Summary: Governor Kathy Hochul announced that more than 16,500 New Yorkers aged 25–55 have already applied for the new CUNY and SUNY Reconnect program, which offers free tuition, books, fees, and supplies for adults pursuing careers in high-demand fields like healthcare, technology, engineering, and green energy. Starting in Fall 2025, the program aims to help millions of working-age adults without a college degree gain access to higher education, with extra support such as academic advising and student success coaching to help them stay on track and graduate.
Governor Hochul Announces More Than 16,500 Have Applied for New York’s Free Community College Program Covering Full Tuition for Adult Learners Pursuing In-Demand Fields
Program Covers Tuition, Books, Fees and Supplies for Adult New Yorkers Ages 25-55; Expands Access to Higher Education and Career Mobility to Millions of Adult Learners
CUNY and SUNY Reconnect Applications Still Open, Link To Apply Available for SUNY Here and Apply for CUNY Here
Governor Hochul today rallied with students, staff and faculty at LaGuardia Community College, a CUNY campus, to celebrate the more than 16,500 New Yorkers statewide who have applied to her landmark free community college program for adults in high-demand fields through CUNY and SUNY Reconnect. Beginning in Fall 2025, CUNY and SUNY Reconnect builds upon Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to expand access to higher education, strengthen New York’s workforce, and provide pathways to good-paying careers for adult learners.
“The cost of pursuing a degree should never be a barrier for New Yorkers – we are proud to provide an opportunity for millions of CUNY and SUNY students to achieve their dreams,” Governor Hochul said. “I am committed to making education more affordable and accessible, and the Reconnect program continues to pave the way forward for students as they enter our State’s future workforce.”
As part of Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State address, free community college for adults in high-demand fields builds on her legacy of ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to a world-class and affordable education.
For the four million working-age adults in New York who do not already have a college degree or credential, the free community college program for adult students provides a valuable education at CUNY and SUNY campuses, with tuition, fees, books and supplies all covered after applicable financial aid.
Eligible high-demand fields include:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Engineering
- Technology
- Nursing and allied health fields
- Green and renewable energy
- Pathways to Teaching in shortage areas
In order to ensure that students have the tools they need to succeed, the program includes funding for SUNY and CUNY to support retention through wrap-around supports such as academic advising and student success coaching, as well as funding to support marketing for effective outreach for the program.
“I am committed to making education more affordable and accessible”
Governor Kathy Hochul
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, “Each year, CUNY community colleges enable thousands of New Yorkers to transform their lives. By removing financial barriers for adult learners in high-demand fields at CUNY’s community colleges, Governor Hochul and the state legislature have made it clear it’s never too late to start or re-start your higher education journey. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her tireless commitment to CUNY and to the promise of public higher education.”
CUNY Board of Trustees Chairperson William C. Thompson Jr. said, “We are pleased to see that so many adult New Yorkers are already taking advantage of this opportunity to earn a tuition-free CUNY degree that will pay off for them and their families. We applaud Governor Hochul and the state legislature for their vision that has brought this program to fruition.”
LaGuardia Community College President Kenneth Adams said, “Community colleges play a vital role in higher education and workforce development by providing accessible, affordable, and career-focused education, particularly for underserved populations. Offering free community college enhances the impact they have on the lives of New Yorkers. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her unwavering dedication to higher education and her work to expand opportunities for every New Yorker.”
State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris said, “It’s incredible to see thousands of New Yorkers be able to continue their education and pursue new opportunities through the free community college program. I’m proud that in partnership with Governor Hochul, the New York legislature was able to make college more accessible and affordable for New Yorkers.”
State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, “Everyone’s educational journey is different. Sometimes the path has hurdles and challenges. This initiative will enable students between the ages of 25 to 55 to complete their journey. It also expands work force development in high demand fields. As a result, everyone benefits. I want to thank Governor Hochul, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, and Speaker Heastie for enacting this creative approach.”
Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman said, “As Chair of the Higher Education Committee, I am proud to see New York leading the way in expanding access to life-changing educational opportunities. The SUNY and CUNY Reconnect programs are breaking down barriers for adult learners—many of whom are balancing work, family, and other responsibilities—by making college truly affordable and within reach. By investing in our people and preparing them for careers in high-demand fields, we are not only transforming individual lives but strengthening the economic future of our communities and our state.”
Assemblymember Claire Valdez said, “I’m thrilled to have passed this important initiative in the state budget, and that Governor Hochul chose LaGuardia Community College in Queens as the site to rally around free community college. Working class New Yorkers deserve a high quality education, empowering them to take the next step in their careers and secure a better future for themselves and their families.”
August 12, 2025
Albany, NY
Sources: Governor.NY.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
