Paul Smith’s College graduates are congratulated as they leave their commencement Saturday. (Enterprise photo — Elizabeth Izzo)

PAUL SMITHS — Paul Smith’s College and SUNY Adirondack have agreed to a scholarship program that allows past and future graduates of the two-year state college in Queensbury to enroll at the four-year private college in Paul Smiths at a significantly discounted tuition rate.

Under the Tuition Scholarship Program, SUNY Adirondack graduates will be able to work toward a bachelor’s degree at Paul Smith’s with a tuition cost no higher than that of a four-year SUNY school, which is $9,170 for the 2020-21 academic year.

“This partnership highlights how public and private colleges can go beyond coexisting and collaborate in providing a pathway to affordable bachelor’s degrees,” Paul Smith’s College President Cathy Dove said in a press release. “SUNY Adirondack’s proximity and excellent academics make this a perfect fit.”

The two colleges, separated by just over 100 miles by vehicle, offer program pairings that include culinary and baking arts, agricultural business and sustainability, sport management and individually tailored degree tracks.

This program is the second of its kind for Paul Smith’s. Announced in 2017, the 2-plus-2=You agreement with North Country Community College set the groundwork, providing NCCC graduates with state-level tuition rates at the neighboring private college. The first group of students enrolled in the program began their Paul Smith’s studies in the fall of 2018.

“Many SUNY Adirondack students may be attracted to their unique programs and location, but find private college tuition to be out of reach,” SUNY Adirondack President Kristine Duffy said. “The significant tuition discount for SUNY Adirondack students will present new options for our students, particularly in programs like culinary, hospitality, outdoor education, environmental-related areas of study and more.”

Graduating students and current SUNY Adirondack alumni should email admissions@paulsmiths.edu or call 800-421-2605 to learn more about the program.