Schenectady County Higher Education Promise

Take Up To 6 Credits of Tuition For Free!

Whether you are a new student or a returning student, if you are a Schenectady County resident, and you enroll in credit-bearing classes at SUNY Schenectady, you may receive up to $1,242 per year in aid through the new Schenectady County Higher Education Promise.

To qualify, you need to:

• Apply to SUNY Schenectady OR be a student in good academic standing and enrolled in an academic program at the College
• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and New York State TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) Application
• Provide a Certificate of Residency
• Register for courses at SUNY Schenectady

What Does the Schenectady Promise Award Cover?

Qualified students may receive funding to cover the cost of up to six credit hours of coursework during the 2024-2025 academic year and certain fees. This award is applied after all federal and state free financial aid and scholarships have been awarded and is applied directly to a student’s bill. The funds will be distributed to student accounts on a first-come, first-served basis once all steps to qualify are completed. 

How Do I Get Started?

New Students

• Complete and submit the SUNY Schenectady free Application for Admission to apply to a degree program, certificate, or micro-credential of your choice. Include an official copy of your high school transcript or GED/TASC scores with your application. If you were previously enrolled at SUNY Schenectady, please contact the Academic Advising Office to reactivate your student status and register for classes.
• Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Application. 
• Complete the Affirmation of Schenectady County Residence (Certificate of Residency) to confirm that you have resided in New York State for the past 12 consecutive months and in Schenectady County for the six months immediately preceding your enrollment. Deliver your Affirmation along with supporting documentation to the Student Business Office located in the Welcome Center at Elston Hall, 78 Washington Avenue, Schenectady. 
• Meet with your advisor to register for courses.

If you need assistance, contact the Office of Admissions at 518-381-1366 or email admissions@sunysccc.edu.

Current Students

• If you have already registered for courses at SUNY Schenectady for the Fall 2024 semester, then you are well on your way. If you still need to register, contact your individual advisor via email or schedule an appointment.
• Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Application. 
• Complete the Affirmation of Schenectady County Residence (Certificate of Residency) to confirm that you have resided in New York State for the past 12 consecutive months and in Schenectady County for the six months immediately preceding your enrollment. Deliver your Affirmation along with supporting documentation to the Student Business Office located in the Welcome Center at Elston Hall, 78 Washington Avenue, Schenectady. 

How Will I Know If I Receive The Schenectady Promise Aid?

You will receive a notification from the Financial Aid Office if you qualify for the Schenectady County Higher Education Promise and the aid will be applied to your student bill.

If you need assistance or have questions, contact the Financial Aid Office at 518-381-1468, or email financialaid@sunysccc.edu, or visit the Financial Aid Office online.

 

The Schenectady County Legislature approved a resolution to provide $1,000,000 to SUNY Schenectady for Academic Year 2024-25 to help students cover the gap between financial aid and tuition and fees. This funding will be available only to Schenectady County residents taking credit-bearing courses at SUNY Schenectady.

Qualifying students may only apply the aid to Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 semesters, and may be eligible for up to a total of six (6) credit hours, or $1,242.00, toward tuition and select fees during the stated academic year. Funds may not be used to cover the application fee associated with the SUNY System application.

New, continuing and returning students must be matriculated students of SUNY Schenectady, either full-time or part-time. Students pursuing High School Equivalency through our 24-credit hour program may apply for the Schenectady Promise aid. College in the High School students are not eligible for this program. Funds from the Schenectady County Higher Education Promise program are not refundable.