Board Approves $158.8 Million WCC Budget

WHITE PLAINS – The Westchester County Board of Legislators has approved a significant investment in higher education, adopting the SUNY Westchester Community College (WCC) 2025–26 budget which includes $158.8 million in total funding—a more than 10% increase over the prior year, to strengthen student services, academic offerings, and campus facilities.

The budget includes $127.5 million in operating funds and $31.3 million in capital investments, with a notable increase in the County Sponsor Contribution to $26.2 million, up $350,000 from last year. This enhanced County support will help maintain WCC’s affordable tuition and high-quality academic programs, while directly funding critical upgrades in technology, infrastructure, and student-facing services.

Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D- New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, “This budget represents our commitment to making quality higher education accessible and affordable for all Westchester residents. The increased funding will help WCC continue to provide excellent academic programs and student services, which keeping tuition costs manageable for families. It’s a smart investment that meets the college’s critical needs, maximizes value for taxpayers, and fuels opportunity, innovation, and workforce development across the region.”

Key Budget Highlights:
• $158.8 million total investment ($127.5M operating + $31.3M capital) – up from $144.1 million in 2024–25
• $26.2 million County contribution – a $350,000 increase from last year
• $31.3 million in capital improvements – up from $21.6 million
• Support for 571 full-time positions to ensure robust instruction and student services
• Funding is supported by student tuition ($51.9M), state aid ($30.5M), County sponsor contribution ($26.2M). Additional revenue sources include departmental income, chargebacks, fund balance, and investment interest totaling approximately $18.9M.

The increased capital funding will allow for facility upgrades and technology enhancements that benefit both students and the broader Westchester community. The operating funds support academic programming, student advisement, and essential campus services that help students succeed whether they are transferring to four-year institutions or entering the workforce directly.

Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson (D- Elmsford, Greenburgh, Tarrytown, White Plains) Chair of the Board’s Budget & Appropriations Committee, said, “I’m proud to represent the district with the most enrolled students at Westchester Community College, and I remain deeply committed to the success of its students, faculty, staff, and more than appreciate President Belinda Miles. This fiscally responsible and forward-looking budget strengthens WCC’s ability to remain one of the most affordable and impactful institutions in our region. With increased support for both operations and capital improvements, we are ensuring that WCC continues to grow, adapt, and serve as a vital educational and economic engine for Westchester County.”

Westchester Community College is public two-year institution that serves 13,000 students across more than 70 degree and certificate programs each year. The College plays a vital role in regional workforce development through partnerships with local businesses and training programs aligned with emerging industry needs. WCC offers transfer programs, career training, continuing education, and workforce development for students across Westchester County and the surrounding region.

Dr. Belinda Miles, President of SUNY Westchester Community College said of the budget approval, “The SUNY WCC community appreciates the support of the County Legislature for the college’s mission of ensuring accessible, high quality, and affordable education to meet the myriad needs of our dynamic and evolving student population. By passing this budget, the County affirms its commitment to student success, academic excellence, workforce development, economic mobility, and lifelong learning.”

The 2025–26 fiscal year begins September 1, 2025, and runs through August 31, 2026.