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Saratoga Springs Today
By the People, for the People
SUNY Chancellor Highlights Military Tuition Rate Program at Empire State University
The program aims to make SUNY education fully affordable for active-duty service members, National Guard, and Reserves.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. visited Empire State University in Saratoga Springs, New York, to highlight the SUNY Military Tuition Rate program. The program ensures active-duty service members, National Guard, and Reserves can access a SUNY undergraduate degree or microcredential program without additional costs or barriers. It addresses the challenge faced by active-duty service members whose federal tuition assistance often falls short of covering full tuition at public universities.
Why it matters
The SUNY Military Tuition Rate program is part of a broader effort by SUNY to make higher education more accessible and supportive for military-connected students. This initiative aims to attract more veteran and active-duty students to SUNY schools by removing financial barriers and providing a sense of community.
The details
The program is being piloted at 24 SUNY campuses this spring and will be implemented across all SUNY campuses in the fall. SUNY Empire was the inaugural adopter of the program and has seen a 4.7% increase in enrollment of active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve members, as well as a 5% increase in veteran enrollment compared to the previous year.
- The SUNY Military Tuition Rate Program pilot launched in Spring 2026.
- The program will be implemented across all SUNY campuses in Fall 2026.
The players
John B. King Jr.
The Chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY) system.
Lisa Vollendorf
The President of Empire State University, a SUNY institution.
Thomas Ruffing
A student at Empire State University who is pursuing his master's degree and is the president of the Student Veterans' Club.
Bill Staton
A current student at Empire State University who is the treasurer of the Student Veterans' Club.
Carrie Woerner
A New York State Assemblymember representing the 113th district.
What they’re saying
“One of the things we're committed to system-wide is making sure veterans know there's a place for them at SUNY and that we want to make their educational journey as successful as possible.”
— John B. King Jr., SUNY Chancellor (saratogian.com)
“Empire State University was founded to meet students where they are — and for 55 years, that has included the men and women who serve our country. Removing financial barriers for service members has long been part of that commitment.”
— Lisa Vollendorf, President, Empire State University (saratogian.com)
“I'm now a third-time student, two-time alum, and back in 2018/2019 when I started it was a little shaky, things were a little bit different with how the veterans programs and everything went. Right after I graduated, I found that things changed a bit, and I wanted to go for further education, so I came back for my second bachelor's and was very happy to be able to actually walk across the stage that time and have the president hand me that diploma.”
— Thomas Ruffing, Student, Empire State University (saratogian.com)
“Once I finally got out of the service, I was able to take more classes, and also that's when I found the VMRC (Veteran and Military Resource Center) and the veteran's club at the same time. I found it at the right time, but the only thing I wish is that I had found it sooner, because there's so much that the club brings to everybody.”
— Bill Staton, Student, Empire State University (saratogian.com)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
The SUNY Military Tuition Rate Program is a significant step in making higher education more accessible and supportive for active-duty service members, National Guard, and Reserves. By addressing the financial barriers they often face, SUNY is positioning itself as a more desirable option for military-connected students and helping them achieve their educational goals.
