States across the country are creating funding programs specifically for adults who want to return to school, finish a degree, or train for a new career. These programs help reduce or eliminate tuition costs by leveraging community and technical colleges, making higher education more accessible to working adults.
If you've been putting off a cybersecurity or technology degree because of cost, these programs may provide a more affordable path to developing the skills employers want and pursuing CompTIA certifications that can help advance your career.
Here are several programs worth exploring for adult learners:
Alabama: ReEngage Alabama
- Overview: ReEngage Alabama is a state grant program created to help adults who started college but did not finish, return to school and complete a degree aligned with Alabama's high-demand workforce needs. The program provides financial assistance to eligible adult learners enrolled in approved associate and bachelor's degree programs at participating Alabama institutions. (Note that you do have to look at each institution you are interested in for courses that fall into the high-demand CIP codes and availability of funding.)
- Requirements: Students must:
- be Alabama residents and U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents,
- at least 22 years old,
- have stopped attending college for at least two years and have earned prior college credit,
- be pursuing an eligible degree program connected to Alabama's high-demand occupations, and
- enroll at least part-time and maintain good academic standing.
Massachusetts: MassReconnect and MassEducate
- Overview: MassReconnect is Massachusetts' free community college program for adults age 25 and older. It was so popular that MassEducate expanded the initiative to students of all ages and income levels. The program covers the full cost of community college tuition and fees at participating Massachusetts community colleges and may also provide allowances for books, supplies, and other educational expenses for eligible students.
- Requirements: Students must:
- meet Massachusetts residency and eligibility requirements,
- enroll in an eligible certificate or associate degree program,
- attend at least part-time (six credits or more per term),
- complete the FAFSA or MASFA and comply with financial aid requirements, and
- maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- Important Note: Students may not already hold a bachelor's degree. If you have an associate degree, however, you may be able to qualify for financial assistance to complete a second associate degree under MassEducate.
Michigan: Michigan ReConnect
- Overview: Michigan Reconnect is a state-funded, last-dollar scholarship that provides tuition-free attendance at a student's in-district community college/tribal college or a significant tuition discount at an out-of-district community college. Eligible students can use the scholarship to pursue a Pell-eligible associate degree or skills certificate at a Michigan public community college. (Unlike other states, textbook costs are not covered by the program, but you may receive a large tuition discount if you attend an out-of-district community college.)
- Requirements: Students must:
- be at least 21 years old,
- meet Michigan residency requirements,
- possess a high school diploma or equivalent,
- not already hold an associate or bachelor's degree,
- submit the FAFSA, and
- enroll in an eligible associate degree or skills certificate program.
New York: SUNY Reconnect
- Note: SUNY Reconnect applies to colleges within the State University of New York (SUNY) system, both SUNY Community Colleges and other SUNY Institutions.
- Overview: A New York State-funded, last-dollar scholarship that covers remaining tuition, fees, books, and supplies for eligible adult learners enrolled in approved high-demand associate degree programs, including cybersecurity, AI, and technology. Beginning in 2027, eligible students may participate even if they already hold a college degree.
- Requirements: Students must be New York residents (or otherwise qualify for in-state tuition), be between ages 25 and 55, enroll in an approved high-demand associate degree program, attend at least part-time, and complete required financial aid applications, including NY Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and other applicable aid programs.
New York: CUNY Reconnect
- Note: CUNY Reconnect applies only to the City University of New York (CUNY) system, which primarily serves New York City.
- Overview: CUNY Reconnect helps adults enroll, re-enroll, or complete a degree at one of New York City's CUNY colleges. Through personalized advising, financial aid guidance, and New York's Opportunity Promise initiative, eligible students can pursue associate, bachelor's, and graduate degrees, with certain high-demand associate degree programs available tuition-free.
- Requirements: Eligibility requirements vary by program (senior college versus community college). For the free associate degree program, students must:
- be a New York state resident or eligible for in-state tuition, 25-55 as of January 1 of the semester they apply,
- have no prior postsecondary degree, enroll in an approved degree program in a high-demand field to qualify for the NYS Opportunity Promise Scholarship,
- take at least 6 credits per semester and earn a minimum of 12 credits per academic year,
- maintain satisfactory academic progress, and
- complete the program in 10 semesters.
Tennessee: Tennessee Reconnect
- Overview: The Tennessee Reconnect Grant is a state-funded, last-dollar grant that was created to help adults return to college, gain new skills, and advance in the workforce via an associate degree, technical degree, technical diploma, or other eligible credential at participating Tennessee community colleges, colleges of applied technology (TCAT), and certain other institutions. (Note you can use Reconnect at public and private universities. The grants will not be last dollar but rather based on the average amount of tuition and fees at a community college.)
- Requirements: Students must:
- be Tennessee residents,
- be classified as an independent on the FAFSA or be at least 23 years old,
- have not previously earned an associate or higher degree,
- complete the FAFSA,
- enroll at least part-time in an eligible certificate or associate degree program,
- maintain satisfactory academic progress, and
- meet the program's continuous enrollment requirements.
ReConnect programs demonstrate a growing trend among states and colleges: helping adults return to school with financial support, flexible scheduling, and personalized guidance.
Other states have similar programs, but resources vary; your state may not offer full tuition assistance, but you may find tuition assistance, one-on-one counseling, or other support services.
Whether your goal is to complete a degree, prepare for a new career, or earn in-demand credentials such as CompTIA certifications, these programs can help reduce cost barriers and provide a pathway back to higher education so taking a few minutes to take a look at what your state offers can make a difference in your future.