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July 2, 2025

The State University of New York’s Reconnect program is aimed at encouraging adults without a college degree to give college a chance, and, so far, it’s been very successful at ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ.

Hudson Valley Dean of Enrollment Services George R. Ambriz said the college has received more than 3,000 inquiries regarding the program since it was first announced in May.

SUNY Reconnect promises free tuition and assistance with textbook and supplies for students, ages 25-55, who wish to return to college and pursue an associate degree in selected fields. Students hoping to enter the program must apply for financial aid, and Reconnect will cover costs beyond what is covered by federal and state financial aid.

The program is specifically targeted at adults who have no prior college degrees, and students can study full-time or part-time to complete their associate degree at Hudson Valley or one of the SUNY system’s other 29 community colleges. Funding for the SUNY Reconnect program was included in the 2025-26 state budget and is aimed at students hoping to begin college in Fall 2025 and beyond.

"The SUNY Reconnect program 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," said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.

“We are excited to see the enthusiastic response to SUNY Reconnect and we look forward to helping adults here in the Capital Region make their educational goals a reality,” said ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ Officer in Charge Louis Coplin.

Academic degree programs that are eligible for SUNY Reconnect include those aimed at high-demand fields, including education, health care, cybersecurity, applied technologies and human services. See a list of eligible degree programs offered at Hudson Valley and information on how to find out more about SUNY Reconnect at www.hvcc.edu/FreeCC.