What is ACE?
SUNY Poly’s Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) program helps students gain and maintain academic momentum to help them stay enrolled and complete their degree. ACE students belong to a community that provides comprehensive support and advising, including access to more than $1,000 per year in funding above and beyond institutional financial aid, Pell, and TAP.
ACE increases college completion rates and narrows opportunity gaps by:
- Enhancing students’ sense of belonging
- Removing financial barriers to full-time study
- Providing structured pathways to help students gain and maintain academic momentum
- Creating connected communities through integrated support and engagement activities
The SUNY Poly ACE Program is part of the SUNY replication of the City University of New York Accelerate, Complete, and Engage program.
ACE Program Benefits
Personalized Advising
Proactive, personalized advising is designed to keep students on track from semester to semester. Students work with their ACE Advisor to build structured academic plans, monitor progress, and address challenges before they become obstacles.
Financial Resources
Participants receive $1,250 in annual funding—above and beyond traditional financial aid—to support full-time enrollment and reduce out-of-pocket expenses so students can stay focused on completing their degree. This includes:
- $550 per year in tuition support to cover the cost of attendance
- $400 per year dispersed in a monthly stipend for transportation and other expenses
- $300 per year for textbook assistance
Priority Course Registration
ACE students benefit from priority registration, helping them secure the courses they need, when they need them. By minimizing scheduling barriers, students maintain academic momentum and stay on track for timely degree completion. This includes summer courses, as needed.
Career Coaching
ACE students engage in professional and career development early and often. From resume building and internship guidance to salary negotiation skills and beyond, participants gain the tools needed to prepare for meaningful careers after graduation.
Eligibility Criteria
First-year and transfer students are invited to apply for the ACE Program at SUNY Poly. To qualify for the ACE program, you must meet the appropriate criteria:
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. NYS DREAM Act students are also eligible.
- Reside in New York State and qualify for in-state tuition.
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the NYS Tuition Assistance Program application, and the NYS Excelsior Scholarship application.*
- Be eligible for Pell, TAP, and/or Excelsior and accept all grants included in the financial aid plan.
- Be an accepted first-year student at SUNY Poly.
- Enroll full-time in an on-campus, ACE-approved program with a minimum of 15 credits per semester.
- Note: All majors except Nursing are eligible for enrollment in the ACE Program.
- Commit to completing an eligible major within four years.
- Not be a participant in EOP or CSTEP.
*Students from mixed-status families are now eligible to apply for NYS financial aid without completing the FAFSA. Students may also reach out to ACE staff to learn more about their options for applying for NYS aid.
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. NYS DREAM Act students are also eligible.
- Reside in New York State and qualify for in-state tuition.
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the NYS Tuition Assistance Program application, and the NYS Excelsior Scholarship application.*
- Be eligible for Pell, TAP, and/or Excelsior and accept all grants included in the financial aid plan.
- Be an accepted transfer student at SUNY Poly who has previously earned, or will earn before the start of classes in the semester of admission, an associate degree.
- Enroll full-time in an on-campus, ACE-approved program with a minimum of 15 credits per semester.
- Note: Transfer students enrolled in Nursing or any online degree program are not eligible for ACE at SUNY Poly.
- Commit to completing an eligible major within two years.
- Not be a participant in EOP or CSTEP.
*Students from mixed-status families are now eligible to apply for NYS financial aid without completing the FAFSA. Students may also reach out to ACE staff to learn more about their options for applying for NYS aid.
How to Apply to ACE
The Fall 2026 ACE Application is now open! Eligible students are invited to apply online.
Please log in using your Application Status Portal email and password.
Your ACE Support Hub
Whether you’re exploring ACE or already part of the program, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Ask Questions About ACE
Want to learn more about the program, benefits, or what to expect? Send us a message and an ACE advisor will follow up with you.
Connect With Your ACE Advisor
Current ACE students: Schedule your monthly meeting with your advisor to talk through classes, goals, and next steps.
Review ACE Student Responsibilities
Understand the requirements associated with maintaining ACE program membership.
