Apply for Free Community College at SUNY or CUNY

Looking to obtain your associates degree? CUNY and SUNY's Reconnect program can help you.

Overview

The SUNY and CUNY Reconnect initiative offers free tuition, books, supplies, and waived fees at community colleges for New York residents ages 25–55 without a college degree who enroll in eligible high-demand associate degree programs.

The program connects eligible New Yorkers to many job opportunities in high-demand fields including, but not limited to:

  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
  • Engineering
  • Technology
  • Nursing and allied health fields
  • Green and renewable energy
  • Pathways to teaching in shortage areas

Eligibility

  • New York State resident or eligible for in-state tuition.
  • Aged 25–55 as of January 1 of the semester they apply.
  • No prior postsecondary degree.
  • Planning to study full-time or part-time in an eligible degree program; enroll in a minimum of 6 credits per semester and 12 per academic year.
  • File FAFSA and apply for NYS TAP or the NYS DREAM Act, if eligible.

SUNY Eligibility FAQCUNY Eligibility FAQ

How to Apply

Visit SUNY's website to apply

Visit CUNY's website to apply

What's Related

Apply for New York State TAP

Apply for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to help you pay for college. See if you're eligible and apply.
Apply for Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

Part-time TAP is available for students attending SUNY, CUNY, proprietary, and independent degree-granting colleges on a part-time basis.
Apply for the New York State DREAM Act

The Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act gives students who received their high school degree or GED in NYS and students receiving in-state tuition, including undocumented students, access to New York State‐administered student financial aid to support their higher education costs.

Stay Connected

Follow Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) for the latest updates and resources:

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