Syracuse University to Expand Opportunity and Affordability for Lifelong Learners and Military-Connected Students

For more than 100 years, Syracuse University’s University College has made it possible for working adults and other part-time students to earn a Syracuse University degree.

Today, Syracuse University is reaffirming its commitment to adult and lifelong learners, veterans and military-connected students through a series of initiatives designed to expand opportunity and enhance affordability for those who aspire to earn a Syracuse University undergraduate degree through part-time study at University College.

“Part-time learners represent the largest population of students enrolled in higher education today. Making part-time study at Syracuse University more affordable and accessible is both a natural continuation of the University’s history of supporting non-traditional students and also an appropriate response to the changing needs and expectations of those who could most benefit from a Syracuse University education,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud.

Specifically, effective immediately, the cost for part-time undergraduate study at Syracuse University–to include all part-time residential and online undergraduate degree programs–will be reduced by 18 percent, from $846 per credit hour to $695 per credit hour. This adjustment to part-time undergraduate tuition will effectively reduce the total tuition cost to earn a bachelor’s degree from University College, on average, by $18,000.

“Syracuse University has a proud history of empowering part-time students,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of University College. “As we introduce and align new part-time undergraduate programs with the demands of a dynamic labor market, we recognize that enhancing access to those programs must be central to our efforts.”

Consistent with Chancellor Syverud’s dedication to support and serve the nation’s veterans and military families, the University is also acting to expand access to undergraduate part-time degree programs for military-connected students.

Also underway, Syracuse University has aligned the undergraduate part-time tuition rate charged to active duty military members, enrolled in online undergraduate programs, to be equivalent with the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) reimbursement. University College will also offer part-time online undergraduate study to members of the New York State National Guard and reservists stationed in New York state, at a cost equivalent to the Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program (RIRP) tuition reimbursement rate.

The TAP and RIRP programs are designed to provide federal financial aid to active duty military members, and members of the National Guard and the Reserves, in support of advanced education. Syracuse University’s decision to align online undergraduate part-time tuition with the TAP and RIRP reimbursement rates effectively means that active military and members of the NYS National Guard and the Reserve will ideally incur no out-of-pocket tuition expenses while enrolled in part-time undergraduate study at University College.

“The foundational idea behind Syracuse University’s commitment to the nation’s veterans and families is that access to high-quality, advanced education will empower our veterans to realize their inherent potential as individuals, and as citizens, after their military service comes to an end,” says J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation. “I can think of no better way to enable that potential than with a degree from Syracuse University.”

Syracuse University’s part-time undergraduate programs include an online associate degree in liberal arts and bachelor’s degrees in liberal studies, creative leadership, knowledge management and cybersecurity administration. Part-time study is designed for those who cannot attend Syracuse University full time. Courses are offered in eight-week sessions, allowing part-time online students to complete up to three courses (nine credits) each semester. Students who have earned prior college credit may be eligible to transfer up to 30 credits into the 60-credit associate degree and potentially up to 90 credits into the 120-credit bachelor’s degrees.

Individuals interested in more information about part-time enrollment opportunities at Syracuse University may contact the University College admissions team at 315.443.9378 or parttime@syr.edu. Veterans and military-connected students can learn more about part-time programs and tuition benefits at parttime.syr.edu/military.