Reconnect With Your Education
CUNY Reconnect opportunities are open to students aged 24 or older who are pursuing associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degrees, including those returning after stopping out and those enrolling for the first time. Whether you’re finishing what you started or beginning a new chapter, financial assistance may be available including:
- Completion Grants: One-time assistance for students with small, outstanding tuition balances.
- Forgiveness Grants: Helps settle previous balances that may prevent re-enrollment or registration
- Retention Grants: Applied directly to a student’s tuition in cases of unexpected financial challenges
- NYS Opportunity Promise Scholarship: Covers tuition, fees, and books for eligible learners enrolled in high-demand programs at CUNY community colleges
Personalized Help
CUNY Reconnect will pair you with an advisor called a Navigator who will help you achieve your educational and career goals by:
- Re-enrolling into a program
- Helping understand cost and financial aid options
- Sharing available services and resources
- Providing financial aid grants
- Choosing a new degree or certificate program
- Anything else you may need to meet your goals
Earn Your Associate Degree for Free
Now thanks to the New York State Opportunity Promise initiative, you can enroll in one of our 120+ high-demand associate degree programs for free*, with tuition, books and fees fully covered.
*Eligibility requirements are:
- Aged 25–55 as of January 1 of the semester they apply.
- No prior postsecondary degree.
- New York State resident or eligible for in-state tuition.
- Matriculated in an approved associate degree program in a high-demand field.
- Enroll in a minimum of 6 credits per semester and 12 per academic year.
- File FAFSA and apply for NYS TAP or the NYS DREAM Act, if eligible.
| College | Program and Industry | High Demand Industry | Program Code (CUNY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Engineering Science (A.S.) | Engineering | ESC-AS |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Geographic Information Science (GIS) (A.S.) | Environmental Science/Sustainability | GIS-AS |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Respiratory Therapy (A.A.S.) | Health Care (Non-Nursing) | RTT-AAS |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Nursing (A.A.S.) | Nursing | NUR-AAS |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Secondary Education for Social Studies | Teaching | SES-AA |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Mathematics and Sciences for Secondary Education (A.S.) | Teaching | SED-AS |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Bilingual Childhood Education (A.A.) | Teaching | EDB-AA |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Childhood Education (A.A.) | Teaching | EDU-AA |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Child Care/Early Childhood Education (A.S.) | Teaching | ECE-AS |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Science for Forensics (A.S.) | Technology | FSC-AS |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Health Information Technology (A.A.S.) | Technology | HIT-AAS |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Data Science (A.S.) | Technology | DSM-AS |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Biotechnology Science (A.S.) | Technology | BTE-AS |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Paramedic (A.A.S.) | Technology | EMT-AAS |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Animation and Motion Graphics (A.S.) | Technology | ANI-AS |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Video Arts and Technology (A.S.) | Technology | VAT-AS |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Multimedia Programming and Design (A.S.) | Technology | MMD-AS |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Computer Network Technology (A.A.S.) | Technology | CNT-AAS |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Digital Marketing (A.S.) | Technology | DMA-AS |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Computer Information Systems (A.A.S.) | Technology | CIS-AAS |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | Computer Science (A.S.) | Technology | CSC-AS |
| Bronx Community College | Cybersecurity & Networking AAS | Computer Science (Cybersecurity) | CYBNET-AAS |
| Bronx Community College | Engineering Science | Engineering | ENGRSCI-AS |
| Bronx Community College | Medical Office Assistant AAS | Health Care (Non-Nursing) | MEDOFF-AAS |
| Bronx Community College | Medical Laboratory Technician | Health Care (Non-Nursing) | MEDLAB-AAS |
| Bronx Community College | Health Sciences AS | Health Care (Non-Nursing) | HLTHSCI-AS |
