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Adults can now earn a college degree in high-demand fields for free at �첥��Ƶ Cortland Community College, thanks to the new SUNY Reconnect program that was created as part of the just-approved New York State budget. The program provides for free associate degrees in high-demand fields for New Yorkers 25 to 55 years old, including tuition, fees, books, and supplies. 

“The approval of the New York State budget that includes Governor Kathy Hochul's proposal for free community college marks a significant milestone in our state’s commitment to education,” said TC3 President Amy Kremenek. “It is well documented that earning an associate degree in these high-demand fields will greatly enhance career opportunities and earnings, and now New Yorkers 25 to 55 will be able to get that degree at no cost. This will greatly benefit not only the individuals that earn their degree, and their families, but also New York State as a whole. We are very excited to remove the financial barrier to getting a degree for this group of students.”

When Governor Hochul first proposed free community college for adults as part of her State of the State address in January, it was noted that there are more than four million working-age adults in the state who do not have a college degree or credential. As the state looks to lead the way with emerging industries such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and green jobs, it is vital that higher education support those looking to enter these well-paying careers.

“The free community college program targets fields that are in high-demand, meaning participants will be getting skills that will make them highly employable immediately upon graduation,” said TC3 Vice President for Enrollment Management Robert Palmieri. “Adults students often face a different set of challenges when pursuing a college degree, and not having to pay for tuition, fees, or books addresses some of those challenges. Another key component of the SUNY Reconnect program is that it applies to both full-time and part-time students, which means students can take classes on the pace and schedule that best suits them. This program, coupled with all the other support services we offer at TC3, will help our adult students succeed, which will help our community thrive.”

At TC3, adults 25 to 55 years old with no previous college degree are eligible to earn a free degree in several programs, including Chemical Dependency Counseling, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Computer Support Specialist, Construction and Environmental Technology, Environmental Studies, Nursing, Sustainable Farming and Food Systems, Teacher Education Transfer - Adolescence, Teacher Education Transfer - Childhood, and Teacher Education Transfer - Early Childhood. Students can enroll now to start in the fall semester. More information is available at SUNY Reconnect | Free Community College Program.