News release courtesy of SUNY Communications
Albany, NY – State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. today announced the launch of the SUNY Military Tuition Rate Program, a new system-wide initiative that will ensure SUNY’s academic excellence is fully affordable for active-duty service members, members of the National Guard, and members of the Reserves.
This initiative ensures that those currently serving can access high-quality, affordable SUNY undergraduate degree and microcredential programs in person or online without additional costs or barriers. The program addresses a long-standing challenge faced by active service members whose federal tuition assistance often falls short of full tuition at public universities.
The program will begin in the Spring 2026 semester at select SUNY campuses – including Empire State University, State University of New York at Albany, State University of New York at Buffalo, Alfred State College, SUNY Brockport, SUNY Canton, Clinton Community College, Columbia-Greene Community College, Dutchess Community College, SUNY Erie, SUNY Farmingdale State College, SUNY Geneseo, Monroe Community College, Nassau Community College, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Old Westbury, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Orange, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Plattsburgh, Suffolk County Community College, Tompkins Cortland Community College, and SUNY Ulster – and extend to all SUNY campuses beginning in Fall 2026.
“As part of SUNY’s ongoing efforts to honor the heroes who have answered the call to serve, we are taking action for those who currently serve today,” said SUNY Chancellor King. “With the new military tuition rate, SUNY is removing barriers and making sure cost is never what stands between service members and their education. On Veterans Day, and every day, SUNY is proud to support our veterans, active duty servicemembers, and military-connected students.”
The SUNY Board of Trustees said, “As we celebrate Veterans Day, we proudly recognize the noble and selfless sacrifice of those who have served and continue to protect our nation. This new military tuition rate will help empower those who continue to serve to be able to pursue an education at a SUNY institution. Our veterans and military-connected students strengthen our communities, and we appreciate and admire their contributions each and every day.”
Alfred State College President Steven Mauro said, “SUNY is making members of the military feel right at home with this new initiative, and Alfred State College eagerly volunteered to be among the first adopters of the Military Tuition Rate. Our team is dedicated to personalizing support and resources to make college entry both affordable and seamless for all students, especially those with military service, who have given so much to this country. Many of our faculty and staff are veterans or from military families themselves, so they have a unique ability to offer mentorship and guidance to help service members succeed as part of our special community.”
State Senator Jacob Ashby said, “Providing additional state aid to make higher education more affordable and accessible for New Yorkers who have served our country is right for our economy, right for our communities and, most importantly, a win for our veterans and their families.”
State Senator Daniel Stec said, “If you’re serving our nation and defending our freedoms, the pursuit of higher education should not be cost-prohibitive. The SUNY Military Tuition Rate Program will help make college more affordable and help ensure our active duty servicemembers receive the college education and post-military skills development they deserve.”
State Assemblymember Steve Stern said, “As the Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee of the New York State Assembly, I applaud Chancellor King and the State University of New York (SUNY) for this innovative initiative to make tuition more affordable for active-duty personnel, and members of the National Guard and Reserves. The new SUNY Military Tuition Rate Program will expand affordable education opportunities to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our great nation. This program helps active-duty personnel by providing additional financial aid, in tandem with Federal tuition programs to close any gaps and allow those currently serving to complete their education in-person or online while continuing their service to our great nation. We owe those who serve meaningful support and this program accomplishes that goal.”
Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter, Speaker Pro Tempore said, “As a veteran, I know how important access to affordable education is for those who serve. SUNY’s new military tuition rate removes financial barriers and shows real gratitude to our active-duty service members, National Guard, and Reserve members. This initiative is a powerful example of New York’s continued commitment to those who defend our nation.”
State Assemblymember Joseph Angelino said, “Members of the armed forces sacrifice so much, which we can truly never repay, but we can try, and that is why I am pleased to see the new SUNY initiative to make tuition more affordable for service members. As a veteran myself, I know just how helpful this program will be to make sure our men and women in uniform receive a quality education.”
State Assemblymember Angelo Morinello said, “The new SUNY Military Tuition Rate for active service members is yet another way that SUNY Niagara is a valid part of the Niagara County community. This will certainly be a welcome addition to the DOD Tuition Assistance Program already in place and will give active service members a greater chance to state and, or complete their undergraduate education. We applaud Chancellor King and all who made this possible.”
State Assemblymember Kwani O’Pharrow said, “As a veteran, I have personally experienced the sacrifices made by those in service. This initiative reflects SUNY’s strong dedication to providing the men and women who defend our country with access to the affordable, high-quality education they rightfully deserve. It’s an investment not only in their future but also in the resilience and leadership of our communities.”