| Bronx Community College | Nursing AAS | Nursing | NUR-AAS |
| Bronx Community College | Liberal Arts and Sciences – Early Childhood and Childhood Education Option AA | Teaching | LIBARTS-AA |
| Bronx Community College | Liberal Arts and Sciences – Secondary Education Option AA | Teaching | LIBARTS-AA |
| Bronx Community College | Education AS | Teaching | EDUC-AS |
| Bronx Community College | Biotechnology | Technology | BIOTECH-AS |
| Bronx Community College | Science for Forensics AS | Technology | FORSCI-AS |
| Bronx Community College | Electronic Engineering Technology AAS | Technology | ELC-AAS |
| Bronx Community College | Automotive Technology AAS | Technology | AUTO-AAS |
| Bronx Community College | Media and Digital Film Production AS | Technology | MEDP-AS |
| Bronx Community College | Computer Information Systems AAS | Technology | COMSYS-AAS |
| Bronx Community College | Digital Design AAS | Technology | DIGDES-AAS |
| Bronx Community College | Nuclear Medicine Technology AAS | Technology | NUCMED-AAS |
| Bronx Community College | Computer Science AS | Technology | COMPSCI-AS |
| Bronx Community College | Radiologic Technology AAS | Technology | RADTEC-AAS |
| Guttman Community College | Health Information Technology | Technology | HIT-AAS |
| Guttman Community College | Information Technology | Technology | IT-AAS |
| Hostos Community College | A.S. in Chemical Engineering Degree Description | Engineering | CHEENGR-AS |
| Hostos Community College | A.S. Electrical Engineering Science Degree Description | Engineering | ELEENGR-AS |
| Hostos Community College | A.S. in Mechanical Engineering Degree Description | Engineering | MECENGR-AS |
| Hostos Community College | A.S. in Civil Engineering Degree Description | Engineering | CIVENGR-AS |
| Hostos Community College | A.A.S. in Dental Hygiene Degree Description | Health Care (Non-Nursing) | DENHYG-AAS |
| Hostos Community College | Nursing | Nursing | NURS-AAS |
| Hostos Community College | Teacher Education Option | Teaching | LIBARTS-AA |
| Hostos Community College | A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences Degree Description | Technology | FORSCI-AA |
| Hostos Community College | A.A.S. Digital Music Degree Description | Technology | DM-AAS |
| Hostos Community College | Game Design | Technology | GAME-AAS |
| Hostos Community College | Digital Design & Animation | Technology | DD-AAS |
| Hostos Community College | A.S. in Computer Science Degree Description | Technology | CSCI-AS |
| Hostos Community College | Radiologic Technology | Technology | XRAY-AAS |
| Kingsborough Community College | Program: Engineering Science, A.S. – Modern Campus Catalog™ | Engineering | EGRSCI-AS |
| Kingsborough Community College | Physical Therapist Assistant, A.A.S. | Health Care (Non-Nursing) | PTA-AAS |
| Kingsborough Community College | Polysomnographic Technology, A.A.S. | Health Care (Non-Nursing) | PSG-AAS |
| Kingsborough Community College | Addiction Studies, A.S. | Health Care (Non-Nursing) | CDC-AS |
| Kingsborough Community College | Community Health, A.S. | Health Care (Non-Nursing) | COMHL-AS |
| Kingsborough Community College | Health Sciences, A.S. | Health Care (Non-Nursing) | HLTHSCI-AS |
| Kingsborough Community College | Mental Health and Human Services, A.S. | Health Care (Non-Nursing) | MHHS-AS |
| Kingsborough Community College | Nursing, A.A.S. | Nursing | NUR-AAS |
| Kingsborough Community College | Liberal Arts – Secondary Education Concentration, A.A. | Teaching | LIBARTS-AA |
| Kingsborough Community College | Physical Education, Recreation and Recreation Therapy, A.S. | Teaching | PERRT-AS |
| Kingsborough Community College | Education Studies, A.S. | Teaching | EDUST-AS |
| Kingsborough Community College | Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic (EMS-P), A.A.S. | Technology | EMS-AAS |
| Kingsborough Community College | Science for Forensics, A.S. | Technology | SCIFOR-AS |
| Kingsborough Community College | Biotechnology, A.S. | Technology | BIOTECH-AS |
| Kingsborough Community College | Media Arts, A.S. | Technology | MEDART-AS |
| Kingsborough Community College | Maritime Technology, A.A.S. | Technology | MTECH-AAS |
| Kingsborough Community College | Computer Information Systems, A.A.S. | Technology | CIS-AAS |
| Kingsborough Community College | Surgical Technology, A.A.S. | Technology | STECH-AAS |
| Kingsborough Community College | Computer Science, A.S. | Technology | CS-AS |
| LaGuardia Community College | Industrial Design, A.A.S. | Advanced Manufacturing | IDSTH-AAS |
| LaGuardia Community College | Cybersecurity, AAS | Computer Science (Cybersecurity) | CYBER-AAS |
| LaGuardia Community College | Engineering: Mechanical Engineering, AS | Engineering | ENGNMCH-AS |
