SUNY seeing enrollment growth in recent years

Published: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 9:42 pm

SUNY System Reports Enrollment Surge, Citing Affordability and Program Appeal

ALBANY, N.Y. – The State University of New York (SUNY) system is experiencing a period of sustained enrollment growth, marking three consecutive years of increases. Chancellor John King attributes this positive trend to the affordability of SUNY institutions and the relevance of the programs they offer. Overall, the system has seen a 3% rise in enrollment, with a particularly strong 5% increase in students enrolling in community colleges.

Chancellor King highlighted the widespread nature of the growth, noting that "all of our community colleges saw meaningful enrollment growth." He also pointed to the strong performance of university centers, including Stony Brook, University at Buffalo, Binghamton, and University at Albany. Enrollment figures at comprehensive colleges varied, influenced by factors such as location and specific program offerings.

SUNY Maritime College experienced the most significant enrollment increase across the system. King emphasized the attractive career prospects for graduates of the maritime program, noting the potential for high-paying jobs in the commercial shipping industry.

The SUNY Reconnect program, an initiative providing free community college for adults aged 25-55 in high-demand workforce areas, has also been a key driver of enrollment growth. This program, supported by Governor Hochul, focuses on fields such as nursing, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. King emphasized the importance of these fields, citing the growing need for skilled workers in areas like the semiconductor industry, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. He believes that students are increasingly drawn to SUNY because of the strong job market prospects associated with its degree programs.

BNN's Perspective: The SUNY system's enrollment growth is encouraging news, particularly given the rising costs of higher education. The focus on affordability and programs aligned with in-demand industries is a smart strategy. While the success of the SUNY Reconnect program is positive, it's important to ensure that these programs are adequately funded and that the quality of education remains high to maintain this positive momentum.

Keywords: SUNY, enrollment, growth, community colleges, affordability, John King, SUNY Reconnect, nursing, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, job market, higher education, Governor Hochul, Maritime College

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