Enrollment at the City University of New York (CUNY) has increased for the third consecutive year, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The university saw a 3.8 percent growth in student numbers for the Fall 2025 semester compared to the previous year, with community colleges within CUNY experiencing a seven percent rise in enrollment. All seven of CUNY’s community colleges reported gains this semester, adding approximately 9,000 more students to the university.
The total enrollment at CUNY now stands at about 247,000 students, reflecting a nine percent increase since Fall 2022 and nearly 21,000 additional students over that period. The governor attributed these results to efforts aimed at expanding access to higher education through targeted initiatives and a new free community college program called CUNY Reconnect. This initiative provides tuition-free opportunities along with books and supplies for adult learners aged 25 to 55 pursuing their first degree in high-demand fields. Since its launch this summer, nearly 6,000 New Yorkers have enrolled in the program.
“CUNY enrollment is rising as a result of our historic investments in free community college and CUNY Reconnect –– bridging the education gap for thousands of New Yorkers and giving them the tools to reach their ambitions,” said Governor Hochul. “By providing access to an affordable, high-quality education, we’re giving the leaders of the future the chance to meet their potential and opening up doors that benefit all New Yorkers.”
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez stated: “Rising enrollment at CUNY is evidence of the growing demand for quality, affordable education. This progress is made possible thanks to Governor Hochul’s continued investment in the success of New York’s students. Together, we are opening doors for students across New York to take advantage of all CUNY has to offer.”
The largest number of participants in CUNY Reconnect were seen at Borough of Manhattan Community College, Bronx Community College and Queensborough Community College; each welcomed more than 1,000 students through this program.
To encourage further applications, CUNY took part in Governor Hochul’s statewide College Application Month campaign by waiving application fees for high school students between November 10 and November 21. In addition, all graduating seniors from New York City Public Schools received direct recruitment letters via email—nearly 70,000 families—along with separate application fee waivers.
For fiscal year 2026 (FY26), state support for CUNY included $169 million in new operational funding and $537 million allocated toward capital projects. Budget highlights included $130 million more in operating aid intended for senior colleges and schools as well as $113 million designated for research facilities within CUNY.
Additional funding was provided specifically for student support programs such as ASAP and ACE—a combined $8 million—to cover academic advising services, tuition grants, textbooks and transportation costs.
Applications are currently open for prospective students interested in attending CUNY beginning Fall 2026; information on applying can be found online at cuny.edu/learnmore.