| LaGuardia Community College | Engineering: Civil Engineering, AS | Engineering | ENGN-AS |
| LaGuardia Community College | Engineering: Electrical Engineering, AS | Engineering | ENGNELE-AS |
| LaGuardia Community College | Environmental Science, AS | Environmental Science/Sustainability | ENVSC-AS |
| LaGuardia Community College | Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), AAS | Health Care (Non-Nursing) | OCTHR-AAS |
| LaGuardia Community College | Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), AAS | Health Care (Non-Nursing) | PYTRA-AAS |
| LaGuardia Community College | Human Services: Mental Health, AA | Health Care (Non-Nursing) | HSMNTH-AA |
| LaGuardia Community College | Nursing (Registered Nurse/RN), AAS | Nursing | NRS-AAS |
| LaGuardia Community College | EMT/Paramedic, AAS | Health Care (Non-Nursing) | PMTPR-AAS |
| LaGuardia Community College | Education Associate: The Bilingual Child, AA | Teaching | EDASC-AA |
| LaGuardia Community College | Education AA | Teaching | EDUC-AA |
| LaGuardia Community College | Social Science and Humanities AA (Liberal Arts: Teacher Education) | Teaching | LIBART-AA |
| LaGuardia Community College | Energy Technician: Electrical Concentration, AAS | Technology | ENRGTC-AAS |
| LaGuardia Community College | New Media Technology, AAS | Technology | NMDTH-AAS |
| LaGuardia Community College | Computer Technology, AAS | Technology | CMPTH-AAS |
| LaGuardia Community College | Music Recording Technology, AAS | Technology | MSRT-AAS |
| LaGuardia Community College | Radiologic Technology, AAS | Technology | RDTCH-AAS |
| LaGuardia Community College | Programming and Software Development, AAS | Technology | PRGSYS-AAS |
| LaGuardia Community College | Computer Science, AS | Technology | CMPSC-AS |
| Queensborough Community College | Cybersecurity | Computer Science (Cybersecurity) | CYB-AAS |
| Queensborough Community College | Computer Science and Information Security | Computer Science (Cybersecurity) | CSS-AS |
| Queensborough Community College | Engineering Science | Engineering | PE-AS |
| Queensborough Community College | Environmental Science – Associate in Science degree (AS) | Environmental Science/Sustainability | ES-AS |
| Queensborough Community College | Health Sciences, A.S. | Health Care (Non-Nursing) | HS-AS |
| Queensborough Community College | Nursing (A.A.S.), Dual/Joint with York | Nursing | NY-AAS |
| Queensborough Community College | Nursing (A.A.S.), Dual/Joint with Hunter | Nursing | NH-AAS |
| Queensborough Community College | Nursing (A.A.S.), Dual/Joint with School of Professional Studies | Nursing | NPS-AAS |
| Queensborough Community College | Degree Program in Nursing (AAS) | Nursing | NS-AAS |
| Queensborough Community College | Liberal Arts and Sciences | Teaching | LE-AA |
| Queensborough Community College | Science for Forensics | Technology | SF-AS |
| Queensborough Community College | Biotechnology (A.S.), Dual/Joint with York | Technology | BY-AS |
| Queensborough Community College | Computer Information Systems, A.S. | Technology | CIS-AS |
| Queensborough Community College | Film and Media Production, A.S. | Technology | FLMP-AS |
| Queensborough Community College | Music Production, A.A.S. | Technology | ME-AAS |
| Queensborough Community College | Mechanical Engineering Technology | Technology | MT-AAS |
| Queensborough Community College | Telecommunications Technology | Technology | TC-AAS |
| Queensborough Community College | Computer Engineering Technology | Technology | CT-AAS |
| Queensborough Community College | Electronic Engineering Technology | Technology | ET-AAS |
| Queensborough Community College | Internet Technology | Technology | EM-AAS |
| Queensborough Community College | Digital Art Design | Technology | DA-AS |
| Queensborough Community College | Architectural Technology | Technology | ARC-AAS |
| Queensborough Community College | Medical Assistant | Technology | MA-AAS |
| Queensborough Community College | Computer Science | Technology | CSCI-AS |
Student FAQs
- What are the eligibility requirements for NYSOP?
To qualify, students must:- Be between 25 and 55 years old as of the first day of classes for the semester
- Have no prior degree
- Be a New York State resident or qualify for in-state tuition
- Enroll in an approved associate degree program in a high-demand field
- Take at least six (6) credits per semester at a CUNY community college
- Earn twelve (12) credits per academic year
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- Complete your degree within ten (10) semesters
This program is available to new, transfer or continuing students already in an eligible program of study.
- Is submitting the FAFSA and NYS TAP applications required?
