Financial Aid Opportunities
A Guide For Parents
Affordable Education | Financial Aid - Types | FAFSA | Scholarships Offered | Galileo Scholarship | EOF Program | Paying Tuition | NJ STARS | Financial Aid Deadlines | Non-credit Courses | Part-time Students | Payback Grants? | Part-time Students | Paying for Books
Raritan Valley Community College - High Quality Education at an Affordable Price
Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) is the right choice for a high quality, affordable education. The College is committed to ensuring that financial hardship does not stand in the way of a student attending RVCC. A wide variety of financial aid opportunities are available to full- and part-time students.
What types of financial aid are available at RVCC?
RVCC offers a full range of financial aid options, including Federal Pell Grants, NJ Tuition Aid Grants, Federal Stafford Student Loans, academic scholarships and Federal Work Study.
What is a FAFSA application and when is it required?
FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is required for all need-based forms of financial aid, including Federal Pell Grants and Stafford Loans, NJ Tuition Aid Grants and some RVCC scholarships. Once the application is completed, students can apply for both federal and/or state aid.
Applications are available at RVCC's Financial Aid Office. You may also complete a FAFSA Application online. Applying online will reduce the processing time from four to two weeks. RVCC's six-digit federal code for FAFSA is 007731.
What scholarships does RVCC offer? How can a student apply?
RVCC offers more than 20 different types of academic scholarships, ranging in annual amounts from $250 to $2000. Scholarships are also available for dependents of September 11 victims and members of Phi Theta Kappa (National Honor Society). Students must fill out a scholarship application. If financial need is a criterion for a scholarship, students must complete a FASFA application.
For additional information, contact the Financial Aid Office, 908-526-1200, ext. 8273 or e-mail finaid@raritanval.edu.
Galileo Scholarship
The Galileo Scholarship is awarded annually to students who are interested in majoring in science, math, engineering and technology. The scholarships are based on academic potential and financial need.
RVCC provides both in-person and online academic support to the Galileo Scholarship recipients, who are assigned to faculty mentors/advisors in each discipline area. The College also assists in linking the Scholars with RVCC's four-year partner institutions for seamless transfer opportunities to continue their higher education. In addition, a series of science- and math-related activities are held on and off campus to encourage student development in these areas.
For additional information, e-mail galileo@raritanval.edu or call 908-526-1200, ext. 8273.
What is the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program?
What is the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program? The Educational Opportunity Fund Program (EOF) provides both financial assistance and support services to students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Students receive grant awards. To qualify for the EOF Program, applicants must demonstrate economic eligibility; have earned a high school diploma or GED; and have resided in New Jersey for at least one year. To qualify, a student must apply to a New Jersey college or university and file a FASFA application. For additional information, visit the EOF office at RVCC or call 908-218-8875 to set up an appointment.
Can RVCC students receive federal and state grants and loans?
RVCC participates in all of the federal and state financial aid programs, including the Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) and Stafford Loans. A FASFA application is required for all grants and loans. Loans and grants are available for both full- and part-time students. On-campus employment is available for students who qualify for federal grants. Students should apply for federal and state grants by first filling out the FASFA Application. For additional information, contact the Financial Aid Office, 908-526-1200, ext. 8273 or e-mail finaid@raritanval.edu.
Does RVCC offer a Tuition Payment Plan?
Yes. In order to reduce the burden of paying an entire semester's tuition at one time, RVCC offers a TuitionPay Monthly Plan through AMS TuitionPay. The Monthly Plan is not a loan, so there are no interest charges-just an enrollment fee. Education bills are divided into manageable payments over the course of a semester. There are no eligibility requirements to participate. You can register for the AMS payment plan online. For additional information, call 908-526-1200, ext. 8258.
What is NJSTARS and who is eligible for the program?
The NJSTARS Program enables New Jersey residents who graduate in the top 20 percent of their high school class, in June 2004 or later, to receive full scholarships to attend RVCC. The scholarship program covers both tuition and fees for up to five semesters for a student enrolled in an associate degree program at a New Jersey community college. If a student is interested in the program, he or she must apply first for all need-based federal and state financial aid grants. NJSTARS will pay for any remaining tuition and fee costs not covered by these financial aid programs. For additional information, contact the Financial Aid Office, 908-526-1200, ext. 8273 or e-mail finaid@raritanval.edu.
Are there deadlines for applying for financial aid at RVCC?
No. A student can apply for financial aid anytime during the semester in which he or she wishes to receive aid.
Are non-credit courses covered under financial aid?
A student is eligible to receive aid for English as a Second Language programs or remedial coursework. Students cannot receive financial aid for non-credit Corporate & Continuing Education courses.
Does a student have to be enrolled full-time to receive financial aid?
No. A student may receive the Pell Grant for taking as little as one credit. The Tuition Aid Grant requires a minimum of six credits. Student loans require a minimum of six credits.
Does a student have to pay back Pell Grants, Tuition Aid Grants or EOF Grants?
No. Students do not have to pay back grants.
Can a student use financial aid to purchase books?
Yes. If a student has excess financial aid funds beyond tuition and fees, the credit can be used to purchase books at the RVCC bookstore during the first 10 days of the semester. After the 10th day of the semester, the bookstore will no longer accept financial aid book vouchers.