[Important Information for Students] Fwd: News Release: Chancellor King Announces New SUNY Military Tuition Rate for Active Service Members

[Office of the President]

[image: Veteran photo.JPG]


Dear Campus Community,

This morning, our campus gathered at the Hawkins Hall flagpole, alongside
our Clinton Community College partners, to honor the veterans among us and
across the North Country. I extend my sincere thanks to all who attended
and to those who helped create a meaningful ceremony reflecting the
courage, integrity, and sacrifice of those who serve and the families who
stand beside them.

As we reflect on Veterans Day and its enduring significance, I am proud to
share that SUNY has announced a new Military Tuition Rate, an important
step toward fulfilling our system wide commitment to become the most
military-inclusive public higher education system in the nation.

At SUNY Plattsburgh, we take great pride in being part of this work, both
through this initiative and through the daily efforts of our faculty and
staff who support veterans and military-connected students. This program
strengthens our shared commitment to access, service, and opportunity for
all.

You can read the full announcement from SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.
below.

Thank you for continuing to make SUNY Plattsburgh a community that honors
service not only in moments of remembrance but through the opportunities we
create every day.

In appreciation,

Dr. Alexander Enyedi
President

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: SUNY Communications <communications at suny.edu>
Date: Tue, Nov 11, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Subject: News Release: Chancellor King Announces New SUNY Military Tuition
Rate for Active Service Members
To: <SUNYPIO-L at ls.sysadm.suny.edu>








*For Immediate Release: Tuesday, November 11, 2025*

Contact: Holly Liapis, Holly.Liapis at suny.edu, (518) 477-0757



*Chancellor King Announces New SUNY Military Tuition Rate for Active
Service Members*



*Program Aligns Tuition with Federal Tuition Benefits to Expand Access for
Those Currently Serving*



*Albany, NY* – State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr.
today announced the launch of the SUNY Military Tuition Rate Program, a new
system-wide initiative that will ensure SUNY’s academic excellence is fully
affordable for active-duty service members, members of the National Guard,
and members of the Reserves.



This initiative ensures that those currently serving can access
high-quality, affordable SUNY undergraduate degree and microcredential
programs in person or online without additional costs or barriers. The
program addresses a long-standing challenge faced by active service members
whose federal tuition assistance often falls short of full tuition at
public universities.



The program will begin in the Spring 2026 semester at select SUNY campuses
– including Empire State University, State University of New York at
Albany, State University of New York at Buffalo, Alfred State College, SUNY
Brockport, SUNY Canton, Clinton Community College, Columbia-Greene
Community College, Dutchess Community College, SUNY Erie, SUNY Farmingdale
State College, SUNY Geneseo, Monroe Community College, Nassau Community
College, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Old Westbury, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Orange, SUNY
Oswego, SUNY Plattsburgh, Suffolk County Community College, Tompkins
Cortland Community College, and SUNY Ulster – and extend to all SUNY
campuses beginning in Fall 2026.



“As part of SUNY’s ongoing efforts to honor the heroes who have answered
the call to serve, we are taking action for those who currently serve
today,” *said SUNY Chancellor King. *“With the new military tuition rate,
SUNY is removing barriers and making sure cost is never what stands between
servicemembers and their education. On Veterans Day, and every day, SUNY is
proud to support our veterans, active duty servicemembers, and
military-connected students.”



*The SUNY Board of Trustees said,* “As we celebrate Veterans Day, we
proudly recognize the noble and selfless sacrifice of those who have served
and continue to protect our nation. This new military tuition rate will
help empower those who continue to serve to be able to pursue an education
at a SUNY institution. Our veterans and military-connected students
strengthen our communities, and we appreciate and admire their
contributions each and every day.”



*State Senator Jacob Ashby said, *“Providing additional state aid to make
higher education more affordable and accessible for New Yorkers who have
served our country is right for our economy, right for our communities and,
most importantly, a win for our veterans and their families.”



*State Senator Daniel Stec said*, “If you’re serving our nation and
defending our freedoms, the pursuit of higher education should not be
cost-prohibitive. The SUNY Military Tuition Rate Program will help make
college more affordable and help ensure our active duty servicemembers
receive the college education and post-military skills development they
deserve.”



