ALBANY, N.Y. — More adults in New York will soon be able to go back to community college for free. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced an expansion of the state’s free community college program, called SUNY and CUNY Reconnect, on October 5, 2026.
What’s Changing
Until now, adults in the program generally could not already have a college degree, except for those entering nursing programs.
Under the expansion, adults who already have a degree in a different field can now enroll for free. This makes it easier for people to switch careers and learn new skills.
The state says the change will open the program to tens of thousands more adult learners.
Who Can Apply
The program is for New Yorkers between the ages of 25 and 55. Students must enroll in an associate degree program in a high-demand field at a SUNY or CUNY community college.
Examples of these fields include cybersecurity, technology, engineering, healthcare and advanced manufacturing.
What the Program Covers
The program pays for:
- Tuition
- Fees
- Books and supplies
This helps students earn a degree without taking on tuition debt.
When It Starts
The expansion takes effect for the Spring 2027 semester, which begins in January at most colleges. Applications will open over the coming months, based on each SUNY or CUNY campus’s own schedule.
Why the State Is Expanding It
Hochul said the expansion is part of the state’s plan to prepare workers for changes caused by artificial intelligence. She said it will make it easier for adult learners to pivot into fast-growing fields.
More than 15,000 adults have used the Reconnect program since 2025, according to the governor’s office.
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