Financial Aid ~ Scholarships
Scholarship Application | Academic Scholarships | Non-Academic Scholarships | Outside Scholarships
What Scholarships Are Available and How Do I Apply For Them?
Raritan Valley Community College Scholarships are available to all RVCC students including international students and students who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA. Scholarship opportunities are listed at the end of this section. Scholarships are awarded on a first come first serve basis once grades have been calculated for the prior semester. Scholarship funds are limited and we recommend that you apply for scholarships as early as May (for the following fall semester) and December (for the following spring semester). RVCC offers academic and non-academic scholarships.
Typically, if a student is awarded one academic scholarship, that student is not eligible for additional scholarships in that same academic year. If financial need is a criterion for a scholarship, the student must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as part of the application process. Scholarship awards are typically divided between the first and second semesters of each academic year. As funding for academic scholarships is limited, scholarships are awarded in the following order of preference, as funds remain available. Scholarships are not awarded for the summer sessions.
Named scholarships are awarded according to the guidelines established by the donor(s). The Financial Aid Office adheres to these guidelines and may or may not make an award in a given semester or year if no applicants meet the established criteria.
All Scholarships require that you register for a minimum of six (6) credits.
General RVCC Scholarship Application Form (.pdf)
Academic Scholarships
Axel Velden Scholarship - This scholarship was created in memory of Axel Velden, an RVCC professor who was instrumental in promoting, developing and implementing global education at the College. It is awarded to any student who is either enrolled in the International Business program, or actively involved in community or college activities that promote global education, understanding, and cultural awareness. The student must demonstrate financial need and a GPA of 3.0 or better. To apply, fill out the Axel VeldenScholarship Form (.pdf) and submit your signed copy to Ellen Lindemann in the Business & Public Service Department.
EOF 3M Academic Excellence Scholarship- This scholarship is awarded to students in the EOF program, who have earned 24 college credits and have at least a 3.5 GPA. Selection is made by a committee determined by the EOF department.
ESL Scholarship - This scholarship was established by Lorena Molineux, a former ESL tutor at RVCC, to assist students studying ESL as a pre-requisite for their degree program.
Karolee Dousa Glassman Scholarship – This scholarship is available for students who are single mothers demonstrating financial need. Awards will be made in two equal installments at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters, and shall be used for tuition, fees and educational supplies.
Gibson Family Scholarship – Students demonstrating financial need and academic merit may apply for this scholarship. Awards will be made in two equal installments at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters, and shall be used for tuition, fees and educational supplies.
Hawk Point Foundation Scholarship – This scholarship is available for a male student who has a 3.7 GPA or higher and is majoring in Communication Studies.
Marcia Key Memorial Scholarship – Established in 2005 in memory of Marcia Key, a former member of the RVCC Foundation Board of Directors, this annual award is made to a student demonstrating financial need and academic merit.
A. Bernard Lindemann Science Scholarship - This scholarship was created by Professor Ellen Lindemann and the Lindemann family in 2002 to celebrate the 70th birthday of RVCC Board of Trustee member A. Bernard Lindemann. This scholarship is awarded to a Galileo Scholar, who is a science or engineering major and demonstrates financial need.
New Jersey Computer Club Founder’s Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship is available for a computer student who demonstrates an ability and willingness to help others increase their computer skills both now and in the future. The award will be made against tuition, fees and educational supplies.
Pellowski Family Scholarship – This scholarship goes to a Theatre or Arts major entering his or her final semester before graduation and earning a minimum GPA of 3.0. The student must submit an essay, up to two pages long, telling why he or she chose the arts and where he or she hopes to be in 10 years.
Rose McConnell Scholarship – This scholarship, established by the Somerset County Federation of Republican Women in honor of Rose McConnell, is available for a female student from Somerset County who is pursuing a career in teaching/education.
Robert Sydney Needham Scholarship – This scholarship is awarded to a student who has completed at least 24 credits, with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. The student graduated from a NJ high school and has financial need. The recipient must demonstrate a commitment to community service by participation in the RVCC Service Learning Program or as a volunteer in the community. The student also needs to be a campus leader, demonstrated through participation in SGA and/or other clubs and student activities.
Wellbrock Family Scholarship – Students demonstrating financial need and academic merit are eligible for this scholarship. Awards will be made in two equal installments at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters, and shall be used for tuition, fees and educational supplies.
Richard and Ann Wellbrock FDU Award – This scholarship is awarded to a student transferring from RVCC to Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison or Teaneck provided the applicant becomes a FDU student at the RVCC University Center location. The recipient must have earned at least 45 credits at RVCC with preference to those completing an Associate’s degree. The scholarship will be awarded in the spring but given in the fall once the student starts at FDU.
