Hochul expands free community college access for thousands more adult learners across NYS

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a new expansion of her free community college initiative for New Yorkers between ages 25 and 55, as part of her nation-leading actions to proactively address the unprecedented impacts of AI on the workforce. Starting in January, New Yorkers ages 25 to 55 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.

The initiative will increase access for tens of thousands of adult learners by allowing individuals with existing credentials to pivot careers and gain valuable qualifications in high-growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing without accumulating debt for tuition, fees, books and supplies.

The expansion builds on the SUNY and CUNY Reconnect program Hochul launched in 2025, which has already helped over 15,000 adult learners access free community college in high-demand fields – helping them save thousands of dollars per year.

This expansion also comes just days after federal data showed New York had the fastest-growing economy in the nation in the second quarter of 2026. New York’s real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annual rate of 4% from the first quarter to the second, which was the highest of any state and nearly double the national growth rate of 2.2%.

“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.”

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “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 Gov. Hochul and state leaders for their continued investment in SUNY and our students, and for removing barriers to higher education for all New Yorkers.”

The SUNY Board of Trustees said, “SUNY Reconnect has expanded opportunities for adult learners throughout New York state by empowering them to pursue the next steps in their careers. We thank Gov. Hochul and state leaders for their unwavering commitment to supporting adult learners, and for investing in programs that address our state’s most pressing workforce needs.”

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez 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. Gov. 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.”

Hochul, in 2025, launched the Reconnect initiative, which enabled New Yorkers between ages 25 and 55 to enroll in a SUNY or CUNY associate degree program in high-demand fields for free, as long as the applicant did not already have a college degree (except for those enrolling in nursing programs). With this announcement, Hochul is now expanding access to free community college in high-demand fields to those with prior degrees.

This free community college expansion will take effect for the spring 2027 semester, which starts in January for most colleges. Eligible New Yorkers will be able to start applying to enroll under this initiative over the coming months, based on the individual application periods for each SUNY or CUNY campus.