Yes, you must file both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application. - Is there a supplemental NYSOP scholarship application?
No. Students are automatically reviewed for the NYSOP scholarship when they apply to a CUNY Community College. - What does the NYSOP Scholarship cover?
Eligible applicants will receive tuition, mandatory fees, and the cost of books and supplies after all other financial aid has been applied. This does not include Federal Work-Study, student loans, or VA benefits.
- What happens if I change my major?
Your new major will be reviewed for eligibility under NYSOP requirements. If it qualifies, your NYSOP benefits will continue. - Do I need to maintain a certain grade?
NYSOP students must remain in good academic standing in accordance with your specific college program requirements. - What happens if I go on leave or stop out?
NYSOP benefits are not paid during periods when you are not enrolled. However, if you stop out for one term, you can still remain in the program as long as you complete the required number of credits (12 per year) in the remaining terms of the calendar year. - How can academic advisement support me as a NYSOP student returning to college after time away?
Academic advisors can help you navigate your return to college by reviewing your academic history, exploring eligible degree options in high-demand fields, and creating a personalized course plan that aligns with your goals. They will also connect you with resources such as tutoring, career counseling, credit for prior learning, and disability/accessibility services to help ease your transition. - If I work full-time, how can I manage my course load and stay on track to complete my degree?
Academic advisors can help design a flexible academic plan that balances your work schedule, including evening, weekend, and/or online courses if available. They will monitor your progress alongside you to ensure you meet the minimum 6-credit-per-semester requirement (12 credits per academic year). - How can participating in NYSOP help me reach my long-term career goals?
The NYSOP program is designed to align your education with New York’s fastest-growing industries. By enrolling in a high-demand field, you’ll gain relevant skills and credentials that boost your employability and earning potential. Academic advisors can help you map out a path from your associate degree directly into the workforce or onto further your education, ensuring your academic journey supports your long-term goals. - I am a transfer student. Is there a maximum number of credits I can transfer into the NYSOP eligible major?
No, there is no maximum number of transfer credits that can be transferred. However, a minimum number of credits in residency is still required at the institution, as long as the remaining coursework aligns with the number of credits campuses require to be taken at their institution. - Once in the program, can I change to a different NYSOP-eligible major?
Yes! You should work closely with your advisor to understand how the change might impact your timeline to graduation. The program’s ten (10) semester limit does not reset with a new major. Movement to a new major (even if an approved one) that would not allow completion within the 10-semester timeframe will forfeit program participation and benefits. - What are the different ways to earn Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), and how do they differ?
CUNY colleges offer several ways to earn CPL credit. Options may vary by campus, so it is important to check your specific college for details and eligibility.
• Standardized Exams
All CUNY colleges award CPL credit for qualifying scores on exams from six nationally recognized programs: AP, CLEP, IB, DSST, DLPT, and AICE. The amount and type of credit awarded is determined by each college’s academic department.
• Non-College Learning
You may be eligible for CPL credit based on your work, military, or life experience. This includes:
• Industry-recognized credentials
• Professional licenses
• Military or Workplace training
• Certificate programs
• Other documented learning experiences
These are evaluated by academic departments, often using recommendations from national organizations such as the American Council on Education (ACE) or the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS).
Portfolio Assessment
Some colleges allow students to earn credit by submitting a portfolio that documents their learning through work experience, fieldwork, or lived experiences. Faculty or subject matter experts review the portfolio to determine credit eligibility.
Faculty Challenge Exams
Some colleges offer Challenge Exams, which allow you to demonstrate knowledge of a specific course. These exams are created and evaluated by faculty, and eligibility requirements may apply. - Is there a limit to how many CPL credits I can earn?
CPL credits are treated like transfer credits, and each college sets its own limits on how many can be applied toward a degree. - Will CPL credits transfer between CUNY schools or count toward a new major?
Yes! CPL credits appear on your transcript like any other course credit. If you transfer to another CUNY college, those credits will transfer with you as though you took the course at your original CUNY college. If you change majors, the credits will still be on your transcript. Whether they count toward your new program depends on how they align with the new degree requirements. They may fulfill major requirements or count as electives. - When and how do I apply for CPL credit?
To receive CPL credit, you must be officially enrolled at a CUNY college. Contact your college’s CPL office to learn about:
• CPL options available at your college
• Eligibility requirements
• Required documentation
• Application timelines
You can find contact info on the ‘Earn Credit for What You Know‘ page. CPL credits can be earned for eligible learning at any time while you are enrolled, not just at the point of enrollment or for learning acquired prior to college. - How can I learn more about CPL opportunities across CUNY?
