Monroe University Honored for Opening Doors to College Access

We're excited to share some very proud news. At this year’s New York State College Access Conference 2026, Monroe was awarded the Pathway Builder Award, presented by Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC). The honor shines a spotlight on institutions that go above and beyond to make higher education more accessible, especially for underserved and underrepresented students.

And that’s where we pride ourselves. From boosting FAFSA completion to guiding families step-by-step through the financial aid process, the University has built a reputation for making college feel possible and practical. Our approach isn’t just about information; it’s about real support, real conversations, and real outcomes.

“We’re honored to receive this recognition,” said Marc Jerome. “It reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, and community partners who work every day to help students make college more affordable and attainable.”

One standout example is the University's Presidential Partnership Program, which was launched in 2016. Since then, Monroe has invested nearly $60 million in institutional aid to help more than 4,000 students. For many local recipients, that support has meant earning a degree with little to no out-of-pocket costs and graduating with minimal student debt.

But Monroe’s impact goes beyond scholarships.

The University weaves financial literacy into the student experience, offering seminars, one-on-one advising, and practical resources on everything from budgeting to responsible borrowing. Our Student Financial Services team also works closely with families throughout the FAFSA and TAP process, ensuring no one has to navigate it alone.

That support doesn’t stop at campus boundaries.

Since 2017, Monroe has hosted bilingual FAFSA workshops in local high schools and opened its doors for community-wide assistance events, helping families understand their options and take the next step toward college. Even more, we offer free college prep and application help to anyone in the community, no matter where they plan to enroll.

As President Jerome puts it, the mission is bigger than one institution: “College access isn’t just about opening doors to Monroe; it’s about opening doors for entire communities.”

With this latest recognition, it’s clear those doors are opening wider than ever.