Chancellor King Highlights Expansion of Military Tuition Rate Across SUNY System
September 4, 2026
SUNY’s Military Tuition Rate Program Ensures SUNY's Academic Excellence is Fully Affordable for Active-Duty Service Members, Members of the National Guard, and Members of the Reserves
All 64 SUNY Campuses Now Offer Eligible Undergraduate Tuition at or Below the Federal Military Tuition Assistance Cap
Albany, NY — State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. today announced the expansion of SUNY’s Military Tuition Rate program to all 64 SUNY campuses. The program, which began at select SUNY campuses in the Spring 2026 semester, was expanded Systemwide at the start of the Fall 2026 semester to ensure eligible active-duty service members, members of the National Guard, and members of the Reserves can access undergraduate tuition at or below the federal Military Tuition Assistance cap of $250 per credit.
"SUNY’s Military Tuition Rate program has removed barriers for our servicemembers and ensured that cost does not prevent them from pursuing the education of their dreams," said SUNY Chancellor King. "With the expansion of this program, even more military-connected students will build their future at SUNY and be able to access an affordable, excellent education at any SUNY campus they choose. We are proud to support our military students at every stage of their academic journey."
The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "SUNY’s military-connected students strengthen our campuses through their diverse experiences, and through the expansion of the Military Tuition Rate Program, they will be further empowered to pursue a high-quality education at SUNY. We are grateful to our servicemembers and veterans for the sacrifices they have made to protect and serve our state and nation."
Federal Military Tuition Assistance is currently capped at $250 per credit, which historically could leave service members responsible for the difference between their federal benefit and the tuition charged by a public college or university. SUNY created the Military Tuition Rate to align eligible undergraduate tuition with that federal benefit, helping service members make full use of the education assistance through their service and removing a potential financial barrier to enrollment.
New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Dr. Viviana M. DeCohen said, "Under Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership, New York continues to stand with All Who Serve, and the expansion of SUNY’s Military Tuition Rate program across all 64 campuses is another significant step forward in turning that commitment into opportunity. Governor Hochul, Chancellor King, and SUNY are removing a financial barrier for Service Members and helping ensure that military service keeps opening doors to education, advancement, and a stronger future. The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services is proud of our close partnership with SUNY, and we will continue working together to expand access, strengthen pathways to success and Serve All Who Served."
The program began in the Spring 2026 semester at select SUNY campuses – including State University of New York at Albany, Alfred State College, SUNY Brockport, State University of New York at Buffalo, SUNY Canton, Clinton Community College, Columbia-Greene Community College, Dutchess Community College, SUNY Empire State University, SUNY Erie, SUNY Farmingdale State College, SUNY Geneseo, Monroe Community College, Nassau Community College, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Old Westbury, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Orange, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Plattsburgh, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Suffolk County Community College, Tompkins Cortland Community College, and SUNY Ulster.
The SUNY Military Tuition Rate initiative ensures that those currently serving can access high-quality, affordable SUNY undergraduate degree and undergraduate academic certificates in person or online without additional costs or barriers. The program addresses a long-standing challenge faced by active service members whose federal tuition assistance often falls short of full tuition at public universities.
As of Fall 2025, nearly 8,500 military-affiliated students are currently pursuing degrees across SUNY, and the System offers a growing set of programs designed to make it easier for service members, veterans, and their families to access and complete a college education.
New York National Guard Education Division, Education and Incentives Branch Chief LTC Phyonne Reynolds, New York Army National Guard, and Education Services Specialist Ms. Kelly Houghtaling, National Guard Bureau, said, "We are thrilled to see this expansion provide our service members with an affordable pathway to achieve their educational goals. By aligning tuition costs with the federal government’s rate, this initiative will make a meaningful difference for Soldiers across New York State pursuing their education at SUNY."
State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Senate Higher Education Committee Chair, said, "Cost should never be the reason a New Yorker stops short of a degree. Service members have a federal tuition benefit that does not cover the full cost of a SUNY course. Now it does, at all SUNY 64 campuses. Nearly 8,500 students serving our country are studying across SUNY campuses today, and this will inspire more to obtain a higher education. I thank Chancellor King and SUNY for their leadership, and our service members for their diligence and commitment."
State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, and Homeland Security Committee Chair, said, "As the graduate of a public university in New York City, I know how a low-cost, high-quality education can make a difference in people's lives. The SUNY Military Tuition Rate Program will support thousands of service members in moving forward in their educational journeys. In my role as Chair of the Veterans, Military Affairs, and Homeland Security Committee in the Senate, I have always advocated for those who have served our nation and their families. I am proud that New York State is working to fill the gaps in educational opportunities for service members, taking the steps to be the best state for them to call home."
State Assemblymember Alicia L. Hyndman, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Higher Education, said, "As they serve our country honorably, our military personnel deserve affordable higher education. The Military Tuition Rate Program enables those who serve in the Armed Forces the opportunity to serve in other capacities by enrolling in SUNY's various programs across all 64 of its institutions. Our service members should no longer face financial barriers to their college education. I want to thank SUNY Chancellor John B. King for expanding the program to active-duty, National Guard and Reservist members in the military."
State Assemblymember Steve Stern, Chair of the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said, "As the Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee of the New York State Assembly, I applaud Chancellor King and the State University of New York (SUNY) for the expansion of this innovative initiative to make tuition more affordable for active-duty personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserves to all 64 SUNY campuses. The SUNY Military Tuition Rate Program will expand affordable education opportunities across the great state of New York to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our great nation. This program helps active-duty personnel by providing additional financial aid, in tandem with federal tuition programs to close any gaps and allow those currently serving to complete their education in-person or online."
SUNY is committed to supporting veterans and military-connected students on their path to a college education. SUNY's dedicated one-stop shop website, www.suny.edu/military, includes information on available credit for military service and experience; tuition assistance, such as the Veterans Tuition Awards program approved by Governor Hochul; specialized scholarships, and dedicated campus services like veteran lounges and associations for all 64 SUNY campuses. The website also connects veterans with services offered by the counties where each campus is located, helping them stay close to home and community, and is regularly updated as new information becomes available.
To further support veterans and military-connected students, SUNY launched the Veterans Enrollment and Support Internship Program, appointed SUNY's first-ever Assistant Director of Enrollment for Military and Veteran Recruitment, expanded prior learning assessment to help both adult learners and current and former military members to advance their careers, and partnered with the Defense Health Agency’s Medical Education and Training Campus to create degree pathways that recognize military medical training for academic credit. SUNY also provides free college application waivers for military-connected students year-round, to up to seven campuses.
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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