Governor Kathy Hochul announces a major statewide expansion of SUNY Reconnect and CUNY Reconnect programs

Albany, New York – New York State is making a major push to widen access to higher education for adults who want to return to school, change careers, or finally complete a degree they once put on hold. Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a significant expansion of the SUNY Reconnect and CUNY Reconnect programs as part of the 2026–27 Enacted Budget, extending free college opportunities to more adult learners and adding new high-demand fields to the initiative.

The programs are designed to support New Yorkers between the ages of 25 and 55 who do not already hold a college degree. Through SUNY Reconnect and CUNY Reconnect, eligible students can receive full coverage for tuition, fees, books, and supplies while pursuing an associate degree in fields tied closely to workforce needs. State leaders say the goal is simple but ambitious: reduce financial barriers and connect education directly to job opportunities that are currently in high demand across the state.

Governor Hochul framed the expansion as a matter of fairness and opportunity, emphasizing that cost should not stand in the way of education.

“The cost of a college degree should never be a barrier for New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “Through the expansion of SUNY Reconnect and CUNY Reconnect, education will be made affordable and accessible for more of our adult learners. Everyone should have a chance to achieve their personal and professional dreams. Now, students — no matter their age — can do just that and lend us a helping hand in high-demand industries, which will help power New York State’s economy.”

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The updated budget expands the list of eligible degree programs to include several fields that are closely linked to the state’s economic and infrastructure priorities. New additions include supply chain and logistics, air traffic control and aviation management, and emergency management. These areas are expected to play a growing role in both public safety and economic development over the coming years.

Another key update focuses on healthcare. The budget makes it easier for adults who already hold a degree in a different field to return to school and pursue nursing. State officials say this adjustment is intended to strengthen New York’s healthcare workforce and supports Governor Hochul’s broader goal of increasing the state’s healthcare workforce by 20 percent.

Expansion is not limited to academic programs alone. The budget also opens SUNY Reconnect to associate degree programs at several bachelor’s-granting SUNY institutions. These include Alfred State, SUNY Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, SUNY Canton, SUNY Delhi, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF), SUNY Farmingdale State College, SUNY Maritime College, and SUNY Morrisville. On the CUNY side, expanded access will include New York City College of Technology, Medgar Evers College, and the College of Staten Island.

State education leaders say these changes will allow more flexibility for adult learners who may need different campus environments, program structures, or geographic options while balancing work and family responsibilities.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. highlighted the impact the program has already had on adult learners across the state.

“SUNY Reconnect initiative has made it possible for adult learners throughout the state to embark on a path to upward mobility and pursue the careers of their dreams. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued investment and commitment to affordable public higher education, and the SUNY Board of Trustees for their leadership, so more New Yorkers can access a high-quality, life-changing education through SUNY.”

The SUNY Board of Trustees also praised the expansion, pointing to the program’s role in reshaping access to higher education for nontraditional students.

“SUNY Reconnect has provided transformative educational opportunities for adult learners across New York. We are committed to ensuring New Yorkers have access to an affordable, excellent public higher education and that SUNY campuses throughout the state welcome new students and empower them to achieve their dreams. Thank you to Governor Hochul for her continued support of SUNY, and our adult learners.”

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CUNY leadership echoed similar sentiments, noting that the expansion broadens access to specialized career pathways and strengthens workforce development in New York City.

“CUNY applauds the expansion of Governor Hochul’s Reconnect initiative, which opens doors for adult learners whose career goals span a broader range of specialized fields and extends these pivotal opportunities to associate degree students at our three comprehensive colleges — four-year institutions that offer associate degree programs. We are empowering New Yorkers to drive our state’s economy and meet more of our pressing workforce needs.” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez.

Since launching in May 2025, SUNY Reconnect and CUNY Reconnect have already enrolled more than 12,000 students across New York State. The programs officially began implementation in community colleges during the Fall 2025 semester and have quickly gained momentum as awareness has grown.

The initiative covers associate degrees in a wide range of high-demand fields, including advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, engineering, emergency management, supply chain and logistics, technology, nursing and allied health fields, green and renewable energy, and pathways to teaching in shortage areas. Officials say the broad mix of programs reflects both current labor shortages and future economic needs.

To help promote participation, SUNY Chancellor King has been traveling across the state on a Reconnect tour, visiting community colleges from Long Island to the North Country. The visits have included institutions such as Monroe Community College, Hudson Valley Community College, Suffolk County Community College, SUNY Niagara, SUNY Broome, SUNY Adirondack, and many others. The goal of the tour has been to raise awareness among potential adult learners who may not yet realize they qualify for free tuition support.

CUNY, meanwhile, has launched a major marketing campaign aimed at adult learners in New York City. The campaign uses subway ads, buses, ferries, commuter rail systems, radio, television, and digital platforms to reach residents where they live and travel. Leadership has also highlighted classroom visits, including early childhood education programs that prepare future educators for growing workforce needs in childcare and education.

Lawmakers have also expressed strong support for the expansion. State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky emphasized how difficult it can be for adults to return to school while managing everyday responsibilities.

“Returning to college as an adult is one of the hardest decisions a person can make. The jobs, the families, and the bills do not pause while you study. SUNY Reconnect and CUNY Reconnect recognizes that. By covering books and supplies along with tuition, the program removes the small, everyday costs that force too many people to set a degree aside. This program has been doing a phenomenal job supporting and preparing adult learners for the careers where New York needs them most. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued work to keep an excellent, affordable degree within reach for every New Yorker ready to earn one.”

Assemblymember Alicia L. Hyndman also praised the program’s growth and its impact on adult education across the state.

“More than 12,000 eligible students, ages 25 to 55, have enrolled in SUNY Reconnect and CUNY Reconnect throughout New York State since the programs launched in Fall 2025. Scholars have pursued associate degrees at community colleges in fields ranging from air traffic control and aviation management to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and more. The program provides free tuition, fees, books and supplies for adults who don’t already have a college degree and are seeking a career in a high-demand field. To close the healthcare gap, the program also provides degrees for those switching careers to join the nursing sector even if they already have a degree in a different field. I want to thank Gov. Hochul, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and other members of the State Legislature for expanding the program in the 2026 to 2027 Enacted State Budget.”

As New York expands these programs further, state leaders say the focus remains on connecting education with real workforce needs while giving adults a second chance at affordable, practical, and career-focused higher education opportunities.