To assist families struggling with the cost of higher education during the coronavirus pandemic, Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) announced a freeze on tuition and fees for the year ahead.
The RCSJ Board of Trustees unanimously approved keeping tuition unchanged for the 2020-2021 academic year at its May 12 meeting. College officials said they are committed to supporting current and future students pursuing their degrees and recognize the financial impact caused by COVID-19.
“In light of the financial stress that residents of New Jersey and the surrounding regions are currently experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, RCSJ is taking measures to support the leaders of tomorrow," said RCSJ President Frederick Keating. “Community colleges serve as a gateway of opportunity. We want to keep education within reach. RCSJ is here to assist the future careers of the residents in the region by not increasing tuition for the 2020-2021 academic year."
“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed so many things in each one of our lives, by freezing tuition for the 2020–2021 academic year we are able to keep education within the reach of every student. We want to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed when they enroll at Rowan College of South Jersey," stated Gloucester County Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger. “As Gloucester County's premier education provider, RCSJ is always striving to place students first, and eliminating a tuition increase removes a barrier that could otherwise disrupt a student's progress towards their future."
Cumberland County Freeholder Director Joseph Derella praised the announcement stating, “Rowan College of South Jersey has demonstrated its continuing commitment to providing an affordable quality 21st education at its Cumberland Campus." Director Derella went on to say, “RCSJ will play a foundational role in providing our Cumberland County residents with the education and training necessary to recover from the economic damage inflicted on our community by the impact of COVID-19."
According to data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, almost half of all bachelor's degree earners began their education at a community college. Offering 88 unique degree programs and more than 35 certificate selections, RCSJ provides an attractive option for many students looking to complete general education classes or major-specific programs at a significantly reduced cost before transferring to a four-year university of their choice. The College's two-year programs allow students to enter the workforce with little to no debt.
“Rowan College of South Jersey is maintaining its commitment to accessible and affordable higher education," said Gloucester County Freeholder and Education Liaison, Lyman Barnes. “The tuition freeze allows our students to budget their education as a priority and continue to invest in their future. Our innovative programs, educational opportunities and partnerships will continue to thrive and give our students the tools they need to succeed."
“COVID-19 has placed additional financial stress upon many of our local residents seeking to further their education," stated Cumberland County Deputy Freeholder Director and Education Liaison, Darlene Barber. “Freezing tuition for this academic year will further enhance RCSJ's growing reputation as the best value higher education has to offer, and it's right here in Cumberland County," added Barber.
To register for summer and fall classes, visit RCSJ.edu. All summer sessions are being held online in accordance with current state guidelines. On March 18, RCSJ closed its Gloucester and Vineland campuses and moved instruction to virtual learning.
