UAlbany Expands ACE Program to Help More Students Graduate on Time
By Amy Geduldig
ALBANY, N.Y. (June 22, 2026) — The University at Albany announced the expansion of Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE), building on the SUNY program’s successful launch at UAlbany last fall. The expansion will give 150 additional Great Danes access to academic, financial and personal support designed to help them stay on track, overcome barriers and graduate on time.
The program provides participating students with funding for textbooks, groceries, transportation and other costs of attendance, as well as comprehensive personalized advisement, academic support and career development activities. Last fall, UAlbany welcomed 205 students to its inaugural ACE cohort after increasing the program’s initial enrollment target of 150 students due to strong student interest.
“As a public research university, UAlbany is committed to supporting students inside and outside the classroom through a comprehensive student success strategy. ACE is a critical component of that strategy and is instrumental in removing barriers that can stand between talented students and their degrees by connecting them with the financial resources, advising, mentorship and sense of community that contribute to their long-term success. We are grateful to SUNY and New York State for their continued investment in this vital program, which is helping more students graduate on time, build meaningful careers and strengthen their communities,” said JoAnne Malatesta, vice provost for academic innovation and student success.
The expansion was made possible through an additional $8 million in allocated funding in the FY2026-27 enacted state budget, bringing the total state investment in this successful program to $20 million annually.
Participating students from UAlbany’s inaugural ACE cohort said the program has helped them build community, connect with advisers and reduce financial stress as they adjust to college life.
Ollievia Brantley, a cybersecurity major in the class of 2029, said, “The main thing I love about being in ACE is the community, and the funding the program provides each semester for textbooks really helps take the financial burden off my shoulder. ACE is truly a wonderful community to be a part of.”
UAlbany is part of SUNY’s systemwide expansion of Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) and Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) — the nation’s leading college retention and completion models — that will serve 10,000 students at 44 SUNY campuses by the fall 2026 semester. ASAP|ACE helps students gain and maintain academic momentum so they can graduate on time.
"SUNY is committed to the success of every student, and the continued expansion of ASAP|ACE will help ensure our students can complete their degree on time, achieve their dreams and move forward on a path to upward mobility," said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. "I am thrilled that through the support of Gov. Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature, and for the SUNY Board of Trustees, these vital programs will serve 10,000 students across the state this fall and I thank UAlbany's administration, faculty and staff for their unwavering commitment to student success."
State Sen. Patricia Fahy said, “Amidst the worst affordability crisis since 2008, students and families are struggling more than ever to afford the holistic cost of a college education, not just tuition. That's why programs like ACE make a meaningful difference in students' lives and why I'm thrilled to see an additional fifty students added to the program this year, reflecting its initial success. The University at Albany, SUNY, and the New York State Legislature are taking direct and meaningful action to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to succeed, including holding the line on tuition increases this year and years prior. I want to commend SUNY Chancellor John King and UAlbany President Havidán Rodríguez for their vision in prioritizing student success at a time when too many of our working families are struggling to access a higher education.”
“Programs like ACE make a real difference in the lives of students by ensuring that financial and personal challenges do not stand in the way of earning a degree. I am proud to continue to support the funding to expand this initiative in the New York State budget. This program will open doors for more students to succeed and strengthen our workforce,” said Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh.
“Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed in college, regardless of their financial circumstances,” said Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero. “Expanding the ACE program means more UAlbany students will have access to the resources and support they need to stay on track, overcome challenges, and earn their degree. From textbook assistance and transportation support to personalized advising and mentorship, this program is helping remove barriers to higher education that get in students’ way too often. I was proud to support this additional investment into this essential program in the state budget and look forward to seeing even more Great Danes thrive through ACE.”
The Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) supports students pursuing associate degrees, while Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) supports baccalaureate students. Eligible students have access to a wide array of resources and support to help them overcome barriers that can prevent them from obtaining a degree. This includes funding to cover textbooks, groceries, transportation and other costs of attendance, as well as comprehensive personalized advisement, academic support and career development activities. More information about the programs is available at https://www.suny.edu/asap-ace/.