CUNY enrollment rises for fourth consecutive year as student total reaches about 253,000

Albany, New York – Enrollment at the City University of New York has increased for the fourth consecutive year, with preliminary fall 2026 figures showing growth across its community, senior and graduate colleges. Governor Kathy Hochul announced that overall enrollment rose 3.2 percent, bringing the university system’s student population to about 253,000.

The latest figures show that CUNY has added approximately 27,000 students since 2022, an increase of nearly 12 percent over four years. Community colleges and graduate programs each recorded five percent growth this fall. Graduate enrollment reached nearly 31,000 students, moving above pre-pandemic levels.

Among community colleges, Bronx Community College and Borough of Manhattan Community College each reported a nine percent enrollment increase. The gains are significant for a part of the university system that was hit particularly hard during the pandemic. State officials pointed to expanded financial support for adult learners as one factor helping students enter or return to college.

“The rise in enrollment at CUNY schools over the past four years reflects our unwavering commitment to an education that helps New Yorkers get ahead,” Governor Hochul said. “With the expansion of AI in the workforce, it is more important now than ever to give as many people access to affordable education as possible to equip them with the skills they need to succeed. This increase in enrollment is only the beginning and I look forward to continuing to make New York a leader in higher education.”

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The enrollment announcement follows the expansion of Hochul’s free community college initiative for New Yorkers ages 25 to 55. At CUNY, the initiative operates through CUNY Reconnect, which currently supports 9,786 adult learners. Enrollment in the program has grown nearly 50 percent since its fall 2025 launch.

Reconnect recently expanded to three additional campuses: the College of Staten Island, New York City College of Technology and Medgar Evers College. The broader availability gives adult learners more campus options as the state seeks to increase access to associate degree programs connected to workforce needs.

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, “Rising enrollment at CUNY makes clear that access to a quality, affordable education remains more important than ever. It also reflects invaluable support from Governor Hochul, whose commitment to adult learners is enabling us to meet students where they are, regardless of age or circumstance. Together, we are opening doors for students across New York to take advantage of all CUNY has to offer.”

Earlier this month, Hochul announced another expansion intended to address changes associated with artificial intelligence in the workplace. Under that expansion, adults ages 25 to 55 will be able to pursue a high-demand associate degree at no cost even if they have already earned a postsecondary credential. Assemblymember Alicia L. Hyndman said the program will extend access to people who already hold a degree and want to change careers in 2027.

State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, “Since its inception, CUNY reconnect has expanded opportunities for people to enroll or return to college. I have always felt that there were many adult students who wanted to return, or even change careers. When Governor Hochul announced plans for CUNY Reconnect, I was delighted. That opportunity continues to expand today as thousands of adult learners are back in CUNY classrooms through the program. Changing careers or enrolling for the first time takes courage, and cost should never stand in the way.”

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Assemblymember Alicia L. Hyndman said, “Despite federal government efforts to make pursuing higher education harder, the City University of New York has seen growth in student enrollment, partially thanks to the CUNY Reconnect initiative, which enables people aged 25 to 55 to obtain a free degree in a high-demand, high-paying field. The CUNY Reconnect program will expand in 2027 to allow people who have already obtained a degree but wish to switch careers to join the program. To the new students making the university network their home, Welcome to CUNY!”

Prospective adult students can find more information about the initiative through CUNY Reconnect. While the announcement highlights the program’s contribution to community college enrollment, the university’s overall increase also includes students attending senior colleges and graduate programs.

CUNY is also taking part in Hochul’s New York State College Application Month campaign. For New York City Public Schools students, the university is waiving its freshman application fee from September 15 through November 16. That application fee waiver period is one month longer than in previous years.

The university is promoting the waiver through “Welcome to CUNY” letters sent to all graduating seniors in New York City Public Schools. Its “A Degree for Every Dream” advertising campaign is also reaching prospective students through digital platforms and advertisements across the city’s subway, bus, railroad and ferry networks.

The application campaign and adult learner initiative serve students at different stages of their education. The fee waiver targets prospective freshmen from the city’s public schools, while Reconnect supports eligible adults pursuing further education or a career change. Both efforts accompany another year of enrollment growth, although the fall 2026 figures remain preliminary.