New Funding For Hudson Valley SUNY Campuses

ALBANY – State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. and the SUNY Board of Trustees recently announced the allocation of $114 million in increased operating aid across State-operated SUNY campuses from the FY 2025-2026 Enacted New York State budget. The funding marks a continued historic investment and commitment to public higher education under Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership with strong support from Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and the entire State Legislature. Every State-operated campus has received at least a 30% increase in operating aid over the last three years.

“This year’s budget continues a historic investment in New York’s public higher education system – one that will bring essential support to our students and faculty,” said SUNY Chancellor King. “Thanks to the leadership of Governor Hochul and the State Legislature, SUNY is on the move, and all of New York will benefit. These resources ensure SUNY’s continued affordability and invest in our academic and research excellence. There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and this funding strengthens our ability to promote student success and advance upward mobility.”

The SUNY Board of Trustees said, “This budget represents a bold affirmation of SUNY’s pivotal role in New York’s future. With this investment, Governor Hochul and the State Legislature are reinforcing their commitment to academic excellence and expanding the promise of opportunity for every New Yorker. These new resources will fuel innovation, support cutting-edge research, and ensure SUNY remains a powerful engine of economic opportunity.”

In the Hudson Valley area, SUNY has allocated:
• $2.161 million to SUNY New Paltz
• $1.597 million to Purchase College
The Board resolution includes:
• $100 million to offset the costs of the State-approved collective bargaining agreement with SUNY’s extraordinary faculty and staff and ensure appropriate resources for every State-operated campus
• $10 million to support student and faculty research at our most research-intensive campuses
• $3 million to continue to mitigate fees for graduate student workers
The funding marks a continued investment and commitment under Governor Hochul’s leadership to advance the State of New York and its educational institutions. The FY 2025-26 Enacted State Budget brings total additional recurring investment in State-operated campuses over the last three years to $391 million, including:
• $322.5 million in general operating support to invest in student success and recruit and retain faculty and staff
• $24.0 million to support cutting-edge research
• $14.5 million to expand internship opportunities for undergraduate students
• $10 million to provide student mental health services
• $10 million to expand services for students with disabilities
• $9 million to mitigate fees for graduate student workers
• $1 million to address food insecurity

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “The Senate Majority, together with our partners in state government, sent a clear message with this budget that New York stands up for higher education and investing in our future. With this historic support for SUNY, we are helping ensure that colleges and universities throughout New York State are able to serve as beacons of learning and hope. The Senate Majority will continue to work with SUNY to ensure every New Yorker has access to a World Class education that prepares them for a great and prosperous future.”

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, said, “The Assembly Majority’s continued investment into New York’s public education centers signifies a commitment to nurturing our state’s next generation. SUNY institutions not only provide education to thousands of students annually, but also prioritizes much needed research that drive innovation and addresses societal issues that improve quality of life for all. Public higher education extends beyond individual opportunity; it contributes to economic growth and fosters familial stability.”

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes said, “This commitment of $114 million in increased operating aid is a commitment towards SUNY students and faculty. It is a commitment to the idea of higher education in New York State, and it is a commitment to our future.”

State Senator Rob Rolison said, “Investing in SUNY is investing in New York’s future. This year’s budget increase will expand access to higher education across the state and here in the Hudson Valley—supporting our community colleges, four-year institutions, and the students they serve. These funds will help provide the programs, resources, and opportunities students need to succeed. I’m proud to stand with our students, faculty, and campuses as we work to strengthen our communities through education.”

State Assemblymember Christopher Eachus said, “When real investments are made in our educational institutions it is not just students that succeed, the entire state succeeds. This budget ensures more students have the opportunity to attend one of the finest state-run educational systems in the nation, regardless of socio-economic background. This budget ensures that we have a higher educated and more engaged workforce prepared to face the jobs of tomorrow. But most of all, this budget shows that NY is truly committed to uplifting the pursuit of knowledge in a time where others look to strip it away. I am thankful for my colleagues in the Legislature and the Governor for fighting to put education first.”