25-campus public university system serving NYC. Offers associate through doctoral degrees at affordable tuition. Free tuition available under the Excelsior Scholarship for eligible students. Serves 500,000+ students annually. Call (212) 794-5555 or visit cuny.edu. Apply through cuny.edu/admissions. TAP, Pell Grants, and CUNY ASAP program available. Campuses located throughout all five boroughs.
Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.
College & Education in New York
New York has separate Family Court (for custody, support, paternity, DV) and Supreme Court (for divorce) systems. NYC's Family Court operates in all five boroughs. The Office of Child Support Services runs enforcement. NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, and Syracuse are the major metros. Legal Aid Society of NYC, New York Legal Assistance Group, and Legal Services NYC provide substantial family law aid.
More College & Education in New York
SUNY — State University of New York — 64-campus system — the largest comprehensive public university system in the US. Offers associate through doctoral degrees at affordable in-
NY TAP — Tuition Assistance Program — New York State grants up to $5,665/year for full-time SUNY or CUNY students. Income-based and does not need to be repaid. Apply through HESC
NY HESC — Higher Education Services Corporation — NY State agency overseeing TAP, Excelsior Scholarship, and 20+ other scholarships and grants for NY college students. Apply for all NY finan
ACCES-VR — Vocational Rehabilitation (NY) — NY State vocational rehabilitation program for people with physical, mental, or cognitive disabilities. Funds job training, college tuition,
College & Education — Common Questions
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.