SUNY Reconnect for Adult Learners

In New York State there are millions of working adluts who do not have a college degree or credential. As New York continues to grow and create new opportunities in fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor technology, cybersecurity, information technology, artificial intelligence, and clean energy, New York State and SUNY are working together to help more New Yorkers gain the education and skills needed to succeed. The goal is to make these growing, high-demand careers more accessible while preparing individuals for stable, well-paying jobs and long-term career success.

Education can open doors to new opportunities, better-paying jobs, and a more secure future. SUNY ReConnect helps make those opportunities possible by providing adults between the ages of 25 and 55 the chance to earn an associate degree in a high-demand field at no cost. Whether someone is attending college for the first time, returning to finish what they started, or already holds a college degree and wants to pursue a new career, SUNY ReConnect offers an opportunity to move forward without the financial burden of tuition.

Starting in January 2027, free associate degrees through SUNY Reconnect are available to all New Yorkers 25 – 55 years old, including those who already have a college degree

Am I eligible?

Below are SUNY's statewide eligibility requirements. You must:

• be a New York State resident or qualifies for in-state tuition.
• be aged 25–55 as of the first day of classes.
• be enrolled in an approved associate degree program at a SUNY community college (approved SUNY Orange degrees listed in the box below)

Additionally, you:

• are no longer excluded if you have earned a college degree previously, have taken prior college credits, or earned certificate(s), or micro-credentials.
• can study full-time or part-time, but must take at least 6 credits per semester (Fall and Spring) and finish within 10 semesters. Summer and Winter terms are covered by SUNY Reconnect when students register for required, applicable coursework, or is admitted in the summer or winter term. 
  [Academic Leaves: Up to one-year leave granted (with possible medical, military exceptions)]
• must maintain good academic standing per SUNY Orange standards.
• are eligible even if: previously attended, currently enrolled, re-admitted, non-traditional, Dream Act recipient, veteran (supports TAP, Pell, GI Bill, Excelsior etc.)

Please know that having an outstanding balance from a previous semester does not automatically prevent you from returning to SUNY Orange. You may still enroll in an approved program of study and receive financial support through SUNY Reconnect, provided you meet the program's eligibility requirements.

Read the SUNY FAQ for more information on eligibility.

What does "free" mean?

SUNY Reconnect covers books and supplies. Tuition and fees are covered as well, after other aid is applied, and is NOT retroactive to past terms.

Admission to Eligible Health Professions Programs at SUNY Orange

PLEASE NOTE: Eligible health professions programs at SUNY Orange (those marked with an asterisk in the box below) are selective admission programs that don't offer direct admission. Students who are interested in one of these programs are entered into our Liberal Arts - Natural Science & Mathematics Program with a pre-health designation.

SUNY Reconnect does not provide financial support for students enrolled under the pre-health designation. Students must first be formally accepted into and enrolled in an approved SUNY Reconnect program of study before they can be considered for financial assistance through the program, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.

Learn more about the health professions programs review process or contact an Admissions counselor.