The Rally That Echoed Through Albany

On February 25, 2026, more than 300 students, faculty, staff, and supporters gathered at the iconic Million Dollar Staircase in the New York State Capitol in Albany for a powerful demonstration calling for greater investment in public higher education. This event, part of Higher Education Action Day, saw participants from across the state—including Buffalo, Plattsburgh, New York City, and Long Island—unite under chants of "Education is a right!" to press lawmakers for increased funding for the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY).

The rally was organized by a broad coalition of academic unions such as United University Professions (UUP) and the Professional Staff Congress (PSC-CUNY), alongside student groups like the SUNY Student Assembly, University Student Senate of CUNY, NYPIRG, Young Invincibles, and the CUNY Rising Alliance. Following speeches, attendees fanned out to meet with over 100 legislators, amplifying their message directly to those shaping the state's fiscal future.

This surge of advocacy comes amid ongoing budget negotiations for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027), highlighting the critical role of SUNY and CUNY in providing accessible education to hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers.

Understanding SUNY and CUNY: Pillars of New York Public Higher Education

The State University of New York (SUNY), established in 1948, is the largest comprehensive public university system in the United States, encompassing 64 institutions including four-year colleges, research universities, and community colleges. It serves approximately 1.7 million students annually across credit, non-credit, and continuing education programs, with nearly every New Yorker living within 30 miles of a SUNY campus.

Complementing SUNY is the City University of New York (CUNY), founded in 1847, which operates 25 campuses primarily serving New York City residents. CUNY educates over 400,000 degree-seeking and continuing education students, with 40,000 faculty and staff. Together, these systems produce a significant portion of the state's teachers, nurses, and professionals, fostering economic mobility for working-class and underrepresented communities.

Both SUNY and CUNY have maintained tuition freezes for in-state students in recent years, supported by state aid, making 54% of SUNY's resident undergraduates and 72% of CUNY students attend tuition-free. However, chronic underfunding from the Great Recession era lingers, leading to infrastructure decay, staff shortages, and budget deficits at multiple campuses.

🎓 Specific Demands from Rally Participants

Rally organizers outlined precise funding requests exceeding Governor Kathy Hochul's Executive Budget proposal by more than $250 million. These demands address immediate crises and long-term sustainability:

• $108 million for CUNY: To hire 1,000 full-time faculty, 95 academic advisors, and mental health counselors amid faculty attrition and a 9% enrollment surge since 2022 (adding nearly 21,000 students).
• $100 million for SUNY: To enhance programs and cover enrollment growth costs, following three consecutive years of system-wide gains—the first since 2009.
• $41.8 million for SUNY deficits: Targeting shortfalls like $16 million at Buffalo State University, $11 million at SUNY Fredonia, $8.3 million at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and $6.5 million at SUNY Potsdam.

Additional calls included expanding SUNY and CUNY Reconnect—free community college for adults 25+ in high-demand fields like nursing and green energy—to all ages 18+ for the first 60 credits; $1.4 million for a CUNY Student Commuter Grant Pilot; free OMNY transit cards for CUNY students; and investments in basic needs like food insecurity and mental health via CUNY CARES.

Advocates also pushed revenue measures, such as higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy, to fund these priorities and counter potential federal cuts under the current administration.

Governor Hochul's FY2027 Executive Budget: A Starting Point

Governor Hochul unveiled her FY2027 Executive Budget on January 20, 2026, proposing continued support for public higher education amid fiscal pressures. Key provisions include:

While praised for maintaining the community college funding floor (preventing $65 million SUNY loss) and boosting opportunity programs like Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), leaders note gaps. SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. highlighted $10 billion in deferred maintenance, requesting $1 billion annually. CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez sought $1.9 billion capital total and $36.5 million more operating aid. For full details, see the SUNY Chancellor's budget hearing remarks and CUNY Chancellor's testimony.

Photo by Isaac Graulich on Unsplash

Voices from the Frontlines

UUP President Frederick E. Kowal emphasized federal threats: "Public higher education has been under attack from the federal government. We need to push back." PSC-CUNY President James Davis added, "CUNY remains underfunded... invest $108 million more."

Student leaders like Daniel Bayer (NYPIRG) declared, "Increasing state investment... means everyone gets the resources necessary to succeed." Legislators echoed support: Sen. John Liu said, "There is no better investment than in our public universities," while Assemblymember Karines Reyes urged, "Fully fund our City University of New York."

Challenges: From Crumbling Campuses to Staff Shortages

Decades of disinvestment have left SUNY with $10 billion and CUNY with $7 billion in deferred maintenance—over 52% of CUNY buildings are 50+ years old. Enrollment growth strains resources: SUNY needs staff for new students; CUNY lost faculty post-pandemic.

Deficits force cuts, impacting mental health services, advising, and DEI initiatives. Rally-goers highlighted basic needs: food insecurity affects thousands, underscoring calls for expanded supports. Read more from organizers at the PSC-CUNY rally report.

Enrollment Boom and Proven Successes

SUNY achieved unprecedented back-to-back-to-back enrollment gains across all sectors. CUNY grew 3.8% in 2025, topping WSJ value rankings (Baruch #1). Programs like CUNY Reconnect enrolled 6,000 adults; SUNY's Empire AI advances research in semiconductors and biotech.

These systems train 1/3 of NYC teachers (40% of teachers of color statewide) and drive $31 billion economic impact via SUNY alone. Yet, without funding, gains risk reversal.

Economic Engine and Path Forward

SUNY and CUNY fuel New York's workforce in healthcare, tech, and education. Investments yield returns: paid internships triple job offers; EOP transforms under-resourced students into leaders.

For professionals eyeing opportunities, explore higher ed jobs at SUNY and CUNY or check professor salaries in New York. Aspiring faculty can find faculty positions.

Budget passage looms; sustained advocacy is key. Share your experiences on Rate My Professor or search university jobs.

Photo by Georg Eiermann on Unsplash

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum

As negotiations continue, the rally signals unified demand for robust funding. With federal uncertainties, New York's commitment to affordable, quality public higher ed remains vital. Students, faculty, and allies urge Albany to prioritize these engines of opportunity.

In this landscape, resources like higher ed career advice and Rate My Professor empower voices, while higher-ed-jobs connect talent to institutions. Visit university jobs for openings and recruitment services to post positions, ensuring New York's higher ed thrives.