Reconnect: Earn a Tuition-Free Associate Degree
Build Your Future at City Tech
Are you looking for a fresh start or a career boost? At City Tech, we’re committed to helping adult learners achieve their goals.
Through the New York State Opportunity Promise initiative, eligible students aged 25-55 can enroll in select high-demand associate degree programs with tuition, fees, books and supplies covered after financial aid is applied, making it easier to focus on your education.
Whether you’re returning to college, beginning for the first time or preparing for a new career path, City Tech offers the academic programs and support to help you move forward.
Eligible City Tech students enrolled for Fall 2026 should contact ESAR@citytech.cuny.edu about admission into the program.
You may be eligible for the program if you meet the following requirements:
- Be between the ages of 25 and 55 as of January 1 of the semester you apply
- Not already have earned a college degree
- Be a New York State resident or qualify for in-state tuition
- Enroll in an approved associate degree program
- Take at least 6 credits each semester and earn at least 12 credits each academic year
- Complete your federal and New York State financial aid applications to help ensure you receive all aid for which you may be eligible
- NYSOP is available to new, transfer, and continuing students who are enrolled in an eligible program of study.
Meet the following NYSOP Progression Standards to remain eligible and successfully complete your degree.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- Enroll in minimum 6 credits per semester, earn 12 per academic year
- Complete degree within 10 semesters
- Leave of absence allowed for up to one year
- Time does not reset if switching to another approved program
- Repeat courses are covered only if failed, requires a higher grade, or course content is significantly changed
Through the NYSOP initiative, eligible students may receive support for the following education-related costs:
- Tuition for coursework that applies to the student's degree
- Required college fees
- Required books and supplies
- Remaining eligible costs after other financial aid is applied, excluding Federal Work-Study, loans, and VA benefits
Please note: City Tech no longer participates in the NY City Reconnect program. Eligible students may still receive support through the New York State Opportunity Promise initiative; however, NYSOP does not provide grants to cover prior balances or outstanding debts owed to the college.
- Accounting (A.A.S.)
- Architectural Technology (A.A.S.)
- Chemical Technology (A.S.)
- Civil Engineering Technology (A.A.S.)
- Communication Design (A.A.S.)
- Computer Engineering Technology (A.A.S.)
- Computer Information Systems (A.A.S.)
- Computer Sciences (A.S.)
- Construction Management Technology (A.A.S.)
- Dental Hygiene (A.A.S.)
- Dental Laboratory Technology (A.A.S.)
- Electrical Engineering Technology (A.A.S.)
- Environmental Control Technology (A.A.S.)
- Health Sciences (A.S.)
- Human Services (A.A.S.)
- Industrial Design Technology (A.A.S.)
- Marketing Management and Sales (A.A.S.)
- Mechanical Engineering Technology (A.A.S.)
- Nursing (A.A.S.)
- Ophthalmic Dispensing Technology (A.A.S.)
- Radiologic Technology and Medical Imagining (A.A.S.)
Your eligibility for Reconnect will be checked automatically – no extra steps are required.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the NYS Aid Application (including NYS Pathways Application).
FAQ
The New York State Opportunity Promise is a program aimed at making community college education more accessible for New York residents. Free tuition and fees are provided for eligible students, which can help reduce financial barriers to education.
Age: Residents of New York State aged 25-55
Education: Students must not already hold a college degree
Fields of Study: Healthcare, Teaching, Technology, and Engineering
Degree: Students must be pursuing an associate degree
Financial Support: Tuition, fees, books, and supplies are fully covered after other financial aid is applied
Support Services: The program offers assistance from application to job placement
Class Scheduling: Flexible scheduling options are available, including day, evening, weekend, and online classes.
CUNY has a policy to promote credit for prior learning and will review student transcripts to determine which credits transfer.
Both current and new students are eligible to participate in the program.
Students may attend full-time or part-time, taking a minimum of 6 credits per semester.
Students may take a leave for one academic year without receiving credits before becoming ineligible for the program. Additional exemptions may be granted for various circumstances, such as military service or medical reasons.
Funding does not cover room and board/housing, transportation, meal plans, and other non-academic expenses.
Remedial, pre-requisite and co-requisite courses are covered as part of your degree program, but courses taken prior to entering the program do not qualify.
Students with past balances or financial holds are eligible to enroll but will need to work with the Office of Financial Aid to address outstanding balances.
Students who do not complete their degree will not be required to pay back the NYSOP funds.
There are no in-state work or residency requirements following degree completion.
