SUNY Expands Student Support Programs With New Funding

The ACE and ASAP programs receive $8 million in new funding to support 10,000 students with textbook and academic costs.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Financial Aid

Screen-print poster illustration of stacked textbooks in warm tones, evoking the academic support provided by New York's SUNY system programs. — SUNY has secured $8 million in new funding for its ACE and ASAP programs, expanding academic and financial support to 10,000 students statewide. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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State officials recently celebrated the success of the ACE and ASAP programs, which assist students at 44 SUNY campuses with academic and financial support. These initiatives currently serve 10,000 students statewide through a partnership that includes SUNY Oswego and three regional community colleges.

Why it matters

The programs aim to remove financial and academic barriers to degree completion by providing funding for essential costs like textbooks and transportation. With $20 million in annual state investment, these supports have shown measurable success in improving student retention and credit accumulation.

The state has committed $20 million annually to support 10,000 students across 44 SUNY campuses, with $8 million in new funding designated for the 2026-27 academic year. Participants in the ACE and ASAP programs receive aid for textbooks, groceries, and transportation alongside personalized academic advising.

The players

SUNY Oswego

A public university in New York that serves 490 students through the ACE program.

Onondaga Community College

A partner institution that supports 150 students through the ASAP program.

Cayuga Community College

A community college partner working within the SUNY system to provide student support.

Jefferson Community College

A partner institution contributing to the regional effort to support student success.

The details

The ACE and ASAP programs operate by providing students with a comprehensive support package designed to mitigate financial strain. By funding daily expenses like transportation and groceries, the programs allow students to focus on their coursework. Furthermore, participating institutions offer dedicated academic advisement and career development services to help students stay on track toward graduation.

2024: SUNY launched the ASAP and ACE programs.
October 29, 2026: Officials and students gathered to celebrate program outcomes.
2026-27: The state budget provides $8 million in additional funding for the programs.

Education Landscape

The expansion of the ACE and ASAP initiatives reflects a broader state effort to improve retention rates through targeted non-tuition financial support. This investment builds upon the existing SUNY ASAP and ACE support model by increasing capacity to 10,000 students across 44 campuses.

Students at participating SUNY institutions can benefit from these programs by seeking out personalized academic advisement and applying for textbook or transportation assistance. You should contact your school's financial-aid or admissions office to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for the ACE or ASAP programs.

The takeaway

These programs demonstrate that non-tuition financial support significantly boosts credit attainment and retention rates for students. Check with your campus registrar or financial-aid office to see if you qualify for these student support services.