SUNY Reconnect

Free Education for Adult Learners at Genesee Community College

Boost your earning power with a free associate degree in high-demand fields like nursing, health professions, cybersecurity, teaching, and more!

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for SUNY Reconnect, you must:

• Be a New York State resident or eligible for in-state tuition
• Be at least 25 years old by the first day of the enrollment semester AND No older than 55 years on January 1 of the year in which they enroll
• Have not previously earned a degree (can have college credits, certificate, or micro-credential)
• Enroll in an eligible high-demand program
• Attend full-time or part-time (minimum 6 credits per semester)
• New for Fall 2026: Students who hold a prior degree who are admitted directly into the nursing program and meet all the other SUNY Reconnect requirements are now eligible for SUNY Reconnect Funding.
  • Note: This funding does not cover nursing program pre-requisite courses for those holding a prior degree.

SUNY Reconnect Information Session

Thinking about going back to college? Join us for a virtual SUNY Reconnect Information Session to learn how eligible adults (ages 25–55) can return to school tuition-free. Hear from GCC staff in Financial Aid, Student Success, and AEOC, and get answers to your questions during a live Q&A.

Eligible Programs of Study at GCC

Explore eligible programs of study 

Next Steps for Getting Started

• Step 1: Apply to GCC and choose an eligible program listed above
• Step 2: Submit required documentation: 
  • Official high school transcript or copy of GED or high school equivalency
  • Official college transcripts
  • Certificate of Residence 
    • Genesee County Residents Application –Certificate of Residence Application
    • All other New York Counties Application-Certificate of Residence Application
• Step 3: Apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
• Step 4: *Apply for New York State aid programs at https://www.tap.hesc.ny.gov/totw/
• Step 5.  Upon acceptance to GCC, complete the required GCC SUNY Reconnect Attestation Agreement.

*Students who do not meet residency requirements or have privacy concerns related to completing the FAFSA can find additional information on receiving NYS financial aid through the NYS DREAM Act https://www.hesc.ny.gov/applying-aid/nys-dream-act