Free Associate Degrees for Adult Learners at HVCC

Boost your earning power with a free associate degree in a high-demand field.

Ready to upgrade your career?

• Flexible scheduling and online options to study while you work
• Earn a degree for a good-paying job in a growing industry
• Dedicated advising and personal support for adult learners

Virtual Information Sessions

Learn more about SUNY Reconnect at one of our virtual information sessions! We'll cover  eligibility requirements, the application process, and more.

Select a date below to register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the webinar.

• Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.

Who is eligible?

New Yorkers 25-55 years old without a college degree who enroll in an eligible full-time or part-time associate degree program.

A student must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• A student must be aged 25-55 years.
  • A student aging into this range must turn 25 on or before the first day of the part of term.
  • A student aging out of this range must be no older than 55 on January 1 of the year in which they enroll.
• A student cannot have already earned an associate or higher-level degree regardless of where it was earned.
  • A student with certificate(s), microcredential(s), or some college credits but no degree are eligible.
• A student must be a resident of NYS or qualify for in-state tuition.

There is no separate application for SUNY Reconnect. Funding will be automatically applied to a student’s account if and when all eligibility criteria are met, and students will be notified through their WIReD account. Students interested in enrolling should apply for admission. In addition, students who are eligible to do so must apply for TAP or the NYS DREAM Act and must make every effort to maximize federal aid by completing the FAFSA, if applicable.

See Frequently Asked Questions on SUNY Reconnect for more details.

What does “free” mean?

The SUNY Reconnect program covers the cost of tuition, fees, books and supplies after all other financial aid is applied.

Eligible Programs

Students enrolling in the following programs, current students, and students returning to the program may qualify for SUNY Reconnect, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria:

• Addictions Counseling AAS
• Architectural Technology AAS
• Automotive Technical Services AOS
• Automotive Technical Services-Autobody Repair AOS
• Civil Engineering Technology AAS
• Clean Energy Management AAS
• CNC Machining Technology AOS
• Community and Public Health AS
• Computer Information Systems AAS
• Computer Information Systems AS
• Construction Technology - Building Construction AOS
• Dental Hygiene AAS
• Digital Media AS
• Early Childhood and Childhood Education Studies AS
• Electric and Autonomous Vehicles AOS
• Electrical Construction and Maintenance AOS
• Electrical Engineering Technology-Electronics AAS
• Electrical Technology: Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology AAS
• Engineering Science AS
• Environmental Science AS
• Hacking and Cybersecurity AS
• Health and Wellness Studies AS
• Health Science AS
• Heating/Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Technical Services AOS
• Liberal Arts & Sciences - Adolescent Education (Teacher Education Transfer) AS
• Mechanical Engineering Technology AAS
• Mechatronics AOS
• Nursing AAS
• Paramedic AAS
• Polysomnography AAS
• Radiologic Technology AAS
• Respiratory Care AAS
• Surgical Technology AAS
• Welding and Fabrication AOS

Programs Not Accepting New Students
The following programs are no longer accepting new students due to changes in program title or degree type. However, students who are currently enrolled or returning to these programs may still qualify for SUNY Reconnect, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria:

• Advanced Manufacturing Technology AOS
• Construction Technology - Building Construction AAS
• Chemical Dependency Counseling AAS
• Community Health Navigation AAS
• Cybersecurity AS
• Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic AAS
• Mechatronics AAS

Request Information Apply