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Nontraditional and returning students could get free tuition at OCC through SUNY Reconnect program

A pathway leading to the Gordon Student Center at OCC.
John Smith / WAER News
A pathway leading to the Gordon Student Center at OCC.

Central New York learners between the ages of 25 to 55 who began college and then stopped - or never started - have a chance to get free tuition at Onondaga Community College. The “SUNY Reconnect” program is funded in the new state budget and it’s already generating a lot of interest.

OCC’s VP of enrollment management Sarah Gaffney said non-traditional students can work toward earning an Associate's degree.

“So that's one of the first groups of people that we are talking to about this program and making them aware,” she said. “Because if they didn't go on to another institution, then they would be eligible, and it would be great for them to return.”

OCC has about 800 former students in a database who haven’t completed their degrees. Gaffney says some have outstanding balances and this program won’t wipe away that debt. However, going forward, they could get free tuition to study in high-demand fields.

"The technology fields are considered high demand, so those programs are included as eligible. But, also teachers on an education pathway for those that need to be in the classroom... and those programs are also eligible, including the medical fields,” she said.

Anyone interested in earning a degree for the first time or returning to college to finish a degree in one of 19 programs can make an appointment to meet in person or virtually. Click here for further details.

SUNY estimates 4 million New York adult workers lack a college degree or certificate of expertise.

John Smith has been waking up WAER listeners for a long time as our Local Co-Host of Morning Edition with timely news and information, working alongside student Sportscasters from the Newhouse School.