University at Albany and Columbia-Greene Community College Sign Dual Admission Agreement

Three students stand with UAlbany's mascot holding UAlbany and Columbia-Greene pennants
UAlbany and Columbia-Greene Community College signed a dual admission agreement creating a pathway for C-GCC students to continue their education at UAlbany. (Photo by Zach Durocher)

By Amy Geduldig

Albany, N.Y. (Mar. 24, 2026) — The University at Albany (UAlbany) and Columbia-Greene Community College (C-GCC) announced today a dual admission agreement that creates a seamless path for Columbia-Greene students to continue their education and earn a bachelor's degree at UAlbany. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to higher education for students while strengthening pathways into the statewide workforce.  

The signing ceremony was held at C-GCC's Student Success Center and attended by UAlbany President Havidán Rodríguez and Victoria Walsh, President of Columbia-Greene along with students, faculty, staff, elected officials and community partners.

The two institutions will also formalize a transfer articulation agreement for students pursuing a nursing degree in the near future.

“The University at Albany is proud to partner with our colleagues at Columbia-Greene Community College to establish a clear pathway for students through these new dual admission and nursing articulation agreements. These agreements will smooth the path for C-GCC graduates who want to transfer to UAlbany to complete a bachelor’s degree. Through the new dual admission program, students will also have access to resources like financial aid counseling and academic advising that will help ensure their success. Data show that most community college students want to complete a four-year degree but only 16 percent of students who start in community college ultimately earn a bachelor's degree, this partnership aims to meaningfully change that statistic,” said Havidán Rodríguez, President of the University at Albany.

“This seamless partnership between Columbia-Greene and UAlbany allows for our students to further expand their educational horizon and a commitment to affordability. From our innovative programs in healthcare and criminal justice, this dual admission agreement provides more than just another degree opportunity: this provides a boost in academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career guidance. Community colleges such as Columbia-Greene give students the critical foundation to succeed in their future and we are grateful to President Rodriguez, the University at Albany, and SUNY for their close collaboration,” said Dr. Victoria Walsh, president, Columbia-Greene Community College.

Under the agreements, students can apply for dual admission to both colleges when they enroll at Columbia-Greene, or during their first semester. Upon completing an associate degree at C-GCC — in Associate of Arts, Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science programs — students are eligible to transfer into a related bachelor's degree program at UAlbany, entering with junior-year standing.  

The partnership is designed to remove barriers for students seeking a college degree, simplifying the college application process while offering enhanced support for students.  Dual-admitted students will benefit from a range of support and resources at both institutions, including:

  • Access to dedicated academic counseling from a UAlbany transfer advisor who will work with students during their time at C-GCC.
  • A UAlbany identification card, access to UAlbany libraries, opportunities to meet with faculty, and invitations to attend special events and student activities at UAlbany.
  • Priority consideration for on-campus housing and transfer enrollment scholarships at UAlbany.
  • Guaranteed admission to a corresponding UAlbany program for students who graduate from C-GCC with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and a guaranteed UAlbany Transfer Merit Scholarship for those graduating with a GPA of 2.75 or higher.

UAlbany has signed similar dual admission agreements with Hudson Valley Community College, SUNY Adirondack, SUNY Fulton-Montgomery and Borough of Manhattan Community College, expanding access to a bachelor's degree for community college students across New York State.  The University also signed a guaranteed admission agreement for Albany High School students earlier this year.