STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Thousands of Staten Islanders looking to earn a college degree can now do so right here in the borough, free of charge.
On Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a major expansion of the SUNY and CUNY Reconnect programs, which allow eligible New Yorkers ages 25-55 to pursue a free associate degree in a high-demand field.
The programs, which launched in Fall 2025 at community colleges across the state, has been expanded to include eligible associate degree programs at eight SUNY colleges and three CUNY colleges, including the College of Staten Island in Willowbrook.
“The cost of a college degree should never be a barrier for New Yorkers,” Hochul said. “Through the expansion of SUNY Reconnect and CUNY Reconnect, education will be made affordable and accessible for more of our adult learners. Everyone should have a chance to achieve their personal and professional dreams. Now, students — no matter their age — can do just that and lend us a helping hand in high-demand industries, which will help power New York State’s economy.”
The program is available for New York state adults ages 25-55 who do not already have a college degree or credential. Students must enroll in a minimum of six credits per semester, and 12 per academic year.
After financial aid is considered, the program covers the rest of the costs of tuition, fees, school supplies and textbooks.
In order to be eligible for the program, students will need to enroll in programs for high-demand fields including:
Advanced ManufacturingAir Traffic Control and Aviation Management* (newly added for 2026-27 Academic Year)Artificial IntelligenceCybersecurityEngineeringEmergency Management* (newly added for 2026-27 Academic Year)Supply Chain/Logistics* (newly added for 2026-27 Academic Year)TechnologyNursing and Allied Health FieldsGreen and Renewable EnergyPathways to Teaching in Shortage Areas
More than 12,000 students enrolled during the first year of the program, with that number expected to increase in the coming years amid the expansion.
“CUNY applauds the expansion of Governor Hochul’s Reconnect initiative, which opens doors for adult learners whose career goals span a broader range of specialized fields and extends these pivotal opportunities to associate degree students at our three comprehensive colleges — four-year institutions that offer associate degree programs. We are empowering New Yorkers to drive our state’s economy and meet more of our pressing workforce needs,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez.
The other CUNY colleges included in the expansion are New York City College of Technology and Medgar Evers College. The SUNY colleges include Alfred State, SUNY Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, SUNY Canton, SUNY Delhi, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF), SUNY Farmingdale State College, SUNY Maritime College and SUNY Morrisville.
Those interested in pursuing a free associate degree at the College of Staten Island can visit cuny.edu/admissions/reconnect for more information.