Free Community College For Adults: What You Need To Know

According to a release from SUNY Broome, on May 16, 2025 announcement was made about New York State Governor Kathy Hochul's free community college program from State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr.

SUNY campuses are ready to launch the program, a part of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 enacted budget. Beginning Fall 2025, New York State community colleges will be providing free tuition, fees, books, and supplies for adults between the ages of 25 to 55 who don’t already have a college degree and pursue an associate degree in a high-demand field.

As an alum and supporter of SUNY Broome, I am pleased that we were able to pass this initiative in the budget. To provide free community college for adults ages 25 to 55 is a critical step toward equity and economic mobility. Access to higher education should never be out of reach because of age or financial barriers. By covering tuition, fees, books, and supplies, we’re not just supporting individual learners, we’re investing in families, in our workforce, and in the long-term health of our communities. - New York State Senator Lea Webb

This summer (2025), through SUNY Reconnect, community colleges will hold information sessions this summer to assist anyone who is interested in the program. According to the announcement, to be eligible for the program, students will enroll in high-demand fields, including:

Advanced manufacturing
Artificial Intelligence
Cybersecurity
Engineering
Technology
Nursing and allied health fields
Green and renewable energy
Pathways to Teaching in shortage areas

The State University of New York notes that over four million working-age adults do not have a college degree or credential. Eligible students will receive tuition, fees, books, and supplies, and access to advising and support, all covered after applicable financial aid.

I applaud Governor Hochul for fighting tirelessly to advance higher education and affordability, and I thank the State Legislature for supporting this proven model to help unleash New Yorkers’ full potential. The SUNY Reconnect program, launching for the Fall 2025 term, will help break barriers to a college degree and provide financial support and flexibility for adult students to enroll, and more importantly, to succeed through to graduation at one of our excellent community colleges.- SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr.

For more information, visit the SUNY website