Onondaga Community College Sees Surge in Free-Tuition Interest

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A diverse group of students in a modern community college classroom environment, highlighting the importance of education for adult learners.

News Summary

Onondaga Community College is witnessing a remarkable increase in inquiries about its free-tuition program through the SUNY Reconnect initiative. With about 500 potential students expressing interest, the program aims to support adult learners aged 25 to 55 without a degree. Funded by a $47 million state allocation, the initiative targets essential job sectors. To manage the expected enrollment surge, OCC is hiring adjunct faculty and seeks to balance the needs of both adult and traditional students, ensuring access to education for all.

New York — Onondaga Community College (OCC) is experiencing a significant increase in interest in its free-tuition program launched under the SUNY Reconnect initiative. Approximately 500 potential students have reached out to inquire about enrollment, indicating a strong demand for educational opportunities aimed at individuals aged 25 to 55 who do not possess a college degree.

SUNY Reconnect, backed by Governor Kathy Hochul’s budget allocation of $47 million, is designed to attract students to essential job sectors, including cybersecurity, nursing, artificial intelligence (AI), engineering, and advanced manufacturing. This program not only covers tuition costs but also assists with books and supplies, though financial aid from sources like FAFSA must be exhausted first.

To accommodate the anticipated surge in enrollment, OCC is actively hiring adjunct faculty. This weekend, the college is holding a job fair on July 12, from 12 PM to 4 PM, at the Gordon Student Center on its campus. OCC aims to fill numerous part-time teaching positions across 26 courses, of which 15 are specifically associated with the SUNY Reconnect program. Adjunct faculty members are compensated at a rate of approximately $1,500 per credit hour.

OCC’s enrollment has shown an upward trend over the past two years, currently totaling around 8,500 students. However, this number remains thousands below the college’s peak enrollment of 15 years ago. The college anticipates that the SUNY Reconnect program will lead to a “healthy increase in enrollment,” marking a pivotal moment for both adult learners and the institution as a whole.

While the free-tuition program is attracting interest from adult learners, OCC is committed to ensuring that traditional students, particularly recent high school graduates, continue to prioritize community college education. The college has received a state allocation of $160,000 to assist with the enrollment of new students as part of its strategy to balance the needs of diverse student demographics.

Students wishing to take advantage of the SUNY Reconnect program must maintain good academic standing; failing grades could jeopardize their eligibility. This requirement emphasizes the program’s dedication to fostering a supportive and successful academic environment.

As Onondaga Community College moves forward with the SUNY Reconnect initiative, it remains focused on meeting the educational and workforce needs of the community while ensuring that traditional students also receive the attention and resources necessary for their success.