Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced an expansion of the free community college initiative for New Yorkers between ages 25 and 55. Starting in January, eligible New Yorkers can enroll in a SUNY or CUNY associate degree program in a high-demand field for free, even if they have already completed a college degree in a different area.
“As AI continues to reshape the global economy, I’m taking action to ensure more New Yorkers have the skills they need to succeed,” Hochul said. “By expanding access to free community college, we’re making it even easier for adult learners to pivot into fast-growing, high-demand sectors without taking on a single dollar of tuition debt.”
Eligible New Yorkers will be able to apply to enroll in the coming months, based on the individual application periods for each SUNY or CUNY campus. This free community college expansion will take effect for the spring 2027 semester.
“Gov. Hochul’s SUNY Reconnect program has transformed the lives of thousands of New Yorkers by expanding opportunities for an affordable, excellent public higher education. This effort by Gov. Hochul to build upon the program will help more adult learners return to the classroom and empower them to pursue the careers of their dreams. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and state leaders for their continued investment in SUNY and our students, and for removing barriers to higher education for all New Yorkers,” SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said.
“CUNY is empowering adult New Yorkers — whether starting fresh or returning with a prior degree — to master high-demand fields like cybersecurity, tech, engineering and healthcare in an economy that is being reshaped by AI. Governor Hochul’s expansion of Reconnect reinforces this vital mission by ensuring cost is never a barrier for students looking to reskill, elevating our city’s workforce and securing New York’s economic future,” CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez added.
Hochul launched the SUNY and CUNY Reconnect program in 2025.