ALBANY, N.Y. – Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the State University of New York (SUNY) has achieved enrollment growth for the second year in a row, marking the first back-to-back increase in overall enrollment across all SUNY institutions in 15 years. This rise in student numbers includes significant gains among first-year undergraduates, low-income students, and students from racially and ethnically underrepresented groups.
“By expanding access to higher education, from financial assistance to direct admissions, we are ensuring every New Yorker has the opportunity to attend college,” said Governor Hochul. “I’m thrilled to see our efforts reflected in SUNY’s enrollment gains, which show that more students are seizing the chance to pursue their goals at one of our outstanding institutions.”
SUNY’s total enrollment for Fall 2024 is up 2.3% from the previous year, reaching 376,155 students across the system. This follows a 1.1% increase in 2023, the first enrollment gain in over a decade. Notably, SUNY has also outperformed national trends, as recent data from the National Student Clearinghouse shows a 5% decline in first-year undergraduate enrollment nationwide.
Enrollment Gains by the Numbers
- Total Enrollment Growth (Fall 2023 to Fall 2024):
- SUNY-wide: +2.3%
- State-Operated Campuses: +2.7%
- Community Colleges: +1.9%
- Technology Campuses: +5.0%
SUNY also reported that the share of incoming first-year students receiving Pell Grants, a key indicator of low-income backgrounds, increased from 46.7% in Fall 2023 to 49.7% in Fall 2024. Additionally, the proportion of students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups rose from 35.7% to 36.5% during the same period. SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. praised the gains as a reflection of the university system’s commitment to equity, affordability, and academic excellence.
Major Investments Driving Growth
SUNY’s growth aligns with historic investments from Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature aimed at enhancing student success, diversity, and economic mobility. These include a $277 million funding increase for state-operated campuses and an $8 million boost in direct state tax support for community colleges, which has enabled expanded healthcare programs and mental health resources.
Additional Initiatives:
- Empire AI Research Center: An artificial intelligence research hub housed at the University at Buffalo.
- CHIPS for America EUV Accelerator: A national semiconductor research center in partnership with NY CREATES and Empire State Development.
- Advancing Success Programs: Support programs at 25 SUNY campuses, helping over 4,200 students with financial resources and timely degree completion.
- Increased Financial Aid: Expanded Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), with minimum awards doubled to $1,000 and income eligibility thresholds raised to $125,000.
SUNY is also simplifying the admissions process through initiatives like Governor Hochul’s Top 10% Promise, which grants automatic admission to top-performing high school students in New York.
SUNY Continues to Excel Nationally
SUNY campuses maintain strong rankings in national reports, including U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges Rankings. SUNY’s university centers at Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, and Stony Brook continue to rank among the nation’s top institutions, with several regional SUNY colleges also earning high placements.
Applications for Fall 2025 are now open, with prospective students encouraged to apply through ApplySUNY or the Common App.
Source: Office of Governor Kathy Hochul