Each CUNY college offers its own CPL options. To explore your choices:
• Visit the ‘Earn Credit for What You Know‘ page for contact information by campus
• If your college is not listed, contact its admissions office for help.
• Use the ‘Transfer Explorer‘ tool to search for CPL options related to non-CUNY courses, training, and exams. A short instructional video is also available to guide you. - Are online programs just as good as on campus programs?
CUNY’s online programs follow the same curriculum and are taught by the same qualified faculty as on-campus courses. You will earn the same credits, and your transcript will not indicate whether a course was taken online or in person. - Do online classes have set meeting times?
Fully online asynchronous courses do not have set meeting times. You can log in and complete the work on your own schedule, as long as you meet the deadlines. Some online classes are synchronous and require you to meet at scheduled times, usually via Zoom. - Is tuition different for online programs?
No. Tuition for online programs is generally the same as for in-person programs. However, you may save money on transportation, parking, and other commuting costs. - Can I get financial aid for online programs?
Yes. If you are enrolled in an eligible online program that offers for-credit courses, you can apply for financial aid just like an in-person student - I’m already part of another program (College Discovery, ASAP, etc.) can I still get this scholarship?
Yes! As long as you meet all the requirements, you can still get NYSOP. It will be applied after all other financial aid and program support. This ensures students receive the full range of support available to them.
- Will help with childcare be provided?
Yes. CUNY has a network of seventeen (17) on-campus childcare centers and a Student Parent Liaison who can assist you in finding a childcare placement for your child. Start here for more information. If you are unsure about what you might need, please fill out the Interest Form and you will be contacted with more details. - Where do I find information about internships and careers?
You can start by visiting the Career Success Initiatives website, which includes information about CUNY-wide internships, apprenticeships, and other professional development opportunities. You should also check your college’s career center website for campus-specific resources, upcoming events, and one-on-one support.
Career Success Initiatives –This site includes information about CUNY-wide internships, apprenticeships, and other helpful professional development resources.
Career Center website – Check your college’s career center website for campus-specific resources, upcoming events, and one-on-one support. - What is campus life like for adult learners?
The Student Affairs Divisions of each College provide quality services and programs, which support the academic mission of the University and enhance student learning and development for all students. Students are invited and encouraged to explore their interests. - Are there any services available for veterans and active-duty military students?
Yes. The CUNY Office of Veterans Affairs (COVA) is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and developing a channel of communication among our 3,000 dependents, spouses, faculty, staff and administration who are veterans, reservists, national guard members and military-aligned community members. - Are there services for students with disabilities?
Yes, CUNY is deeply committed to ensuring equal access and opportunity for students with disabilities through innovative support programs, grounded in nationally regarded best practices in postsecondary disability services which support the academic success and personal development of students with disabilities. Each campus features an Office of Disability and Accessibility Services.
Education for Every Journey
Reconnect Navigators can help you no matter what your path may be: if you have some credits and want to finish your degree, are looking to change career paths, or didn’t go to college because of the pandemic.
First-Time in College?
Not to worry! We’ll help you get started. We can walk you through your many options at CUNY and help you find your match!
Have Some Credits?
Save time and money with our help to make sure you get as many college credits counted towards your new degree as possible. We’re here to help you start planning your transition!
Looking for Child Care?
Student parents enjoy peace of mind knowing that while you study, your child is cared for in one of our 17 high-quality and affordable CUNY Early Childcare Centers. Complete our interest form here.
Are You A Veteran?
We welcome veterans and their dependents who are all eligible to receive a CUNY Application fee waiver and are exempt from paying the commitment deposit.
Info Sessions & Campus Tours
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World-Class, Affordable Education
We believe that an exceptional education should expand your mind and opportunities without breaking the bank. Our degrees are the most affordable in New York City.
$4.8K
CUNY 2-Year Colleges
In-state tuition
$6.9K
CUNY 4-Year Colleges
In-state tuition
77%
CUNY students graduate
with $0 debt
72%
in-state undergrads
attend tuition-free
CUNY propelled almost six times as many low-income students into the middle class and beyond as all eight Ivy League campuses, plus Duke, M.I.T., Stanford and Chicago, combined.
Study at 26 Colleges Across NYC
Our University spans 26 unique colleges across all five boroughs.
7
Two-Year
Colleges
11
Four-Year
Colleges
8
Graduate, Honors
& Professional Schools
7
Two-Year
Colleges
11
Four-Year
Colleges
8
Graduate, Honors
& Professional Schools
