SUNY Reconnect

Am I eligible for SUNY Reconnect at FLCC?

You may qualify for SUNY Reconnect if you:

• Are at least 25 years old as of the first day of classes
• Are no older than 55 as of the first day of classes
• Do not already have a college degree (students pursuing a nursing degree are exempt from this requirement)
• Have lived in New York for at least 12 months
• Provide a valid certificate of residence to confirm you’re a NYS resident
• Enroll in an approved associate degree program at FLCC

You can still be eligible if you’ve taken some college classes, earned a certificate, or a microcredential. SUNY Reconnect is designed to help you finish a college degree.

What happens if I’m not eligible for SUNY Reconnect?

If you don’t meet the SUNY Reconnect requirements, don’t worry, you still have options. You can apply to FLCC and explore other types of financial help, such as:

• Federal and state grants like Pell or TAP
• Scholarships from FLCC or the FLCC Foundation
• Payment plans that spread out costs
• Workforce or short-term training programs that may offer funding

Our Financial Aid and Admissions teams will work with you to find the best way to reach your goals.

Is there a separate application for SUNY Reconnect?

No separate application is needed. When you apply to FLCC, your admissions application helps us determine if you may qualify for SUNY Reconnect. We’ll review your age, program of study, New York State residency, and whether you already have a college degree.

After you apply, be sure to complete your FAFSA and TAP applications (or the NYS DREAM Act, if applicable). These steps are required to confirm your eligibility and award amount. We’ll contact you if we need any additional information or documents. 

I’m already an FLCC student. Can I still get SUNY Reconnect?

Yes! If you’re already enrolled at FLCC and meet the eligibility criteria, you can still benefit from SUNY Reconnect. You don’t need to start over or reapply to the college. Just complete your FAFSA and TAP applications, and our Financial Aid team will check your eligibility for this scholarship.

Do I have to complete FAFSA/TAP to get SUNY Reconnect?

Yes, you do. Every student must complete the FAFSA and New York State TAP application (or the NYS DREAM Act, if you qualify) before receiving SUNY Reconnect.

Even if you think you won’t qualify for aid, you’re still required to complete these forms. They help determine your financial need and ensure SUNY Reconnect can cover any remaining tuition or fees.

What does “last-dollar” award mean? What does “free” really mean?

SUNY Reconnect is a “last-dollar” scholarship. That means it pays for what’s left over after all other grants and scholarships (like Pell or TAP) are applied.

When people say “free community college,” it means your tuition, eligible fees, and required books and course supplies are fully covered, provided you meet the program’s requirements and complete the financial aid steps.

This may also include credit for prior learning fees when those credits are part of the requirements for an approved degree program.

You may still have some out-of-pocket costs for transportation or personal expenses, but your tuition, fees, and required course materials can be free through SUNY Reconnect.

What counts as free “books and supplies” under SUNY Reconnect?

SUNY Reconnect helps cover the cost of required textbooks and essential course materials for your program.

Book and supply costs are covered by a credit issued by the FLCC Bookstore. Books and supplies purchased from other vendors are not covered. The amount available per semester depends on your program and the number of credits you are enrolled in. 

• Books and Course Materials - Only textbooks and materials required by your instructor for your enrolled courses are covered. Required materials are listed on our online bookstore by course and semester. Optional, recommended, or supplemental materials are not covered.
• Laptops - If you need a laptop to successfully complete your program, SUNY Reconnect may help cover the one-time cost. Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Any approved laptop should be purchased through the FLCC Bookstore and meet your program’s minimum requirements. You are responsible for any added cost if you choose upgraded features. Contact the One Stop Center to ask about laptop assistance.
• Supplies - SUNY Reconnect covers program-specific supplies (e.g., tools, equipment, uniforms/scrubs) required by the school. Basic, program-related supplies for one academic semester, such as notebooks, binders, pens, pencils, and calculators, are also covered. The program does not cover apparel, accessories, decorative or personalized items, upgrades, or other discretionary purchases.

FLCC reserves the right to review any purchases that do not comply with SUNY Reconnect guidelines or that exceed what is considered essential for coursework.

What is a bookstore credit, and how do I use it?

A bookstore credit lets you buy or rent textbooks and course materials through FLCC.

If you qualify, the credit amount will be based on the number of course credits you're enrolled in and your course requirements. You’ll receive an email when your bookstore credit is available, with details on how to access it, when it can be used, and which items are covered.

Bookstore credit usually becomes available 10 days before classes begin, giving you time to get your materials. 

What does SUNY Reconnect NOT cover?

SUNY Reconnect focuses on your academic costs, mainly tuition, required fees, and course materials. It does not cover:

• Housing or meal plans
• Transportation or childcare
• Testing and exam fees not covered by course fees
• Optional or late fees
• Other non-academic or personal expenses
• Balances from previous semesters

When would I owe money to FLCC (out of pocket)?

