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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is SUNY Orange Plus?

  • SUNY Orange Plus empowers students through accessible, short-term, and in-demand training that leads to meaningful careers. Our affordable and flexible programs are designed to fit your life while preparing you for entry- and mid-level roles with sustainable wages and growth opportunities. Through hands-on learning, career navigation, and strong employer partnerships, we support you from enrollment through employment—so you can confidently build a future that works for you

 

What is SUNY Orange Plus?

  • SUNY Orange Plus empowers students through accessible, short-term, and in-demand training that leads to meaningful careers. Our affordable and flexible programs are designed to fit your life while preparing you for entry- and mid-level roles with sustainable wages and growth opportunities. Through hands-on learning, career navigation, and strong employer partnerships, we support you from enrollment through employmentso you can confidently build a future that works for you.

 

Do you accept FAFSA?

  • Currently, SUNY Orange Plus programs do not accept federal financial aid, but Workforce Pell is expected to launch in July 2026. Student may qualify for: 
      1. Orange County Career Center funding
      2. ACCES-VR (for eligible individuals)
      3. SUNY Orange Plus scholarship (partial) 
      4. Payment plans
      5. Sallie Mae 
      6. Walden Savings Bank 

 

Are there any costs not included in the tuition cost?

  • Tuition includes required textbook rentals, study materials, and one certification exam plus one retake (if applicable). Additional equipment or supplies may be required and will be listed in the course syllabus. Any fees incurred to participate in a work-based learning, clinical, or internship experience will be borne by the student. Current tuition rates are available on the SUNY Orange Plus website.
  • Students are responsible for arranging their own travel accommodations for the internship portion of the course (if applicable). Any fees incurred to participate in a work-based learning, clinical, or internship experience will be at the expense of the student.

 

What prerequisites do I need to register? 

  • Most workforce credential programs require:
    1. Age 18 or older (some youth exceptions may apply)
    2. High school diploma or High School Equivalency (HSE)
  •  Some programs may also require prerequisites, English language proficiency, or placement assessments.
  • International Diplomas: When required, international transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES-approved agency (e.g., SpanTran).

 

What happens if I don’t complete the program? Will I get a refund?

  • Students are eligible for a 100% refund if they withdraw prior to the first day of class. No refunds are issued once the course begins. Students who do not attend the first class session or fail to notify staff about their absence may be removed from the program. 
  • Withdrawals must be submitted in writing via email (Plus@sunyorange.edu) to be processed. Failure to complete the course or poor attendance does not constitute official withdrawal, nor does notification of the instructor. 
  • Lack of attendance alone does not entitle the student to a refund. The only exceptions to this policy are extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control, such as the death of an immediate family member, a new or worsening medical condition, or a change in employment that prevents class attendance. Click here for information on requesting a refund outside of the Refund Policy. Refer to the heading “Request for Tuition Credit - Appeal form.” In these cases, the tuition refund eligibility will be determined according to the following policy. For students receiving financial assistance from a third-party entity paying for classes on behalf of the student (e.g., employer, non-profit organization, or One-Stop Career Center), the student will be responsible for the third-party non-payment, which may include the class fee and other expenses.

 

Can I work while enrolled?

  • Yes, you can work while enrolled as long as your employment does not interfere with the course schedule.

 

Can I take other classes at SUNY Orange while enrolled?

  • Yes, you may take other classes while enrolled as long as there is no conflict in your course schedules.

 

What resources are available to me once I register?

  • Admissions and enrollment assistance
  • Orientation and onboarding support
  • Career navigation and employment readiness
  • Referrals to personal and community resources
  • Ongoing student success and retention support
    1. All SUNY Orange Plus students are assigned a Career Navigator who provides support from enrollment through employment.
    2. Career Navigators assist with:
      • Career exploration and goal setting
      • Resume development, job searching, and interview preparation
      • Personalized coaching and mentoring
      • Referrals to support services (childcare, housing, food, etc.)
      • Connections to internships, work-based learning, and employment opportunities

 

Can I register for additional courses after I complete a course?

  • Yes, you will need to apply for any additional courses here.

 

Are workforce development courses considered college credit programs?

  • Our workforce development programs are non-credit. You will receive a Certificate of Completion upon successful completion of a course.

 

How long are the programs?

  • SUNY Orange Plus programs are scheduled between 4 weeks and one year. It depends on the program of your choice. 

 

What programs do you offer?

  • Please refer to this link for a list of the programs offered.

 

What is the class schedule like?

  • Class schedules differ by program to ensure the best learning experience. Please let us know which course you’re interested in, and we’ll send over the exact timetable.

 

What is the attendance policy? Can I make up classes I miss?

  • A minimum of 85% attendance is required to earn a passing grade
  • Students who accumulate four (4) consecutive absences will be dismissed from the program and forfeit tuition. Refunds are not provided due to lack of attendance. Upon a third consecutive absence, students will receive written notice regarding their attendance status and the consequences of continued absences. A formal dismissal notice will be issued after the fourth consecutive absence and will include information regarding re-enrollment options, if applicable.
    1. A detailed attendance policy can be found here.


What grade do I need to pass?

  • SUNY Orange Plus programs use a Pass Non-Credit (PNC) / Fail Non-Credit (FNC) grading system. Although individual assignments, exams, labs, and clinical evaluations may be graded using percentage-based criteria, final course outcomes are recorded using the Pass/Fail (Non-Credit) system.
    1. To receive a PASSING GRADE, students must:
        • Attend at least 85% of scheduled classes
        • Complete all required assignments, exams, labs, and clinical experiences with a minimum score of 75%
        • Demonstrate minimum competency as defined in this syllabus

 

Do programs include internships or clinicals?

  • The following programs include internships or clinical hours: 
      1. Certificated Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) 
      2. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
      3. Certified Patient Care Technician (CPT) 
      4. Hospitality Industry  
      5. Culinary Arts 
      6. Dietitian Assistant 
      7. Food Safety Quality Control 

 

Does SUNY Orange Plus guarantee a job? 

  • Career guidance 
  • Resume support 
  • No- we do not guarantee job placement, but we provide:

 

How do I apply?

  • Complete an application here

 

Do I need to take an entrance exam?

  • Depends on the program requirements

 

What happens if I don’t pass the certification exam? 

  • Students are eligible for a retake 30 days after taking the first exam, at no charge. Students will have to pay out of pocket for any further attempts afterwards.

 

When should I apply to secure a seat?

  • We highly recommend that if you are interested in any SUNY Orange Plus programs, you complete the process 3-4 weeks prior to the start date of class. 

 

Who do I contact for help during the program?

 

How do I get started? 

  • Prospective students may complete an application here or call (845) 341-4890 to speak with a Team member for assistance with registration.