Union Plus College Program FAQ

Relevant to: students

This article contains information considered accurate at the time of publishing. Technology updates, changes in University security practices, and/or policies and procedures may affect the information in this article - updates to articles are scheduled on a periodic basis and will address any required changes.

Introduction

The following information pertains to AFL-CIO affiliated union members and retirees (their spouse and dependents) who are admitted as new undergraduate students to Empire State beginning in the Fall 2 term of 2023 as participants of the Union Plus College Program. For more information, visit the program page.

Student/Grant-Applicant FAQs

1. What is Union Plus?
   • Union Plus is a not-for-profit organization founded by the AFL-CIO to provide benefit programs exclusively to (current and retired) union members and their families.
2. What is the Union Plus College Program at SUNY Empire?
   • Union Plus and SUNY Empire State University have partnered to extend access to high-quality, flexible, and affordable higher education to AFL-CIO affiliated (current and retired) union members and their families throughout the U.S. Participants can enroll in undergraduate (associate and bachelor) degrees at SUNY Empire.
3. What is the Union Plus College Program benefit at SUNY Empire?
   • AFL-CIO affiliated union members who enroll as new undergraduate students starting in Fall 2 2023 and verify their membership will receive:
     • $50 application fee waived
     • $700 prior learning assessment fee waived
     • College Plus Grant reducing tuition per credit to $250
     • Access to affordable education for union members and their families
4. How do I apply to the Union Plus College Program at SUNY Empire?
   • Become an undergraduate student at SUNY Empire via Undergraduate Admissions, then submit a grant application online.
5. How do I apply for the Union Plus Grant at SUNY Empire?
   • Admitted undergraduates must complete the Union Plus Grant application online to verify union membership and establish eligibility.
6. Who is eligible for the Union Plus College Program?
   • AFL-CIO affiliated union members and retirees (their spouse and dependents) admitted as new undergraduates beginning Fall 2 2023.
   • A limited number of grants for current undergraduates as of Summer 2023.
7. What programs can I enroll in through the Union Plus College Program?
   • The tuition grant applies to any of our 120+ undergraduate degree programs. Not applicable to graduate degrees.
8. Who do I contact with questions?
   • Visit our program page.
   • Email unionplus@sunyempire.edu.
   • New incoming students: contact your designated recruiter.
   • Returning students: contact the 1Stop Center at 1-800-847-3000 with eligibility information.
9. Can I benefit if I entered before Fall 2 2023?
   • A limited number of grants available; submit the grant application to verify eligibility.
10. What do I need to apply for the grant?
    • An online application collecting your and your qualifying union member’s information, plus a local union representative’s contact for verification.
11. What should I tell my local union representative?
    • Inform them you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree at SUNY Empire and will list them to verify membership. They will receive an email to complete a brief online verification form. They will only confirm membership status—not personal/academic data.
12. Will I need to reapply every term?
    • No, verification is annual. The Office of Partnerships will notify you when re-verification is needed.
13. What is the deadline to apply?
    • Visit our program page or email unionplus@sunyempire.edu.
14. What is the code to apply?
    • ECUNION (waives application/orientation fee)