Turn Union Benefits Into New Opportunities

Explore College Benefits for Union Members Through Edvance

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Find Your Best Match
School & Program

Free to Explore / No Commitments / For Union Members and Family

PEF Union College Benefit

The New York Public Employees Federation represents public sector employees across New York state, including professionals in healthcare, education, government services, environmental conservation, engineering, administration, social services and law enforcement. Through Edvance, eligible PEF members and their families can explore affordable online degree and certificate programs designed for working adults.

PEF MEMBERS and families

Make the Most of Your College Benefit

Are you a PEF member looking for a practical way to continue your education? Union College Benefit powered by Edvance offers guidance and support that removes many of the obstacles that keep working adults from starting or finishing a college degree.

Cost: Up to 40% discounted tuition that is stackable with other financial aid.

Choice: We partner with accredited schools and help match you with the right program.

Process: All programs are 100% online, no campus attendance required.

Real Results: Programs focus on in-demand careers.

Your Union College Benefit helps you advance your education and opens the door to new opportunities. You can choose from more than 200 online degree and certificate programs.

In-Demand Skills

Degrees in business, criminal justice, healthcare, marketing, psychology and more.

Flexible Learning

Enroll in online programs that allow you to further your education without pausing your life.

Strong Support

Edvance provides guidance from program selection to graduation.

Use Your Union College Benefit With Our Education Partners

Education Partners

We carefully select colleges and universities that deliver high-quality, career-focused education built for working adults. Our network features accredited, transfer-friendly programs designed to create opportunities for career advancement and stability

Associate Degrees

Associate Degrees

An associate degree is typically a two-year, 60-credit program. It can be a practical starting point for PEF members who want to build new skills, earn a first college credential or prepare to continue toward a bachelor’s degree. These programs apply to a variety of public sector careers, including those who work as administrative staff, clerks, support personnel, technical workers, law enforcement employees and healthcare support workers.

Popular associate degrees for PEF members include:

We have over 200+ programs in business, management, technology, healthcare and more. Explore on your own or get matched to a best-fit school recommendation.

Bachelor’s Degrees

Bachelor Degrees

Typically a four-year program or about 120 credit hours, a bachelor’s degree offers greater depth of knowledge in a field than an associate degree. For PEF members, a bachelor’s degree can support career advancement, degree completion, specialization or eligibility for roles where a four-year credential is preferred or required.

These programs can be especially useful for members who want to deepen their expertise, move into supervisory roles or qualify for positions where a four-year degree is preferred or required.

Popular bachelor’s degrees for PEF members include:

We have over 200+ programs in business, management, technology, healthcare and more. Explore on your own or get matched to a best-fit school recommendation.

Graduate Degrees

Graduate Degrees

Graduate programs are designed for members who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to take the next step in their careers. For PEF members, graduate programs may be especially relevant because many public sector roles involve specialized knowledge, professional credentials, leadership responsibilities or advancement systems tied to education.

Graduate study can support PEF members in healthcare, education, engineering, government services, administration, law enforcement, social services and environmental fields. It can also help members prepare for supervisory, management, policy, clinical, technical or agency leadership roles.

Popular graduate degrees for PEF members include:

We have over 200+ programs in business, management, technology, healthcare and more. Explore on your own or get matched to a best-fit school recommendation.

Certificates & Diplomas

Certificates and Diplomas

Short, focused programs are a manageable way to build a specific skill, explore a new area or add a credential without committing to a full degree. For PEF members, certificates and diplomas can support professional development, career mobility, leadership growth or specialized knowledge connected to public sector work.

Popular certificate and diploma options for PEF members include:

We have over 200+ programs in business, management, technology, healthcare and more. Explore on your own or get matched to a best-fit school recommendation.

How the Union College Benefit Works

Union College Benefit powered by Edvance gives PEF members a simple way to explore affordable education options and activate their tuition benefits.

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Find Your Program

Fill out the form on this page to quickly identify a school and program that aligns with your goals or explore our school and program listings on your own.

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Complete Your Application

Once you are matched with a school, you receive a specialized link to apply. After you apply, you will connect with the school and receive specific information about your program, costs and transfer credits. 

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Maximize Your Benefit

Submit your FAFSA to find out if you are eligible for federal aid, which can further minimize your out-of-pocket costs.

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Enroll and Start Class

Once you are accepted, your academic advisor will work with you to finalize your registration and prepare you to start classes.

Frequently Asked Questions About PEF's Union College Benefit

Who is eligible for Union College Benefit through Edvance?

How much can PEF members save on tuition with Edvance?

Are degree programs from schools that partner with Union College Benefit available online?

What types of programs are available?

What programs are a strong fit for PEF members?

Can I earn a certificate before committing to a degree?

Will my prior credits transfer?

How does financial aid work with this benefit?

Who are the Student Success Coordinators and what do they help with?

Find Your Best Match School & Program