The State University of New York (SUNY) has introduced the SUNY Military Tuition Rate Program, a new initiative aimed at making higher education more affordable for active-duty service members, National Guard members, and reservists. Announced by Chancellor John B. King Jr., the program will be available at select SUNY campuses starting in Spring 2026 and expand to all campuses, including Stony Brook University, by Fall 2026.
The initiative is designed to address the gap between federal tuition assistance and actual tuition costs at public universities, which has long posed a challenge for active service members seeking higher education. The new program allows eligible students to access undergraduate degree and microcredential programs both in person and online without additional financial barriers.
“As part of SUNY’s ongoing efforts to honor the heroes who have answered the call to serve, we are taking action for those who currently serve today,” said King.“With the new military tuition rate, SUNY is removing barriers and making sure cost is never what stands between servicemembers and their education. On Veterans Day, and every day, SUNY is proud to support our veterans, active duty servicemembers, and military-connected students.”
Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith also expressed her support: “I am inspired by the veterans and service members who are among our Stony Brook students, and I am proud to be able to help ensure access to a world-class education at an affordable price.”
To further assist military-affiliated students, SUNY offers a dedicated website at www.suny.edu/military that provides information about credit transfers for military experience, various forms of tuition assistance such as state-approved Veterans Tuition Awards programs supported by Governor Hochul, specialized scholarships, veteran lounges on campus, student associations across all 64 campuses, as well as links to local services provided by counties where each campus operates. The site is updated regularly with new resources.
Currently over 6,000 military-affiliated students are enrolled in degree programs throughout SUNY’s network of institutions.