SUNY Chancellor John King highlighted a second consecutive year of enrollment growth, the first in 15 years, during a legislative budget hearing. He credited a proposed $114 million boost in state funding for supporting affordability, faculty contracts, and expansion efforts. The governor’s plan also includes $750 million for capital improvements, though King stressed the need for more to address a $9 billion maintenance backlog.
Federal funding uncertainty remains a concern, particularly for research programs. Meanwhile, private colleges argue they are overlooked in state funding and seek an additional $25 million to support their programs.
A proposed free tuition program for adults pursuing high-demand fields at community colleges has broad support, though concerns remain about underfunding. Private colleges seek inclusion for associate degree students, estimating it would cost an extra $7 million.
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