Purchase College leaders today announced the expansion of Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) at Purchase College. This expansion will mean that 385 students at Purchase will receive important resources to help students gain and maintain academic momentum so they can graduate on time.

Purchase College President Michael E. Steiper, Ph.D., said, “As someone who grew up in New York and as a proud Westchester resident, I strongly believe in the power of SUNY to transform lives and communities through offering personal support and resources such as the ACE program. This extraordinary program provides students who have enormous potential with all the mentors, advisors, information, and skills that they need from the time they arrive on campus through graduation and beyond. ACE is a perfect example of our commitment to providing access and excellence and I’m proud of that our campus has been able to expand upon this successful program.”

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “SUNY is committed to the success of every student, and our expansion of the proven ASAP and ACE programs across our system ensures our students are on track to complete their degree on time and pursue their aspirations. I applaud Governor Hochul and state leaders for their continued support of SUNY, and I thank the Purchase College administration, faculty, and staff for their unwavering commitment to student success.”

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. See here for more information: https://www.suny.edu/asap-ace/.

In the 2025-26 State Budget, Governor Hochul and state leaders allocated $12 million for SUNY to expand this initiative, which will help [Campus Name] to support more students as they pursue a degree to help them unleash their full potential. The significant investment by Governor Hochul and state leaders will help grow ASAP|ACE enrollment statewide to an anticipated 7,000 students this year, on track to enrolling 10,000 students for Fall 2026.

State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am pleased to join President Steiper, Chancellor King, my colleagues in the Assembly, and the Purchase College community to celebrate the expansion of the ACE program. Programs like ACE and ASAP play a significant role in helping students at Purchase – and across the SUNY system – stay on track academically to graduate and move on to bright futures, reflecting New York State’s commitment to educational equity and student success. I am proud to have helped secure the historic $75 million initial investment in the SUNY Transformation Fund through the Senate, as well as the additional $12 million in this year’s state budget that made these important programs possible.”

Assemblymember Chris Burdick said, “I am delighted that the ASAP/ACE program has continued for another year at Purchase College. This program provides crucial support to students otherwise facing insurmountable obstacles to higher education, allowing them to access the superb education Purchase College offers. We can be proud not only of New York’s outstanding higher education system, but that we take strong and effective action to ensure that it is available to all equally.”

Purchase College has opted into offering ACE because we wanted to provide additional financial and advising resources to students in order to improve outcomes and increase our 4-year graduation rates.

Individualized supports delivered through ACE are critical for students like Sinsha Varghese, a commuter who utilizes the priority registration benefit to build a consolidated class schedule. This allows her to attend classes and participate in student government.

“As a transfer student, the ACE program really helped in easing my transition and supporting my academic success. The additional financial support and the personalized guidance made me feel supported every step of the way. Planning classes and schedules for a new semester has never been easier!” said Sinsha Varghese, Communications, Senior.

Similarly, ACE has helped Chelsea Asemota to graduate early with a BA in Biology. She is now applying to graduate programs to become a Physician’s Assistant.

"ACE isn’t just a program—it’s a family. They’ve given me a safe space where I’m truly seen and supported, whether it’s through mentorship, emotional guidance, or financial help to keep me moving forward. ACE has been the foundation of my success, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them." Chelsea Asemota, Biology, Senior

To learn more about ACE at Purchase College, visit purchase.edu/ace or contact Tina Hardin at tina.hardin@purchase.edu or 914-251-3997.

About Purchase College, SUNY

A top 10 public school, according to U.S. News & World Report, Purchase College, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, was founded in 1967 by Governor Nelson Rockefeller. His aspiration for Purchase was to create a dynamic campus that combined conservatory training in the visual and performing arts with programs in the liberal arts and sciences, in order to inspire an appreciation for both intellectual and artistic talents in all students. Today, Purchase College, SUNY is a community of students, faculty, and friends where open-minded engagement with the creative process leads to a lifetime of intellectual growth and professional opportunity. For more information about the college, visit www.purchase.edu.