Mary T. Zanetti Scholarship – Established by Elisabeth McConville, an RVCC Foundation Board member, in memory of her sister, this scholarship is awarded to liberal art students, who demonstrate a financial need.
Jennifer Zois Memorial Scholarship - This scholarship will be awarded to a second-year student, who is a Health Sciences/Nursing or Psychology major, has a G.P.A above a 3.0, and has unmet financial needs. Students interested in this scholarship must also write a one-page essay describing their interest in health care and what they hope to do with their degree.
RVCC Merit Scholarship - Funded by proceeds from fundraising events sponsored by the Raritan Valley Community College Foundation, this scholarship is awarded to an RVCC student with a GPA of 3.00or better.
Somerset Hills AAUW Scholarship - Created in 1998 by the Somerset Hills Chapter of the American Association of University Women, this scholarship supports mature women who are returning to school to pursue a career or obtain a degree. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be residents of Somerset or Hunterdon counties.
The Tom Tarnowski Scholarship Fund - Established in 2006 by the Food Bank Network of Somerset County to honor Mr. Tarnowski’s service to that organization and to the community, this scholarship is available to residents of Somerset County. Applicants must be U.S. citizens (or green card holders), recent graduates of an accredited secondary school, and enrolled in a degree or certificate program. Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship provides support for two semesters up to $2,500 annually and may be used for tuition, fees and books. Selection is made by application, including an essay and committee review. Applications can be downloaded by clicking here (.pdf).
Wayne J. Forrest, Esq. Criminal Justice Scholarship - This scholarship was established in 1993 through the generosity of Criminal Justice Adjunct Professor and Career Law Enforcement Practitioner Wayne J. Forrest. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a Criminal Justice degree or certificate program and maintain a 3.0 grade point average. Students must include a one-page letter to Mr. Forrest addressing what has led to their interest in Criminal Justice, and mention career aspirations and any special family circumstances.
GALILEO SCHOLARSHIPS
Galileo Scholarships - This scholarship will be awarded to RVCC students majoring in math, science, technology or computer science. It is jointly funded by individual and corporate donations. Please use the Galileo Scholarship Application (.pdf) for the following three Galileo Scholarships.
RVCC Galileo Scholarship - This scholarship will be awarded to a Galileo Scholar regardless of unmet financial need.
Sanford and Karolee Glassman Scholarship – This scholarship is available for students who are majoring in Engineering and demonstrate financial need and academic merit. Awards will be made in two equal installments at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters, and shall be used for tuition, fees and educational supplies.
Intersil Scholarship – Students majoring in Engineering, with plans to pursue a four-year science/engineering degree, are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Students must have a 3.5+ GPA and be active in school/community affairs. Preference will be given to students with financial need.
Nursing Scholarships
Area VII Physicians Scholarship – In an effort to support nursing education and further either medical education or healthcare quality, this scholarship is awarded to nursing students in their second year of clinical courses and are residents of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean or Somerset counties.
Virginia Butkowsky Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship is available for students enrolled in the nursing program.
Ethicon Nursing Scholarship - This scholarship is funded by Ethicon, Inc., a Johnson &Johnson Company, and is awarded, based on available funds, to students majoring in nursing. Selection may be made by committee review.
Shirley Gilbert Nursing Scholarship – RVCC alumni Shirley Gilbert established this scholarship to support female nursing students enrolled in clinical nursing courses with a GPA of 3.0 or better. Applicants must submit, along with the application, a one -page essay describing their interest in nursing and what they hope to do with their degree.
Fabienne Stassen Nursing Scholarship - The Fabienne Stassen Nursing Scholarship was established by the family of a young graduate of RVCC’s nursing program, who died suddenly in 2006. Scholarships are awarded to nursing students who demonstrate an attitude of caring and empathy and a commitment to helping others and making a difference in the health and welfare of individuals and the community. Students must have financial need and be entering the second year of clinicals. As part of the scholarship application, students need to write a brief essay (no more than a page) describing how they meet the guidelines and how this scholarship will benefit the students as well as the community. Applications are due to the financial aid office by July 1st.
Jennifer Zois Memorial Scholarship - This scholarship, named in memory of a former RVCC employee, will be awarded to a 2nd year student who is a Health Sciences/Nursing or Psychology major, has a G.P.A above a 3.0, and has unmet financial needs. Along with the scholarship application, students interested in this scholarship must also write a one-page essay describing their interest in health care and what they hope to do with their degree
Somerset Medical Center Nursing Scholarship – This scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in the nursing program, and shall be used for tuition, fees and educational supplies.
more external Scholarships...