If you’re a service member in the New York Army or Air National Guard, you have access to one of the best tuition benefits in the country: 100% of your SUNY tuition covered through the Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program (RIRP).
Whether you’re working toward a leadership role or preparing for a future civilian career, SUNY has flexible degree programs that fit your schedule—and your mission.
RIRP: Full SUNY Tuition for NY National Guard Members
The RIRP (Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program) is a New York State tuition benefit that pays up to the full cost of tuition at any State University of New York (SUNY) college.
To qualify for RIRP, you must:
- Be an active NY Army or Air National Guard member
- Be enrolled in a degree-granting undergraduate program
- Maintain satisfactory performance and enrollment
RIRP support means you can attend college without taking on college debt, while continuing to serve your community and your country.
Flexible Education Options for Guard Members
SUNY is a strong choice for guard members because of its offerings across the 64-college system. SUNY offers:
- 7,000+ degree and certificate programs
- 750+ fully online programs across disciplines
- 200+ hybrid programs that blend online and in-person classes
Whether you’re stationed near home or deployed elsewhere, you can stay on track academically with SUNY’s online learning options.
Choose a Degree That Aligns With Your Goals
Many NY Guard members choose programs that build on their current service role, prepare them for leadership within the Guard, and transition easily into post-service careers
Popular majors for Guard members include:
- Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement, Security, Public Safety)
- Cybersecurity (Infrastructure & Defense)
- Health Sciences and Nursing
- Engineering (Transportation, Civil, Mechanical)
- Business & Leadership
- Teacher Education (for future trainers/instructors)
You can also use the ONET Military Crosswalk Tool to explore civilian jobs that match your MOS/AFSC.
Other Education Funding air and National Guard Members May Be Eligible For
In addition to RIRP, Guard members often qualify for:
- Federal Tuition Assistance (TA): Up to $250 per credit, $4,500 per fiscal year
- VA Top-Up Benefits: Covers costs that exceed TA limits
- Federal Pell Grants: Available by completing the FAFSA
- Private scholarships for military-connected students
SUNY encourages all Guard members to explore multiple funding sources. They can often be used together.
Earn Credit for Your Military Training
You’ve already done the work, now get credit for it. SUNY evaluates military training through:
- The Joint Services Transcript (JST), based on recommendations by the American Council on Education (ACE)
- The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF), a regionally accredited transcript for Air Force training
Accepted military credits can significantly shorten your time to graduation.
SUNY Is Built to Support Military Students
Every SUNY campus is committed to supporting Guard members and veterans with:
- Dedicated VA Certifying Officers
- Military & Veteran Resource Centers
- Student Veterans of America chapters
- Academic advisors familiar with military education benefits
On-campus resources like tutoring, mental health support, and in some cases, childcare
You’ll never be alone in your journey. SUNY supports you from enrollment to graduation.
How to Apply to SUNY (for Free)
Start at suny.edu/apply. Military service members, veterans, and their families can apply to up to 7 SUNY campuses for free—no application fee required.
Be sure to:
- Submit your JST or CCAF transcript
- Indicate your military affiliation on the application
- Connect with a SUNY veteran or military services office after applying
Whether you’re helping with disaster response, infrastructure, or homeland defense, your service deserves to be recognized and rewarded.
With SUNY and the New York National Guard’s RIRP benefit, you can get a high-quality education without student debt.
Learn more at SUNY military and veteran resource page.
