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
Who is eligible?
Starting in January 2027, free associate degrees through SUNY Reconnect are available to all New Yorkers ages 25 to 55, including those who already have a college degree.
A student must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Must be between the ages of 25 and 55.
- Students entering this age range must turn 25 on or before the first day of the part of term.
- Students aging out of this range must be no older than 55 on Jan. 1 of the year in which they enroll.
- Must be a New York State resident or qualify for in-state tuition.
- Must enroll in an eligible program.
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, currently enrolled in, or returning to one of the following programs may qualify for SUNY Reconnect, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
Some online courses have required on-campus labs and/or proctored exams. With careful planning and by speaking with an advisor, most of the degrees listed can be completed totally online. Courses also can be transferred from other institutions. However, at least 30 percent of the credits for your degree must be obtained at Hudson Valley Community College. In addition to the programs offered entirely online, a number of programs offer more than 50 percent of their courses online.
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
- Automotive Technical Services-Autobody Repair AOS
- Construction Technology - Building Construction AAS
- Chemical Dependency Counseling AAS
- Community Health Navigation AAS
- Cybersecurity AS
- Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic AAS
- Mechatronics AAS
Get in Touch
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.