State University of New York at Albany President Havidán Rodríguez said, “The University at Albany is proud to support our military students in their pursuit of higher education by being early adopters of SUNY’s new Military Tuition Rate. As a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, I understand firsthand how transformational this support for members of the military can be: I completed my bachelor’s degree while serving my country and doing so changed my life’s trajectory. I am proud that SUNY is making this important commitment to support our military students.”
SUNY Brockport President Heidi Macpherson said, “SUNY Brockport is grateful to those who serve our country, and we believe that they deserve access to a high quality, flexible, and affordable education. We are so pleased to be among the early adopters of SUNY’s new Military Tuition Rate, and we look forward to welcoming many more active-duty military members, members of the National Guard, and members of the Reserves to our campus in the years to come. We thank Chancellor King for his leadership and clear commitment to making SUNY the most military-inclusive public higher education system in the nation.”
State University of New York at Buffalo Vice President for Student Life Brian F. Hamluk said, “The University at Buffalo is proud to be ranked as one of the top schools in the country in supporting Veteran students. This tuition initiative will serve to further support the defining moments students face when returning from service to civilian life in pursuit of their UB degree. Our campus community is stronger with our Veteran and military students, and we are committed to fostering their success.”
SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran said, “The Military Tuition Rate Program reflects our college’s deep commitment to supporting those who serve in our armed forces. It is the latest in a series of strategies to remove financial barriers and expand access to a high-quality SUNY Canton education and it deepens on our commitment to being a military-friendly college.”
Clinton Community College Acting President Ken Knelly said, “At Clinton Community College, we are deeply committed to serving those who serve our country. By aligning with SUNY’s new Military Tuition Rate, we’re removing financial barriers and opening doors to educational opportunities for our military students, whether they’re learning online or on campus. It is imperative that we work together to ensure their success.”
Columbia-Greene Community College Vice President for Administration and Finance Amanda Bishop said, “At Columbia-Greene Community College, we are proud to honor and support our active-duty service members, members of the Reserves, and veterans by expanding affordable access to higher education. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to helping those who serve our nation build new opportunities for themselves, their families, and our community.”
Dutchess Community College Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and Chief of Staff Susan Rogers said, “At DCC, every student is welcomed, supported, and valued — especially our military-affiliated students and their families, whose unique life experiences deeply enrich our campus community. We are proud to be recognized as a military-friendly institution and to offer comprehensive resources through our Veterans Resource Center, which is widely known for its care and connection with current and former service members. As one of the most affordable colleges in the SUNY system, we applaud SUNY’s efforts to make higher education even more accessible for military students and their families.”
Empire State University President Lisa Vollendorf said, “SUNY Empire has a longstanding commitment to veterans and military-affiliated students. As an online university, we understand that true access means meeting service members where they are—financially and geographically. We applaud Chancellor King's leadership to make a system-wide commitment to removing barriers and expanding access to a SUNY education for military-affiliated students.”
SUNY Erie President Adiam Tsegai said, “SUNY Erie is honored to join SUNY in expanding access and affordability for our active-duty military, National Guard, and Reserve members. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to access, equity, and opportunity by ensuring that members of the military can pursue their educational goals without financial barriers.”
SUNY Farmingdale State College President Robert S. Prezant said, “We honor and applaud our student veterans’ strength of service, depth of experience, and valuable leadership on our campus. With one of the highest percentages of student veterans among SUNY campuses, FSC recognizes their academic achievements and works to support their professional aspirations. We are proud to support this new initiative and take steps to promote their continued learning and growth.”
SUNY Geneseo President Melinda Treadwell said, “As SUNY’s public honors college, Geneseo is proud to be among the first campuses to adopt the SUNY Military Tuition Rate for all eligible individuals. Our mission is to provide an exceptional, accessible education that develops critical thinkers and engaged citizens. Aligning our tuition structure with the federal Military Tuition Assistance rate provides enhanced access and extends the transformative power of a liberal arts education to those who serve our country. This early adoption reflects our commitment to equity, service, and academic excellence, values that define Geneseo and resonate deeply with the ideals of public liberal arts education.”
Monroe Community College President DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna said, “Monroe Community College is proud to support SUNY’s new Military Tuition Rate and to be an early adopter starting in Spring 2026. At MCC, we are deeply committed to ensuring that those who serve our nation have every opportunity to reach their educational and career goals. This initiative reflects our ongoing dedication to making higher education more accessible, affordable, and responsive to the needs of our military-connected students.”
SUNY New Paltz President Darrell P. Wheeler said, “As someone who also wore that uniform, it is my privilege to work at a SUNY institution that honors the contributions and the sacrifices of active military members, veterans and their families. I applaud Chancellor King and the Board of Trustees for their support of the new SUNY Military Tuition Rate, which promises to make public university degrees even more accessible as a pathway to stable, family-sustaining careers for students who have served their country.”