*State Assemblymember Steve Stern said, *“As the Chairman of the Veterans’
Affairs Committee of the New York State Assembly, I applaud Chancellor King
and the State University of New York (SUNY) for this innovative initiative
to make tuition more affordable for active-duty personnel, and members of
the National Guard and Reserves. The new SUNY Military Tuition Rate Program
will expand affordable education opportunities to the brave men and women
who have sacrificed so much to protect our great nation. This program helps
active-duty personnel by providing additional financial aid, in tandem with
Federal tuition programs to close any gaps and allow those currently
serving to complete their education in-person or online while continuing
their service to our great nation. We owe those who serve meaningful
support and this program accomplishes that goal.”



*Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter, Speaker Pro Tempore said,* “As a veteran,
I know how important access to affordable education is for those who serve.
SUNY’s new military tuition rate removes financial barriers and shows real
gratitude to our active-duty service members, National Guard, and Reserve
members. This initiative is a powerful example of New York’s continued
commitment to those who defend our nation.”



*State Assemblymember Joseph Angelino said,* “Members of the armed forces
sacrifice so much, which we can truly never repay, but we can try, and that
is why I am pleased to see the new SUNY initiative to make tuition more
affordable for service members. As a veteran myself, I know just how
helpful this program will be to make sure our men and women in uniform
receive a quality education.”



*State Assemblymember Angelo Morinello said*, “The new SUNY Military
Tuition Rate for active service members is yet another way that SUNY
Niagara is a valid part of the Niagara County community. This will
certainly be a welcome addition to the DOD Tuition Assistance Program
already in place and will give active service members a greater chance to
state and, or complete their undergraduate education. We applaud Chancellor
King and all who made this possible.”



*State Assemblymember Kwani O’Pharrow said,* “As a veteran, I have
personally experienced the sacrifices made by those in service. This
initiative reflects SUNY’s strong dedication to providing the men and women
who defend our country with access to the affordable, high-quality
education they rightfully deserve. It’s an investment not only in their
future but also in the resilience and leadership of our communities.”



*State University of New York at Albany President Havidán Rodríguez said,*
“The University at Albany is proud to support our military students in
their pursuit of higher education by being early adopters of SUNY’s new
Military Tuition Rate. As a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, I understand
firsthand how transformational this support for members of the military can
be: I completed my bachelor’s degree while serving my country and doing so
changed my life’s trajectory. I am proud that SUNY is making this important
commitment to support our military students.”



*Alfred State College President Steven Mauro said, *“SUNY is making members
of the military feel right at home with this new initiative, and Alfred
State College eagerly volunteered to be among the first adopters of the
Military Tuition Rate. Our team is dedicated to personalizing support and
resources to make college entry both affordable and seamless for all
students, especially those with military service, who have given so much to
this country. Many of our faculty and staff are veterans or from military
families themselves, so they have a unique ability to offer mentorship and
guidance to help service members succeed as part of our special community.”



*SUNY Brockport President Heidi Macpherson said,* “SUNY Brockport is
grateful to those who serve our country, and we believe that they deserve
access to a high quality, flexible, and affordable education. We are so
pleased to be among the early adopters of SUNY’s new Military Tuition Rate,
and we look forward to welcoming many more active-duty military members,
members of the National Guard, and members of the Reserves to our campus in
the years to come. We thank Chancellor King for his leadership and clear
commitment to making SUNY the most military-inclusive public higher
education system in the nation.”



*State University of New York at Buffalo* *Vice President for Student Life
Brian F. Hamluk said,* “The University at Buffalo is proud to be ranked as
one of the top schools in the country in supporting Veteran students. This
tuition initiative will serve to further support the defining moments
students face when returning from service to civilian life in pursuit of
their UB degree. Our campus community is stronger with our Veteran and
military students, and we are committed to fostering their success.”



*SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran said, *“The Military Tuition Rate
Program reflects our college’s deep commitment to supporting those who
serve in our armed forces. It is the latest in a series of strategies to
remove financial barriers and expand access to a high-quality SUNY Canton
education and it deepens on our commitment to being a military-friendly
college.”



*Clinton Community College Acting President Ken Knelly said,* “At Clinton
Community College, we are deeply committed to serving those who serve our
country. By aligning with SUNY’s new Military Tuition Rate, we’re removing
financial barriers and opening doors to educational opportunities for our
military students, whether they’re learning online or on campus. It is
imperative that we work together to ensure their success.”



