New York State Opportunity Promise

The New York State Opportunity Promise is a program aimed at making community college education more accessible to New York residents. Free tuition and fees are provided for eligible students, which can help reduce financial barriers to education.

Eligibility and Program Details

• Age: Residents of New York State aged 25-55
• Education: Students must not already hold a college degree
• Fields of Study: Healthcare, Teaching, Technology, and Engineering
• Degree: Students must be pursuing an associate degree
• Financial Support: Tuition, fees, books, and supplies are fully covered after other financial aid is applied
• Support Services: The program offers assistance from application to job placement
• Class Scheduling: Flexible scheduling options are available, including day, evening, weekend, and online classes.

CUNY Reconnect: Returning to Higher Education

CUNY Reconnect is designed for individuals who want to return to higher education, whether you’re looking to start fresh, complete a degree, or simply acquire new skills to boost your career. This initiative is tailored to meet the needs of those who:

• Never attended college: You can start fresh and pursue a degree or certificate.
• Didn’t finish a degree at CUNY or elsewhere: You can complete your degree or start a new one.
• Want to change careers or advance in your current field: You can acquire new skills and knowledge to enhance your career prospects.

Through Reconnect, you’ll receive personalized support to help you set career goals, choose a program that fits your needs, navigate the application process, and get back on track to completing a degree or certificate.

For more information visit the BCC CUNY Reconnect program page.

To be eligible for the BCC Reconnect program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Age: You must be between 25-55 years old as of the first day of classes for the semester.
• Residency: You must be a resident of New York State or eligible for in-state tuition.
• Education: You must not currently have a degree, but you can have college credits, certificates, or microcredentials.
• Program: You must be enrolled in an approved associate degree program at the Bronx Community College.
• Turning 56: Students participating in the program who turn 56 while completing an approved degree will remain eligible for the duration of the degree program, as long as they complete the program within the allotted timeframe
• Current and new students: Both current and new students are eligible to participate in the program.
• Approved majors: Only approved majors qualify for the program. Campus advisors can help you decide if one of the approved majors is right for you.

CUNY has a policy to promote credit for prior learning, and will review student transcripts to determine which credits transfer. Contact Academic Advising for assistance.

Both current and new students are eligible to participate in the program.

If you have a certificate and want to continue to an associate degree, you are eligible to participate in the program. This is because you have not yet earned a degree, which is one of the eligibility requirements.

You will need to maintain good academic standing in accordance with the college’s academic standards and any specific program requirements.

• Refer to the Academic Requirements section of this page for the NYSOP program requirements.
• Review the Bronx Community College Academic Rules & Regulations for information about the college’s academic standards. This document can be downloaded as a pdf from the Academic Resources section of the Academics page.
• Contact Academic Advising for assistance at any time.

Students may attend full-time or part-time, taking a minimum of 6 credits per semester.

Students must complete their degree within 10 semesters.

Students may take a leave for one academic year without receiving credits before becoming ineligible for the program. Additional exemptions may be granted for various circumstances, such as military service or medical reasons.

Funding will be available starting in the Fall 2025 semester and will not be applied to past semesters or previous academic years.

Funding does not cover room and board/housing, transportation, meal plans, and other non-academic expenses.

Remedial, pre-requisite, and co-requisite courses are covered as part of your degree program, but courses taken prior to entering the program do not qualify.

The program will cover any remaining balance after all other financial aid is applied, but will not refund past payments.

Students with past balances or financial holds are eligible to enroll, but will need to work with the Office of Financial Aid to address outstanding balances.

Students who do not complete their degree will not be required to pay back the NYSOP funds.

There are no in-state work or residency requirements following degree completion.