SUNY Reconnect

Am I eligible for SUNY Reconnect at FLCC?

You may qualify for SUNY Reconnect if you:

• Are between 25 and 55 years old when classes start
• Do not already have a college degree
• 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

If you’ve taken college classes before, or even earned a certificate, you can still be eligible. SUNY Reconnect is designed to help you finish what you started and move forward toward your 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, it’s still required. These forms help determine your financial need and make sure 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, as long as you meet the program’s requirements and complete the financial aid steps.

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

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
• 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 balance you still owe. See FLCC’s billing schedule and student accounts policies for due dates.  

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

SUNY Reconnect will help pay for your required textbooks and course materials. At FLCC, this happens through a credit issued by the FLCC Bookstore. The amount covered depends on your program and credit load each semester. 

You’ll get details from the FLCC Financial Aid Office or Bookstore before classes start so you can plan ahead.

Visit the FLCC Bookstore webpage to search for your required course materials by semester.

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 for 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 only covers classes that are required for your degree program. Elective or extra 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. Once everything is verified (your enrollment, eligibility, and other aid), your final award will appear on your bill in MyFLCC.

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

What’s the difference between an estimated award and my actual award?

Your estimated award is an early calculation of how much financial aid you might receive, based on your FAFSA and TAP information.

Your actual award is confirmed later, after your FAFSA and TAP applications are processed, your enrollment is verified, and all other aid is applied.

SUNY Reconnect funds are added last to ensure your tuition and fees are fully covered. 

I completed all the required steps, but I’m still waiting for my award. What should I do now?

If you’ve finished everything but don’t see your SUNY Reconnect award yet, it may be because:

• We’re still missing important documents like your Certificate of Residence
• Your FAFSA hasn’t been received
• Your TAP application has been submitted to NYS HESC, but they have not finished processing the application and verifying your eligibility
• You haven’t completed the SUNY Reconnect Agreement on MyFLCC, attesting that you don’t have a prior college degree
• Your other financial aid (such as Pell, TAP, or other scholarships) already covers your full tuition, fees, books, and supplies, so a SUNY Reconnect award isn’t needed

If you’ve checked all these items and still don’t see your award, reach out to the One Stop Center. We’ll review your record and help you understand what’s happening.

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 for the semester. You also need to stay enrolled in those credits through the census date (usually about three weeks after the class starts). If you drop below 6 credits before census, you’ll lose eligibility for the scholarship that semester. 

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

A bookstore credit lets you buy or rent textbooks and course materials at the FLCC Bookstore.

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

Bookstore credit usually becomes available 10 days before classes start, so you’ll have time to get your materials. 

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.