All the Free Degrees at Hudson Valley Colleges This Year

Recently, the State Universities of New York shared exciting news for adults looking to further their education by announcing the SUNY Reconnect program.

The idea of SUNY Reconnect is simple: empower adults in New York State to achieve associate degrees at no cost to them. Luckily, Hudson Valley residents have multiple schools and nearly 50 degrees to choose from.

Hudson Valley Colleges Participating in SUNY Reconnect

The good news is that every county in the Hudson Valley has a participating institution. From Ulster County Community College to Dutchess County Community College and everywhere in between (that would be Orange, Columbia, and Greene Counties), adults can apply for numerous programs.

Free Degrees at Dutchess Community College

Dutchess Community College (above) offers 13 different associates degrees through SUNY Reconnect. They include:

• Adolescence Education (Biology and Mathematics)
• Architectural Technology
• Aviation Maintenance
• Clinical Laboratory Technician
• Computer Information Systems
• Computer Science
• Construction Technology Management
• Electrical Technology
• Emergency Medical Technology: Paramedic
• Engineering Science
• Mental Health Assistant
• Nursing

Free Degrees at Orange County Community Colleges

Of the 15 programs offered at Orange County Community College, several overlap with those at DCC. Additional programs include:

• Computer Information Technology: Networking
• Cyber Security
• Dental Hygeine
• Liberal Arts & Sciences (Mathematics & Science)
• Medical Laboratory Technician
• Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Physical Therapy Assistant
• Radiologic Technology
• Web Development

Read More: Just Arrived: The Hardest (and Easiest) SUNY Schools in the State 

Associate Degrees Offered by Ulster and Columbia-Greene Community Colleges

Unique programs at UCCC include Environmental Studies, Green Building Maintenance & Management, and Network Administrator with Microsoft or Cisco. At CGCC, students can enroll in Automotive Technology, Cyber Security/Digital Forensics, and Medical Assisting in addition to other, previously-mentioned degrees.

Who Qualifies for SUNY Reconnect?

New York State residents between 25 and 55 years old without a previous college degree are encouraged to apply. As mentioned, several Hudson Valley Community Colleges offer similar degree options - the best way to decide which school is right for you is to review the full list here.