You might owe money to FLCC if:

• You take classes or programs that SUNY Reconnect doesn’t cover
• You have non-academic costs (like housing, meals, or non-qualified supplies)
• You have a past balance from a previous semester

SUNY Reconnect doesn’t pay for old debts or non-academic charges. FLCC offers payment plans and can help you manage any remaining balance. See FLCC’s billing schedule and student accounts policies for due dates.  

I have a balance from a previous semester. Can I still participate in SUNY Reconnect?

Yes. You can still register for classes and qualify for SUNY Reconnect. However, you’re responsible for any past-due balance. SUNY Reconnect won’t pay or remove that debt.

FLCC offers payment plans. Our Return to Finish and Debt Deferral programs can help you manage what you owe while continuing your education. 

Can I use SUNY Reconnect to pay for any class I want?

No. SUNY Reconnect covers only classes required for your degree program. Elective or additional classes that don’t apply to your program will not be covered.

How will I know if I’ve been awarded SUNY Reconnect?

You’ll see your SUNY Reconnect award listed in your financial aid offer on MyFLCC as well as on your student bill for the semester.

After you submit your FAFSA and TAP applications, your estimated award should appear on your financial aid offer within about 10 days, depending on when your forms are processed. 

Your award will appear on your bill as anticipated financial aid while we review your eligibility. You must complete all SUNY Reconnect requirements by the end of the semester to keep your award. If you do not meet all eligibility requirements, your SUNY Reconnect award will be canceled, and you will be responsible for any resulting balance on your student account.

If you have questions, you can always contact the FLCC One Stop Center for updates. 

I believe I am eligible, but I don’t see an award on my account. What do I do?

SUNY Reconnect awards are added to student accounts after being accepted into an approved program. If you do not see an award and believe you are eligible after reviewing the eligibility requirements above, please contact the One Stop Center.

Do I need to be enrolled full-time to get the SUNY Reconnect Scholarship?

No. You don’t need to be full-time, but you must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per semester. You also need to remain enrolled in those credits through the census date (usually about three weeks after classes start). If you drop below 6 credits before the census date, you’ll lose eligibility for the scholarship that semester. 

Can I take a break (stop out) and return later without losing SUNY Reconnect?

Yes. In general, you may take a break for up to one year without losing eligibility. Additional time may be granted for documented reasons (medical, family, military). Be sure to speak with FLCC Financial Aid and your Academic Advisor before stopping out to confirm your specific situation and any required paperwork.

If I postpone to the next semester, what is the refund policy?

Refunds follow FLCC’s official drop and withdrawal deadlines listed on the Student Accounts page.

SUNY Reconnect funds apply only to the semester you’re enrolled in, so your award will move to the following term once you re-register. Contact Student Accounts for exact dates and refund details.

I’m taking 6 credits, but I might drop one. Will I still get SUNY Reconnect?

Not if you drop below 6 credits before census. SUNY Reconnect is only available to students who are registered and attending at least 6 credits as of the census date for each class. If you’re unsure, talk with your academic advisor, success coach, or the One Stop Center before making schedule changes.

Can I get college credit for my past military service?

Yes. If you are a veteran, your military training and occupational specialty could save you significant time. FLCC is recognized as a Military Friendly Campus and has dedicated staff to help you and your dependents maximize your GI Bill and other veteran education benefits. Explore veteran services.

Is SUNY Reconnect available for summer and winter sessions?

Yes, provided you meet the 6-credit minimum across combined terms (summer and fall or winter and spring). Students must remain enrolled through the add/drop date for that semester (fall or spring).

Is childcare available?

Yes. The FLCC Child Care Center, located on our main campus in Canandaigua, provides a safe and nurturing environment for children ages 18 months to 5 years. While SUNY Reconnect does not provide support for childcare expenses, other funding options and subsidized rates may be available to help reduce the cost of care.

FLCC students receive priority registration to help them secure a spot for their children, so you can focus on your degree.

Does FLCC offer flexible class schedules for working parents?

Yes, our course schedules a variety of online and hybrid classes that fit around fulltime work schedules. Even when an entire program is not avilable online, many of the general education requirements may be. 

Are tutoring services available?

Yes. FLCC offers free tutoring and learning support to all our students. You can drop in or schedule appointments online to fit your schedule. Specialized resources include:

• Math Center
• Science Incubator
• Writing Center
• Subject tutoring in topics such as nursing and computer science

What personalized support is available for adult students?

You'll have a dedicated academic success network that includes a Professional Academic Advisor to help you register for classes and a Faculty Advisor from your field of study to help you meet your long-term academic goals.

You'll also have a Student Success Coach to assist you with all aspects of college life. With regular check-ins and support, you'll be connected with the resources you need from day one.

Does FLCC have student health and wellness services?

Yes. We provide both in-person and 24/7 virtual care to all students. The Center for Student Well-Being is staffed by registered nurses and licensed counselors who provide in-person medical care and counseling services at no cost to you. The center can also connect you with free assistance for basic needs such as food and transportation.