Alfred State College (ASC) has been added as a participating school in Governor Kathy Hochul’s SUNY Reconnect initiative. Adult learners, ages 25 to 55, can boost their earning power by getting a free associate degree in high-demand fields.
Reconnect includes the following fields of study: Advanced Manufacturing, Air Traffic Control and Aviation Management, Artificial intelligence, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Emergency Management, Supply Chain/Logistics, Technology, Nursing and Allied Health fields, Green and Renewable Energy, and Pathways to Teaching in Shortage Areas. (Full list of Alfred State SUNY Reconnect programs below)
SUNY Reconnect at Alfred State
“The cost of a college degree should never be a barrier for New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “Through the expansion of SUNY Reconnect and CUNY Reconnect, education will be made affordable and accessible for more of our adult learners. Everyone should have a chance to achieve their personal and professional dreams. Now, students — no matter their age — can do just that and lend us a helping hand in high-demand industries, which will help power New York State’s economy.”
Governor Hochul’s 2026-27 Enacted Budget expands SUNY Reconnect and CUNY Reconnect fields of study (full list below). The Enacted State Budget also made it easier for adult learners to return to college to pursue nursing if they have a prior degree in a different field, to further strengthen New York State’s nursing workforce and support Governor Hochul’s goal to grow the healthcare workforce by 20 percent.
The 2026-27 Enacted Budget also expands SUNY Reconnect to include eligible associate degree programs at bachelor’s-granting institutions. At SUNY, this includes: Alfred State, SUNY Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, SUNY Canton, SUNY Delhi, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF), SUNY Farmingdale State College, SUNY Maritime College and SUNY Morrisville. At CUNY, CUNY Reconnect will be expanded to support associate programs at: New York City College of Technology, Medgar Evers College and College of Staten Island.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “Governor Hochul’s SUNY Reconnect initiative has made it possible for adult learners throughout the state to embark on a path to upward mobility and pursue the careers of their dreams. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued investment and commitment to affordable public higher education, and the SUNY Board of Trustees for their leadership, so more New Yorkers can access a high-quality, life-changing education through SUNY.”
SUNY Board of Trustees said, “SUNY Reconnect has provided transformative educational opportunities for adult learners across New York. We are committed to ensuring New Yorkers have access to an affordable, excellent public higher education and that SUNY campuses throughout the state welcome new students and empower them to achieve their dreams. Thank you to Governor Hochul for her continued support of SUNY, and our adult learners.”
SUNY Reconnect and CUNY Reconnect, spearheaded by Governor Hochul and supported by the State Legislature, launched in May 2025 and officially began at community colleges throughout New York State in the Fall 2025 semester. Through the program, New York State provides free tuition, fees, books, and supplies for adults, ages 25-55, who have not yet earned a college degree and who pursue an associate degree in a high-demand field.
SUNY Reconnect and CUNY Reconnect have led to tremendous results. Statewide, colleges have enrolled over 12,000 students in the program, further supporting New York State’s economy and workforce in high-demand industries.
Learn more about SUNY Reconnect at Alfred State by visiting: https://www.alfredstate.edu/suny-reconnect.
Alfred State will offer the following programs in Reconnect:
| Alfred Campus: | |
| A.A.S. | Agricultural Automation and Robotics |
| A.A.S. | Architectural Technology |
| A.A.S. | Computer Engineering Technology |
| A.A.S. | Computer Information Systems |
| A.S. | Computer Science |
| A.A.S. | Construction Engineering Technology |
| A.A.S. | Diagnostic Medical Sonography |
| A.A.S. | Electrical Engineering Technology |
| A.A.S. | Health Information Technology |
| A.A. | Liberal Arts & Sciences: Adolescence Education (Teacher Education Transfer) |
| A.A.S. | Mechanical Engineering Technology |
| A.A.S. | Mechatronics Technology |
| A.A.S. | Nursing |
| A.A.S. | Radiologic Technology |
| A.A.S. | Surveying Engineering Technology |
| Wellsville Campus: | |
| A.O.S. | Autobody Repair |
| A.O.S. | Automotive Service Technician |
| A.O.S. | Building Trades: Building Construction |
| A.O.S. | CNC Manufacturing & Maintenance Electrician |
| A.O.S. | Electrical Construction & Maintenance Electrician |
| A.O.S. | Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning |
| A.O.S. | Heavy Equipment, Truck & Diesel Technician |
| A.O.S. | Masonry |
| A.O.S. | Motorsports Technology |
| A.O.S. | Welding Technology |