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The Raritan Valley Community College Board of Trustees has approved a $59.85 million operating budget for FY 2025.

“With the Governor proposing a drastic reduction of critical, financial support to New Jersey’s community colleges, combined with the rising costs in healthcare and operating expenses, the College is tasked with the challenge of continuing to thrive and support students while receiving less State aid. The new budget will ensure that RVCC can maintain its core mission of educating our students and offering them the vital services they need to succeed, while still keeping tuition relatively low,” said RVCC President Michael J. McDonough.

The Board also approved a $4 million major capital budget, of which $2 million will be provided by Somerset and Hunterdon counties and $2 million by the State through Chapter 12 funds. “We are extremely grateful to Somerset and Hunterdon County for their continued support of Raritan Valley Community College,” said Dr. McDonough.

The major capital budget will be used mostly for building and infrastructure projects. Some of the major components of the capital budget include:

•    $2,000,000 for Phase 1 of the Physical Education Building expansion

•    $600,000 for roof replacements

•    $400,000 for completion of Arts Building renovations

•    $350,000 for major roadway repairs

The Board also approved a $750,000 minor capital budget, which is designated primarily for technology and other instructional and building-related equipment.

The operating budget reflects a 3.5% increase over last year. The increase is due mainly to rises in costs for employees, including healthcare and other benefits, and a continued decline in the size of the area high school graduation classes.

The new budget includes a $6 per credit tuition increase, which the RVCC Board of Trustees approved at the March 26 Board meeting.

The budget now goes to the Board of School Estimate for approval at its meeting on May 13. The Board of School Estimate includes two county commissioners from Somerset County, two county commissioners from Hunterdon County, and two members of the RVCC Board of Trustees.

Ranked by WalletHub.com and Intelligent.com as the #1 community college in New Jersey, Raritan Valley Community College has been serving as an academic and cultural center for Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for over 50 years. The College has been nationally recognized for its service to the community, environmental stewardship, and commitment to diversity. It is home to  a Planetarium, Science Education Institute, and 3M Observatory; a Theatre offering professional performances for all ages; and an Honors College for high achieving students.

The College offers approximately 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training and professional development courses. RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 1, 2024

Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383

PR #109