This initiative is more than just a line in the budget — it's a lifeline for working families, career changers, and all those seeking a better future. I'm thrilled to see this transformative program launching across our SUNY campuses."

State Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky said, "For 70 years, New York State's community colleges have provided people of all ages and backgrounds with a critical pathway to employment. As an advocate for public higher education, I could not be more enthusiastic about SUNY Reconnect. This program will be a game-changer for our residents, covering tuition and other costs for those seeking an education in a high-demand field. In my district, which includes SUNY Westchester Community College, it will support local employment by training more residents for jobs in health care, technology, and other expanding sectors. I thank Governor Hochul for her partnership in prioritizing our community colleges in this year's and in previous State budgets."

State Assemblymember Tommy John Schiavoni said, "As a past educator, it is humbling to see New York prioritizing and investing in educational opportunities for its residents. Not only will the Governor's Free Community College Initiative provide access to those who may not have otherwise been able to afford higher education, but it will also provide opportunities for families to become more financially stable and build a stronger New York workforce."

State Assemblymember Paula Elaine Kay said, "Community colleges offer an excellent and affordable path for students seeking to further their education. I'm proud that my district is home to two outstanding institutions, SUNY Sullivan and SUNY Orange, which have become pillars of Sullivan and Orange Counties under the leadership of Dr. David Potash and Dr. Kristine Young, respectively. These schools play a vital role in our local economy by offering a wide range of programs and degrees, including nursing programs that train much of the workforce staffing our community hospitals. The Free Community College program launching in Fall 2025 aligns with my ongoing commitment to making higher education more accessible and building strong pipelines to a well-trained, educated workforce. I want to thank Governor Hochul and Chancellor King for recognizing the essential role of our community colleges, and I am confident this initiative will have a profound and lasting impact on District 100."

State Assemblymember Ed Ra said, "It's great to see a focus on career-driven programs in industries where we desperately need a skilled workforce. Many working adults on Long Island and across New York have seen opportunities shrink in recent years due to the affordability crisis in our state. Expanding opportunity is exactly what our communities need right now. I've continuously supported efforts to increase access to higher education and workforce training, and I'm proud to see programs like SUNY Reconnect moving forward to meet the needs of both students and our economy. With the largest single-campus community college within the SUNY system in my district, Nassau Community College is well-positioned to help connect more adults to in-demand careers."

State Assemblymember John Lemondes said, "I believe in taking opportunities and always trying to improve ourselves, and that is exactly what the SUNY Reconnect program is providing. Starting this Fall, community colleges across the state will be tuition-free for those that are age 25-55 who don't already have a college degree and are pursuing an associate degree in a high-demand field. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts this will have not just on those taking advantage of the program, but their families and surrounding communities!"

For the four million working-age adults in New York who do not already have a college degree or credential, the SUNY Reconnect free community college program for adult students provides a valuable education at SUNY 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 Reconnect program 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 addition to SUNY Reconnect, the FY25-26 Enacted State Budget provides $8 million in increased operating aid to community colleges – the first back-to-back operating aid increases in decades for these institutions – and maintains the 100% community college funding floor, which protects community colleges from $75 million lost direct state tax support.

The budget also provides significant funding toward New York's longstanding Educational Opportunity Program, which has served more than 85,000 students, and increased support for ASAP|ACE, which will make these proven retention and completion programs permanent at SUNY and allow for a significant expansion. Governor Hochul also recently announced $1.1 million in grant funding for the SUNY Adult Learner Leadership Initiative to help community colleges increase access and ensure degree completion for adult learners.

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, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.4 million students amongst its entire 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 $1.16 billion in fiscal year 2024, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.

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Chancellor King Announces SUNY Campuses Ready to Launch Governor Hochul’s Free Community College Program for Fall 2025

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