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MCC Daily Tribune

SUNY Chancellor King's 2026 Update to Long-Term Enrollment and Financial Sustainability Report

Albany, NY – State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. highlighted a year of progress and momentum as SUNY’s long-term enrollment and financial sustainability continue to trend upward, marking significant achievements in supporting students and strengthening the state with three years of enrollment gains coupled with historic increases in New York State operating aid.  

 “SUNY is on the move and expanding programs and initiatives to support our students and campuses throughout New York State,” said SUNY Chancellor King. “By following our comprehensive plan, and through the strong support and commitment from Governor Hochul, the State Legislature, and the SUNY Board of Trustees, SUNY is delivering on our promise of an affordable and high-quality higher education for all New Yorkers. Through our focus on improving academics and student success resources, expanding research systemwide, and providing more opportunities for internships and civic education and engagement, SUNY is reaching new heights, and we will continue to build on this progress.” 

The SUNY Board of Trustees said, “SUNY is a national leader and an example of what it means to provide an excellent and affordable public education. We are thankful for the support of Governor Hochul and the State Legislature as we build on our academics and infrastructure for the future needs of our state. No matter where New Yorkers are, there is a SUNY institution ready to set students on their journey to personal growth and success.” 

The initial SUNY Report on Long-Term Enrollment and Financial Sustainability was called for in the 2023-24 enacted State budget and released in January 2024, outlining a strategy to continue to grow enrollment and strengthen SUNY’s financial health. The initial report forecasted a $1 billion gap between revenue and expenses within a decade, which was reduced to $50 million based on strategies outlined in the February 2025 SUNY Report Update. This year’s Update indicates that SUNY is on track to achieve a balanced budget at the 10-year horizon by continuing enrollment gains apace, continued State investment, and responsible fiscal stewardship. 

The 2026 SUNY Report includes updates on SUNY’s progress achieving its four driving pillars: 

  • Student success 
  • Research and scholarship 
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion 
  • Economic development and upward mobility  

The report also spotlights: 

  • Three years of enrollment gains across every SUNY sector 
  • SUNY’s academic momentum campaign to improve retention and completion 
  • Research capital investment that is fueling SUNY’s and New York State’s research leadership 
  • Opportunities for faculty and staff leadership across a range of initiatives and priorities 
  • Governor Hochul’s SUNY Reconnect initiative to provide free community college tuition, fees, books, and supplies to adult learners in high-demand fields 
  • The importance of addressing SUNY’s $10 billion critical maintenance backlog 
  • Ongoing progress improving campus fiscal sustainability 
  • The expansion of shared services across the SUNY System  

State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Chair of the Higher Education Committee, said, “State University of New York system is vital to our state's long-term economic and social progress. As Chair of the Senate's Higher Education Committee, each year we have increased State support. I have been proud to work with my colleagues in the Senate Majority to ensure SUNY receives the support and investment it needs to provide New York students with the education they deserve. We will continue to work with Chancellor King, the SUNY Board of Trustees, and faculty, staff, and stakeholders to ensure SUNY goes from strength to strength.” 

State Assemblymember Alicia L. Hyndman, Chair of the Higher Education Committee, said, “As Chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee, I am heartened to see that the State University of New York is truly ‘on the move.’ Three consecutive years of enrollment growth and a significantly strengthened financial outlook are clear indicators that our historic state investments are delivering tangible results for New York’s students and families. From the success of the SUNY Reconnect initiative - which provides a vital lifeline for our adult learners - to the system’s unwavering focus on diversity and upward mobility, SUNY continues to serve as a powerful engine for equity. However, as we celebrate this progress, we must remain vigilant. Fulfilling the promise of a world-class public education requires us to address the $10 billion critical maintenance backlog and ensure our campuses remain safe, modern, and accessible. I look forward to working with Chancellor King and my colleagues in the Legislature to build on this momentum, ensuring that SUNY remains the premier gateway to the middle class for every New Yorker.” 

Achieving the Dream President and CEO Karen Stout said, “Too many students across our country start but don’t complete their college degree, and Achieving the Dream applauds SUNY for leveraging historic New York State funding to grow academic programs and student services. SUNY’s long-term plan demonstrates the innovative leadership of Chancellor King and the Board of Trustees to expand evidence-based strategies that create pathways for student success. New York State and SUNY are making sound decisions for their students today and for generations of New Yorkers ahead.” 

Jobs for the Future President and CEO Maria Flynn said, “SUNY has shown consistent leadership in bridging the gaps between education, communities, and careers. The long-term plan, coupled with historic investments in student support services, internship programs, and other transformational initiatives, is a forward-thinking strategy that will advance critical work to grow our economy and help students find quality jobs and thrive.” 

SHEEO President Rob Anderson said, “We are thrilled to see that SUNY is continuing to build strength through both robust support from New York State, and the hard work of Chancellor King and the Board of Trustees. SHEEO commends SUNY for its dedication to the success of its students as they work to advance their education and skills.”   

About The State University of New York 
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of optometry, 12 Educational Opportunity Centers, over 30 ATTAIN digital literacy labs, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.7 million students across its portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2025, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit the SUNY website (suny.edu). 

Veronica Chiesi Brown
Community Relations
02/24/2026