SUNY Canton Announces Fee Scholarships for Active-Duty, Reservist and National Guard Students
Canton, NY (07/09/2025) — SUNY Canton will begin a comprehensive student fee scholarship initiative for active-duty, reservist and National Guard service members beginning in the Fall 2025 semester.
This program builds upon several longstanding military-friendly policies and benefits, such as priority course registration, academic credit for military experience, and a dedicated study lounge.
"Removing more financial barriers to higher education for our military members is the goal," said SUNY Canton Executive Director of Enrollment Melissa J. Evans. "This new scholarship has the potential to save full-time students up to $6,500 over the course of four years."
Comprehensive fees, which are in addition to tuition, housing and book costs, are mandatory student fees that are charged per semester. Examples of comprehensive fees include athletic, technology, recreational and activity fees.
Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class and online Emergency Management student Charles S. Campanella said the program will reduce the out-of-pocket costs that military tuition assistance doesn't cover.
"Working while taking classes takes a lot of time and energy, so this program is going to allow me and other service members to focus more on work and school and worry less about the financial aspect of getting a degree."
SUNY Canton is renowned for its military-friendly culture, earning dozens of awards from Military Times magazine and U.S. News & World Report. In addition, the college recently earned its 14th consecutive ranking as a top Military FriendlyO school in G.I. Jobs Magazine's 2025-2026 list.
"The college has a proud history of helping military-connected students reach their educational goals, including myself," said retired Army Major General Fergal I. Foley, who is a 1980 alumnus and president of the SUNY Canton Alumni Association Board of Directors. "This new program offers even more assistance to those who have sacrificed so much for our country."
SUNY Canton's Director of Military Connected Benefits & Recruitment Patrick S. Massaro serves as a dedicated advisor to help students navigate benefit programs.
"I look forward to talking to service members about this new initiative and how it can reduce the overall cost of their education," Massaro said. Those interested in applying can contact Massaro directly at massarop@canton.edu or (315) 386-7838.
Discover SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college's career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, public service, and veterinary technology. Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 25 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the SUNYAC. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.