Finding the Right Fit

Rebecca began researching her options — and 91����Ƶ’s SUNY Reconnect program stood out immediately.

“I was looking at all my options and 91����Ƶ was right here,” she said. “I had seen a little mention of SUNY Reconnect on the website, and I was like, okay, they have the nursing program there, and most states require a master’s in nursing to be a certified nurse midwife. I’m like, well, I might as well just start right here.”

SUNY Reconnect offers free tuition, fees, books, and supplies for eligible New York State residents aged 25–55 who don’t have a prior college degree and are enrolled in select high-demand programs. For Rebecca, it removed the financial barrier that so often keeps adult learners from returning to school.

A Tight-Knit Community

But the financial support was only part of what made 91����Ƶ the right choice. The small campus environment has been a game-changer.

“It’s a really good starting point,” Rebecca said. “I would definitely say the small size of the school makes it more of a tight-knit community. It’s easier to learn about work studies, to learn about the different clubs and activities and events going on. It’s easier to get to know your professors, as well as staff and faculty that are there to support you. They all are very invested and you get to know everyone pretty quickly. And there’s a lot of support in that. It feels like I’m being supported all the time.”

The college also offers strong transfer pathways, giving students flexibility as they plan their long-term goals.

“You can transfer to a lot of different colleges, so it’s a really good starting point,” Rebecca added. “It’s smaller, so you won’t be as overwhelmed as if you were starting at a bigger university per se or even a larger community college. There’s a lot of resources for scholarships and, you know, financial aid. We have the food pantry. So there’s a lot of support in that aspect.”

Setting an Example

For Rebecca, going back to school wasn’t just about her own career goals — it was about setting an example for her daughter.
“I wanted my daughter to grow up and see her mom not feel like ‘oh, I have a child, you know, I can’t go back to school now,'” Rebecca said. “I want her to be able to see that she can do anything at any point in time if she wants to. It’s never too late. There’s people here that are in their 80s that are in class. So it’s never too late.”

And in the process, Rebecca has internalized that lesson herself.

“I’ve ended up instilling it in myself,” she said. “Like, I can do anything I put my mind to. It might be hard, but, you know, it doesn’t matter what time frame I am in my life or stage in my life. I can always keep learning and doing new things and achieving things.”

What’s Next

Rebecca is on track to graduate with her Nursing AAS in 2027 — the first step toward her goal of becoming a certified nurse midwife. But beyond the degree, she’s gained something even more valuable: confidence.

“It’s definitely what I wanted to instill in my daughter,” Rebecca said. “And that’s very cool.”

Learn More About SUNY Reconnect

If you’re an adult learner considering going back to school, SUNY Reconnect can help make it possible. Eligible New York State residents aged 25–55 can receive free tuition, fees, books, and supplies for select high-demand programs.

Visit to learn more and apply today.