‘Unprecedented’ Investment: Bachelor’s Degrees Made Easier to Obtain at 19 SUNY Schools

While it may be a bit overwhelming for students just entering community college to think about the next steps in their higher education journey, New York State, and the SUNY system specifically, have this at the forefront of their minds.

A recent announcement from Governor Hochul's office shared the details of the expansion of the Transfer Pathways initiative that will aid more community college students in the transition to bachelor's programs.

SUNY Transformation Fund/Transfer Pathways Program Expansion

19 campuses across the SUNY system will open the door for students studying at community colleges to transition into a program to complete their bachelor's degree, according to a press release from Governor Hochul on September 27th.

We're working hard to remove barrier for students and ensuring they have the resources they need to earn degrees and enter the workforce ready and prepared for their chosen careers. Businesses in New York can rest assured when they hire these graduates, they'll be arming their staff with the best of the best

Hochul referred to the budget investments in SUNY as 'unprecedented.'

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According to national statistics, although nearly 80% of community college students in their first year have the intention of continuing on and completing a bachelor's program, only 17% do so within six years.

$75 Million Appropriation To SUNY Transformation Fund

As part of the 23-24 state budget, the SUNY Transformation Fund's $75 million allocation will 'strengthen opportunities between campuses and offer more students early advisement' and afford better transfer opportunities for more SUNY students.

While a complete list of the programs that are included as part of the SUNY Transformation Fund Investment can be found here, locally, it is important to highlight some local partnership opportunities including:

• SUNY New Paltz will build in programming and communication support, including the hiring of an additional advisor to assist students with the transition from their community college to New Paltz
• Empire State University will use its funding to assist in the creation of additional multiple award nursing programs with community colleges leading to a bachelor of science degree with a major in nursing. SUNY Empire currently has a multiple award nursing program with Nassau Community College that has served several hundred students since its inception in 2018
• University at Albany will establish dual-admission agreements with key community college partners – starting with Hudson Valley Community College, UAlbany's largest transfer partner, with plans to expand to others with strong alignment with emerging academic programs at UAlbany

READ MORE: Transferring From DCC to SUNY New Paltz Just Got Easier

SUNY New Paltz President Darrel P. Wheeler shared the following thoughts:

Community college transfer students are integral and valued members of the SUNY New Paltz community, and we welcome the opportunity to streamline and enhance their academic experiences at the University. The SUNY Transformation Fund will allow us to focus not only on degree completion but ultimately build upon their collective success through their future contributions to the economic growth of New York State.

In addition to the Transfer Pathways funding, SUNY also created a Transfer Task Force to focus on this important population within the college community. They will also continue the initiative they implemented last year called SUNY Transfer Match, which 'provides automatic admission to SUNY baccalaureate degree programs to students who complete their degrees at a SUNY community college.'