*Columbia-Greene Community College Vice President for Administration and
Finance Amanda Bishop said,* “At Columbia-Greene Community College, we are
proud to honor and support our active-duty service members, members of the
Reserves, and veterans by expanding affordable access to higher education.
This initiative reflects our deep commitment to helping those who serve our
nation build new opportunities for themselves, their families, and our
community.”



*Dutchess Community College Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness
and Chief of Staff Susan Rogers said,* “At DCC, every student is welcomed,
supported, and valued — especially our military-affiliated students and
their families, whose unique life experiences deeply enrich our campus
community. We are proud to be recognized as a military-friendly institution
and to offer comprehensive resources through our Veterans Resource Center,
which is widely known for its care and connection with current and former
service members. As one of the most affordable colleges in the SUNY system,
we applaud SUNY’s efforts to make higher education even more accessible for
military students and their families.”



*Empire State University President Lisa Vollendorf said, *“SUNY Empire has
a longstanding commitment to veterans and military-affiliated students. As
an online university, we understand that true access means meeting service
members where they are—financially and geographically. We applaud
Chancellor King's leadership to make a system-wide commitment to removing
barriers and expanding access to a SUNY education for military-affiliated
students.”



*SUNY Erie President Adiam Tsegai said,* “SUNY Erie is honored to join SUNY
in expanding access and affordability for our active-duty military,
National Guard, and Reserve members. This initiative reflects our shared
commitment to access, equity, and opportunity by ensuring that members of
the military can pursue their educational goals without financial barriers.”




*SUNY Farmingdale State College President* *Robert S. Prezant said, *“We
honor and applaud our student veterans’ strength of service, depth of
experience, and valuable leadership on our campus. With one of the highest
percentages of student veterans among SUNY campuses, FSC recognizes their
academic achievements and works to support their professional aspirations.
We are proud to support this new initiative and take steps to promote their
continued learning and growth.”



*SUNY Geneseo President Melinda Treadwell said,* “As SUNY’s public honors
college, Geneseo is proud to be among the first campuses to adopt the SUNY
Military Tuition Rate for all eligible individuals. Our mission is to
provide an exceptional, accessible education that develops critical
thinkers and engaged citizens. Aligning our tuition structure with the
federal Military Tuition Assistance rate provides enhanced access and
extends the transformative power of a liberal arts education to those who
serve our country. This early adoption reflects our commitment to equity,
service, and academic excellence, values that define Geneseo and resonate
deeply with the ideals of public liberal arts education.”



*Monroe Community College President DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna said, *“Monroe
Community College is proud to support SUNY’s new Military Tuition Rate and
to be an early adopter starting in Spring 2026. At MCC, we are deeply
committed to ensuring that those who serve our nation have every
opportunity to reach their educational and career goals. This initiative
reflects our ongoing dedication to making higher education more accessible,
affordable, and responsive to the needs of our military-connected
students.”



*SUNY New Paltz President Darrell P. Wheeler said,* “As someone who also
wore that uniform, it is my privilege to work at a SUNY institution that
honors the contributions and the sacrifices of active military members,
veterans and their families. I applaud Chancellor King and the Board of
Trustees for their support of the new SUNY Military Tuition Rate, which
promises to make public university degrees even more accessible as a
pathway to stable, family-sustaining careers for students who have served
their country.”



*SUNY Old Westbury President Timothy E. Sams said, *“We as a campus are
very proud to share in SUNY’s commitment to those who defend and protect
our nation and its Constitution. SUNY's new Military Tuition Rate Program
will help strengthen their skills for the critical work they will do while
in service to our nation, while also ensuring they are well prepared for
civilian work and life -- and we are honored to be part of that mission.”



*SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle said,* “SUNY Oneonta is proud to
be part of our public university system’s commitment to leading
military-inclusive public higher education. On this day and throughout the
year, we honor veterans for their service to our country and their belief
in and strength to protect our democracy. Offering affordable tuition for
our activity-duty military members aligns with SUNY Oneonta’s commitment to
creating a campus environment where every individual feels valued,
respected and empowered to thrive here and beyond.”



