Economic hardship has been a side effect of COVID-19 for so many New Jersey families. While Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) is proud to offer more than 120 degree and certificate programs at one of the lowest tuition rates in the state, the College recognizes the need for additional measures to be put into place to help ease the financial burden of higher education at this critical time.
RCSJ's Board of Trustees unanimously voted against an increase in tuition this fall and guaranteed that the tuition rate will remain frozen through the summer 2021 semester. The College has also retooled its payment plans in the interest of accessibility, by eliminating setup fees and deferring initial payment to enable students to register for classes with no money down. Those who registered for classes prior to this change will see their accounts credited back for any setup fees they had been charged.
The Financial Aid office is working to help students identify the full range of funding opportunities available to them. A number of grants and programs are in place to help students save, including the Community College Opportunity Grant, which provides a free education to qualifying students with household incomes less than $65,000; the Chamber of Commerce program that offers Bridgeton, Gloucester, Millville and Vineland Chamber members and their employees a 33% discount on tuition; and the Unemployment Tuition Waiver program designed to cover the cost of tuition and general service fees to help unemployed N.J. residents obtain the credentials they need to renter the workforce.
To ensure that every student has access to the technology required to find success in a virtual environment, the College has partnered with its Barnes & Noble campus bookstores to make competitively priced laptops available for purchase. Financial Aid recipients who are eligible to receive a rebate in the form of a book voucher, may apply that voucher towards the purchase of a laptop or other required technology through the bookstore. Students who do not have the means to purchase a laptop can now apply for the Student Technology Emergency Assistance program, available through RCSJ's Foundations. The program also covers the cost of webcams and mobile hotspots, to make certain students are equipped with the technology and internet service necessary to receive the full benefits of an online education.
Higher education remains linked to workplace success and increased financial compensation. As our nation's economy and workforce struggle under the challenges of this pandemic, higher education remains a solid investment in one's future. In accordance with this reality and the principles this institution was founded on, RCSJ remains committed to continuing to explore ways to make a college education more affordable and accessible for its students.
Visit RCSJ.edu/Enroll to find out what opportunities are waiting for you at RCSJ. Information regarding laptops and technology assistance can be found at RCSJ.edu/Laptop.
