The Schenectady County Higher Education Promise is here!

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

The Schenectady County Legislature approved a resolution to provide $1 million 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.

“The Schenectady County Higher Education Promise is an amazing investment in the residents of Schenectady County, allowing more students to follow their dreams through the County’s tremendous show of support for them,” said Dr. Steady Moono, College President.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for Schenectady County residents to take courses, pursue their professional goals, grow personally and professionally, and become part of the SUNY Schenectady community where we pride ourselves on empowering our students to succeed. Through Promise, students who might not otherwise be able to attend college due to financial barriers, will now have a clear path to higher education, and that is a wonderful thing. We are grateful to the leaders of Schenectady County for having the vision to offer its residents this pipeline to an excellent education.”