SUNY Old Westbury President Timothy E. Sams said, “We as a campus are very proud to share in SUNY’s commitment to those who defend and protect our nation and its Constitution. SUNY's new Military Tuition Rate Program will help strengthen their skills for the critical work they will do while in service to our nation, while also ensuring they are well prepared for civilian work and life -- and we are honored to be part of that mission.”
SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle said, “SUNY Oneonta is proud to be part of our public university system’s commitment to leading military-inclusive public higher education. On this day and throughout the year, we honor veterans for their service to our country and their belief in and strength to protect our democracy. Offering affordable tuition for our activity-duty military members aligns with SUNY Oneonta’s commitment to creating a campus environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to thrive here and beyond.”
SUNY Orange President Kristine Young said, “SUNY’s new initiative mirrors the values that have defined SUNY Orange since our founding more than 75 years ago—removing barriers and creating pathways to opportunity for everyone in our community. Our active-duty service members juggle extraordinary demands while pursuing their education, and they deserve our full support. At SUNY Orange, we’ve long been committed to serving our military-connected students and are proud of our status as a Military Friendly Silver institution. By aligning our tuition structure with federal Military Tuition Assistance, we’re ensuring that those who serve or have served our country can access the education they’ve earned without facing unnecessary financial obstacles. This is about more than affordability—it’s about honoring their service and investing in their futures as they transition to new careers and strengthen our region’s workforce.”
SUNY Oswego President Peter O. Nwosu said, “SUNY’s new Military Tuition Rate is a powerful statement of our commitment to those who serve. This initiative ensures that active-duty service members, National Guard, and Reserve members can pursue a SUNY education without being burdened by unmet tuition costs. It is a meaningful way to honor their service while expanding access to high-quality public higher education.”
SUNY Plattsburgh President Alexander Enyedi said, “Our service members give so much of themselves to protect and strengthen our nation. At SUNY Plattsburgh, we believe it is our responsibility to make their path to higher education clear, affordable, and accessible. The Military Tuition Rate embodies the values of service and opportunity that define both SUNY and our campus community.”
Suffolk County Community College President Edward Bonahue said, “Suffolk County Community College is proud to be one of the first SUNY campuses to offer the new Military Tuition Rate. Our college has a long history of supporting service members and veterans, and we currently enroll more veterans than any other SUNY institution. This new military tuition award builds on our commitment, making it even easier for active-duty military, National Guard members, and Reservists to achieve their educational goals. We’re honored to help lead the way in expanding access to a SUNY education for those who serve our country.”
Tompkins Cortland Community College President Amy Kremenek said, “Tompkins Cortland Community College is proud to recognize the service and sacrifice of those who serve our country by adopting the Military Tuition Rate. With a wide array of programs designed for transfer or for direct entry into the workforce in living-wage careers, TC3 provides the pathway to affordable excellence in higher education. We are honored to support our military by helping to make that pathway even more level for those who serve.”
SUNY Ulster President Alison Buckley said, “At SUNY Ulster, we believe no veteran should have to choose between their service and their future. By keeping tuition below the federal Tuition Assistance cap, we’re doing more than meeting a number—we’re standing by those who’ve stood for us. This commitment reflects who we are as a college: a place where access, equity, and heartfelt gratitude for our veterans guide our decisions and inspire our community.”
Chancellor King and the SUNY Board of Trustees have bolstered support for SUNY’s veterans and military-connected students on their path to a college education. The dedicated one-stop shop website: www.suny.edu/military, includes information on available credit for military service and experience; tuition assistance, such as the Veterans Tuition Awards program approved by Governor Hochul; specialized scholarships; and dedicated campus services like veteran lounges and associations for all 64 SUNY campuses. The website also connects veterans with services offered by the counties where each campus is located, helping them stay close to home and community, and is regularly updated as new information becomes available. Currently more than 6,000 military-affiliated students are pursuing degrees at SUNY campuses.
In addition to the dedicated one-stop shop, SUNY:
· Provides free college application waivers for military-connected students year round, to up to seven campuses;
· Proactively recruits military-connected and veteran students led by SUNY’s first-ever Assistant Director of Enrollment for Military and Veteran Recruitment;
· Continues to expand prior learning assessment to help both adult learners and current and former military members to advance their careers; and
· Has launched the Veterans Enrollment and Support Internship Program to help fund paid internships for SUNY student veterans at 22 campuses.
About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.4 million students across its portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.16 billion in fiscal year 2024, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.
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