Active Duty, Guard, and Reserves

Our Office of Veteran and Military Education is available to assist you throughout your studies at SUNY Empire State College. Contact us at military.programs@esc.edu or 518-587-2100 ext. 2779 if you have questions.

The following military-aligned students receive the State University of New York’s affordable in-state tuition rates, regardless of where they reside:

• Active-duty service members
• Reservists and National Guard members
• Veterans
• Spouses and dependents of active-duty military servicemembers

In addition, SUNY Empire waives all fees (except service-related fees and fees for residency-based courses) for active-duty servicemembers, reservists, National Guard, veterans, and their spouses.

Contact your service branch education counselor for information and processing of tuition assistance.

Once you have determined your TA eligibility, please reach out to an Empire Military Outreach Coordinator at military.programs@esc.edu for assistance. They will provide you with a free Evaluated Education Plan which includes your previous college credits and credit earned through military service.                             

Approved TA documents can be emailed to kimberly.durant@esc.edu or faxed to Student Accounts, Attn: Military Accounts Coordinator at 518 580-4863

To view your estimated cost of attendance, visit the SUNY Net Price Cost Calculator. The SUNY Financial Aid Plan will provide a more accurate analysis of your cost once you’ve filed your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), submitted your admissions application, and are accepted to SUNY Empire.

For information about visit Tuition and Fees for Military and Veteran Students

The SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society was founded in 2009 to recognize the college-level academic achievements of service members and veterans. SUNY Empire State College became a chapter member in 2016 to highlight the academic excellence and service to country our military students demonstrate.

SUNY Empire's Eligibility Criteria

Military Service and Current Conduct

• Honorably discharged (verified by DD214, Member 4 copy)
• Currently active duty, Guard or Reserve (verified by copy of orders of current assignment)
• Maintain the highest ethical standards

Academic Criteria for Undergraduate Level (Associate and Bachelor's Degrees)

• 0 minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) - calculated by current GPA standards
• Alpha Tier GPA: 3.75 - 4.0
• Bravo Tier GPA: 3.5 - 3.74
• Charlie Tier GPA: 3.25 - 3.49
• Delta Tier GPA: 3.0 - 3.24
• Successfully completed a minimum of 24 credits at SUNY Empire State College
• Have at least one successfully completed enrollment within the last three years
• Have a concurred degree plan
• Be in good financial standing with the college

Academic Criteria for Graduate Level (Master’s Degrees)

Graduate students will be classified as SALUTE Gold members. There are no GPA tiers for graduate students.

• 5 minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) - calculated by current GPA standards
• Successfully completed a minimum of 12 credits at SUNY Empire State College
• Have at least one successfully completed enrollment within the last three years
• Be in good financial standing with the college

More Information

• Become a Member
• Annual Recognition
• Points of Contact

Financial Aid for Veterans and Military Personnel

1. Military Corner: An HESC site that provides information on student loans and eligibility for New York state grants and scholarships for military personnel and their families either stationed in New York, or who are New York state residents.
2. NYS Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program Website provides general program information and information on contacting your Educational Incentive Program directorate.
3. Federal VA Educational Benefits website
4. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Scholarships
5. Disabled Soldier Support System: Provides information on numerous issues including educational and scholarship opportunities for disabled soldiers.
6. Army Families Online: Provides information on numerous issues including scholarship opportunities for military personnel, veterans and their families.
7. AMVETS: Provides information for veterans and active military.
8. SUNY Empire State College Time Payment Plan