SUNY Old Westbury is one of nearly two dozen SUNY institutions taking part in a new initiative that ensures a SUNY education is affordable for active service military members.
The new SUNY military tuition rate, announced on Veterans Day by Chancellor John B. King Jr., aligns SUNY tuition with federal tuition benefits, filling the gap when federal tuition assistance falls short of the cost of full tuition at SUNY institutions.
“As part of SUNY’s ongoing efforts to honor the heroes who have answered the call to serve, we are taking action for those who currently serve today,” King said in announcing the new initiative. “With the new military tuition rate, SUNY is removing barriers and making sure cost is never what stands between service members and their education.
The military tuition rate program is available for active-duty service members, members of the National Guard and members of the reserves who are pursuing SUNY undergraduate degrees and micro-credential programs in person or online. It begins in the spring 2026 semester at SUNY Old Westbury and other “early adopter” SUNY campuses and will extend to all SUNY campuses beginning in fall 2026.
“Those who serve our nation through the armed forces really find a home at SUNY Old Westbury,” said Bryan Terry, vice president for enrollment management and marketing. “This program reduces the cost for those eligible to essentially zero, making higher education a much more available, realistic opportunity. “
SUNY Old Westbury has long been committed to supporting those who are serving and have served in the armed forces. This fall, the campus enrolled 52 military-connected students, which includes students who are veterans and those who remain in active service, as well as their dependents.
In 2022, the institution was the first college or university in New York State to launch a Center of Excellence in Veteran Student Success. The University also is ranked by MilitaryFriendly.com as a top military-friendly institutions in for 2025-26, earning that recognition with a silver designation. The designation honors institutions that provide the best opportunities for veterans and their spouses by evaluating the various factors that help make colleges, universities and other institutions a good fit for military veterans and their families.