Voice of Business Blog

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

State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. 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.

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President & CEO and 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."

In the Greater Rochester region, three community colleges are ready to accept students through SUNY Reconnect:

• Monroe Community College has over 100+ degree & certificate programs available, including nursing, engineering sciences, education, automotive apprenticeships, optical systems, and more. MCC is the nation's only community college awarding associate degrees in precision optics.
• Finger Lakes Community College offers 60+ degree & certificate programs, including architectural technology, chemical dependency counseling, environmental science, and more.
• Genesee Community College includes 60+ academic programs, including cybersecurity, computerized drafting and design, health studies, and more.

These programs, available at no cost to adult learners, will help to fill vital talent gaps that employers are facing right here in our region. To learn more about the program and how to get involved, please visit suny.edu/freeCC. To read the full announcement from SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr., please see here.