NY State tuition assistance for students at private non-profit NY colleges. Up to $6,000/year for families earning
25,000 or less. Must already receive TAP to be eligible. Apply through HESC at hesc.ny.gov after filing FAFSA. Call (888) 697-4372 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Participating private colleges must agree to freeze tuition for eligible students for the duration of the award period.
(888) 697-4372 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website
Free adult basic education, ESL, GED prep, and high school equivalency programs through NYSED. Classes offered at community colleges, libraries, and adult learning centers statewide. Call (518) 474-8940 or search nysed.gov for a program near you. Classes are free for adults 21 and older. Flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends. TASC (HSE) diploma awarded upon passing the equivalency exam.
(518) 474-8940 · Programs statewide · Varies by program · Visit Website
Post-9/11 GI Bill covers full tuition at SUNY/CUNY campuses plus a monthly housing allowance and book stipend for qualifying veterans and service members. Apply at va.gov/education or call (888) 442-4551. Bring DD-214 and school enrollment documentation. Benefits are also transferable to dependents in some cases. NY Veterans Tuition Award supplements GI Bill for additional SUNY/CUNY tuition coverage.
(888) 442-4551 · Online 24/7 · Visit Website
Full tuition award at SUNY or CUNY for eligible NY veterans who served in defined hostilities. Covers undergraduate and graduate degree programs at any SUNY or CUNY campus. Apply through HESC at hesc.ny.gov after filing FAFSA. Call (888) 697-4372 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Eligibility requires honorable discharge and NY residency. Award is in addition to GI Bill benefits for qualifying veterans.
(888) 697-4372 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website
100% free online courses in math, science, computing, economics, history, and test prep. Self-paced with interactive practice exercises and instant feedback. Great for GED prep, HISET readiness, and college refresher work. Available in English and Spanish. No account required to start learning. Create a free account to track progress. Visit khanacademy.org 24/7 from any device or browser.
Online 24/7 · Visit Website
Free online portal to apply to any of SUNY's 64 campuses across New York State. Submit one application to be considered at multiple campuses. Application fee waivers available for qualifying students including those receiving financial aid or from low-income households. Visit suny.edu/attend/apply to start. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Contact each campus's admissions office for specific deadlines.
Online 24/7 · Visit Website
Earn while you learn through NY State registered apprenticeships in construction, healthcare, IT, and skilled trades. Paid on-the-job training plus classroom instruction. Apprentices earn journeyworker wages upon completion. Call (518) 457-6820 Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm or visit dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship. Programs last 1–5 years. No college degree required to apply. Often sponsored by unions and employers.
(518) 457-6820 · Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm · Visit Website
Frequently Asked
- How many college & education resources are in New York?
- Men's Corner tracks 17 college & education resources for men and fathers in New York.
- Are college & education resources in New York free?
- 13 of the 17 listed college & education resources in New York are explicitly free or low-cost.
- Which cities in New York have college & education resources?
- Listings span cities including Albany, New York.
- What are some examples of college & education resources in New York?
- Featured entries include SUNY — State University of New York, CUNY — City University of New York, FAFSA — Free Application for Federal Student Aid, NY TAP — Tuition Assistance Program, NY Excelsior Scholarship — Free SUNY/CUNY Tuition.
- Do these listings include phone numbers?
- 15 of 17 New York college & education listings include phone numbers.
- What do I do first if I want to go back to school?
- Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
- Is there childcare on college campuses?
- Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
- Can I get a GED online?
- Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
- What is WIOA training?
- The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.