State college tuition pilot grant expands educational opportunities at RCGC
The following comes from Rowan College at Gloucester County.
Rowan College at Gloucester County (RCGC), one of the 13 New Jersey community colleges selected to participate in the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG), is onboard ready to begin implementing Governor Phil Murphy’s pilot program in spring of 2019. The state grant will provide current and new students from low- to middle-income families with a tuition-free RCGC education.
“As the cost of earning a college degree continues to rise, it is important that all New Jersey residents have the opportunity to pursue a higher education without acquiring enormous debt,” stated RCGC President Frederick Keating. “The Community College Opportunity Grant provides families with incomes of $45,000 or less the means to earn the post-secondary education they need to be successful in their careers and improve their quality of life.”
According to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, jobs with associate level degree requirements are projected to increase 7.9 percent through 2024. Jobs requiring postsecondary non-degree awards are projected to grow 11.7 percent. RCGC’s partnership with key businesses promises a high growth industry at both the state and county level.
The $25 million CCOG pilot initiative approved by Governor Phil Murphy and the legislature provides “last dollar” financial assistance to community college students from families with adjusted gross incomes between $0 and $45,000 enrolled in six or more credits during the spring 2019 semester.
To be eligible for CCOG, which covers any remaining costs of tuition and approved fees, students must first apply for all other federal and state financial aid grant awards. Students will be required to maintain satisfactory grades.
“We are excited to be offering Community College Opportunity Grants to qualifying students beginning this spring,” said Dr. Brenden Rickards, vice president of Academic Services. “We look forward to fully implementing Governor Murphy’s vision to provide assistance to these students to remove roadblocks to their academic and career success.”
Rowan College at Gloucester County’s 250-acre campus is located on Tanyard Road in Deptford Township, just off Exit 56 off of Route 55.