*SUNY Orange President Kristine Young said, *“SUNY’s new initiative mirrors
the values that have defined SUNY Orange since our founding more than 75
years ago—removing barriers and creating pathways to opportunity for
everyone in our community. Our active-duty service members juggle
extraordinary demands while pursuing their education, and they deserve our
full support. At SUNY Orange, we’ve long been committed to serving our
military-connected students and are proud of our status as a Military
Friendly Silver institution. By aligning our tuition structure with federal
Military Tuition Assistance, we’re ensuring that those who serve or have
served our country can access the education they’ve earned without facing
unnecessary financial obstacles. This is about more than affordability—it’s
about honoring their service and investing in their futures as they
transition to new careers and strengthen our region’s workforce.”



*SUNY Oswego President Peter O. Nwosu said, *“SUNY’s new Military Tuition
Rate is a powerful statement of our commitment to those who serve. This
initiative ensures that active-duty service members, National Guard, and
Reserve members can pursue a SUNY education without being burdened by unmet
tuition costs. It is a meaningful way to honor their service while
expanding access to high-quality public higher education.”



*SUNY Plattsburgh President Alexander Enyedi said, *“Our service members
give so much of themselves to protect and strengthen our nation. At SUNY
Plattsburgh, we believe it is our responsibility to make their path to
higher education clear, affordable, and accessible. The Military Tuition
Rate embodies the values of service and opportunity that define both SUNY
and our campus community.”



*Suffolk County Community College President Edward Bonahue said, *“Suffolk
County Community College is proud to be one of the first SUNY campuses to
offer the new Military Tuition Rate. Our college has a long history of
supporting service members and veterans, and we currently enroll more
veterans than any other SUNY institution*.* This new military tuition award
builds on our commitment, making it even easier for active-duty military,
National Guard members, and Reservists to achieve their educational goals.
We’re honored to help lead the way in expanding access to a SUNY education
for those who serve our country.”



*Tompkins Cortland Community College President Amy Kremenek said, *“Tompkins
Cortland Community College is proud to recognize the service and sacrifice
of those who serve our country by adopting the Military Tuition Rate. With
a wide array of programs designed for transfer or for direct entry into the
workforce in living-wage careers, TC3 provides the pathway to affordable
excellence in higher education. We are honored to support our military by
helping to make that pathway even more level for those who serve.”



*SUNY Ulster President Alison Buckley said, *“At SUNY Ulster, we believe no
veteran should have to choose between their service and their future. By
keeping tuition below the federal Tuition Assistance cap, we’re doing more
than meeting a number—we’re standing by those who’ve stood for us. This
commitment reflects who we are as a college: a place where access, equity,
and heartfelt gratitude for our veterans guide our decisions and inspire
our community.”



Chancellor King and the SUNY Board of Trustees have bolstered support for
SUNY’s veterans and military-connected students on their path to a college
education. The dedicated one-stop shop
<https://www.suny.edu/suny-news/press-releases/7-25/7-22-25-gov/military-resources.html>
website: www.suny.edu/military, includes information on available credit
for military service and experience; tuition assistance, such as the
Veterans Tuition Awards program approved by Governor Hochul; specialized
scholarships; and dedicated campus services like veteran lounges and
associations for all 64 SUNY campuses. The website also connects veterans
with services offered by the counties where each campus is located, helping
them stay close to home and community, and is regularly updated as new
information becomes available. Currently more than 6,000
military-affiliated students are pursuing degrees at SUNY campuses.



In addition to the dedicated one-stop shop, SUNY:

·       Provides free college application waivers for military-connected
students year round, to up to seven campuses;

·       Proactively recruits military-connected and veteran students led
by  SUNY’s first-ever Assistant Director of Enrollment for Military and
Veteran Recruitment
<https://www.suny.edu/suny-news/press-releases/11-24/11-11-24/military-recruitment.html>
;

·       Continues to expand prior learning assessment
<https://www.suny.edu/suny-news/press-releases/2-23/2-15-23/pla-jcc.html>
to help both adult learners and current and former military members to
advance their careers; and

·       Has launched the Veterans Enrollment and Support Internship Program
to help fund paid internships for SUNY student veterans at 22 campuses.



*About the State University of New York*

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of
higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New
Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and
universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers,
five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the
country’s oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of optometry,
and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY
serves about 1.4 million students across its portfolio of credit- and
non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and
community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic
research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.16
billion in fiscal year 2024, including significant contributions from
students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni
worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY
alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.



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