CUNY Continuing Education Financial Aid Guide
CUNY's continuing education programs are an affordable way into many careers, but paying for them works differently than for a degree. Because many are non-credit, traditional aid does not always apply, so it helps to know which funding paths do. This guide explains how financial aid works for CUNY continuing education and how to find support.
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Why continuing education aid is different
Much of CUNY's continuing and professional education is non-credit, meaning it does not lead to a degree the way credit-bearing programs do. That distinction matters for funding, because traditional federal and state student aid has generally been tied to eligible credit programs. As a result, you cannot assume that the FAFSA-based aid that covers a degree will automatically cover a non-credit continuing education course. The good news is that several other funding paths can apply, so the task is matching the specific program to the funding it actually qualifies for.
Scholarships and campus support
Many CUNY campuses offer scholarships or other support for continuing education and workforce students, and these can meaningfully reduce cost. Availability varies from campus to campus and program to program, so the reliable step is to ask the specific campus's continuing education or workforce office what scholarships and awards exist for the program you want. Because these opportunities are not always advertised as prominently as degree aid, asking directly often surfaces options you would not find on your own.
WIOA and workforce funding
For career-focused continuing education, WIOA funding through New York City's workforce centers can pay for eligible programs that appear on New York State's Eligible Training Provider List. If you are determined eligible, an Individual Training Account can cover an approved program. This route does not depend on the program being credit-bearing in the way traditional aid does, which is why it is often the most relevant funding for non-credit workforce training. Confirm ETPL status for the specific CUNY program and work with a career center counselor.
State aid, Workforce Pell, and how to apply
Depending on the program's approvals, state aid for certain non-degree programs and the new federal Workforce Pell Grant for eligible short-term offerings may also apply, starting July 1, 2026 for Workforce Pell. The way to sort this out is to start with the campus continuing education office: confirm whether the program is credit or non-credit, ask which funding sources it qualifies for, and have them walk you through the steps, including the FAFSA where relevant. Because eligibility hinges on the specific program, verify your options before enrolling.
Featured Opportunities
Registered Apprenticeship - Earn While You Learn
Federal Pell Grant for Eligible Career Programs
Job Corps Free Career Training Program
NSF CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (SFS)
Delaware WIOA Individual Training Account (ITA)
Nebraska WIOA Individual Training Account (ITA)
Georgia WIOA Individual Training Account (ITA)
North Dakota WIOA Individual Training Account (ITA)
New Mexico WIOA Individual Training Account (ITA)
California WIOA Training Voucher (CalJOBS ETP)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does financial aid cover CUNY continuing education?
It depends on the program. Many continuing education courses are non-credit, so traditional FAFSA-based aid may not apply, but scholarships, WIOA funding, and, for eligible programs, Workforce Pell can.
Can I use WIOA for a CUNY continuing education program?
Yes, if the program is on New York State's Eligible Training Provider List and you are determined eligible. A city career center can help set up an Individual Training Account.
Are there scholarships for continuing education students?
Many campuses offer scholarships or support for continuing education and workforce students, though availability varies. Ask the specific campus's continuing education office what is available.
How do I find out what funding my program qualifies for?
Start with the campus continuing education office. Confirm whether the program is credit or non-credit, ask which funding sources apply, and have them guide you through the steps.
Related Pages
Training & certification data provided in part by the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA) and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).