Make College More Affordable

A college education is one of the best investments you can make in your future, and RVCC is here to help you make that investment more manageable.

Financial aid can help reduce the cost of tuition, fees, books, and other college expenses. Depending on your eligibility, your financial aid package may include grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, loans, or other forms of support.

Whether you are applying for aid for the first time or continuing your education at RVCC, our Financial Aid team can help you understand your options, complete the right applications, and stay on track.

College may be more affordable than you think. Financial aid from federal, state, and RVCC sources helps thousands of students each year turn their educational goals into reality.

Types of Financial Aid

Grants

Grants are funds that generally do not need to be repaid. They are often based on financial need and may come from the federal government, the State of New Jersey, or other sources.

Scholarships

Scholarships are funds that generally do not need to be repaid. They may be based on academic achievement, financial need, program of study, leadership, service, or other criteria. RVCC Foundation scholarships are available through AwardSpring, where students complete one application and may be matched with scholarship opportunities for which they qualify.

Work-Study

Federal Work-Study provides eligible students with the opportunity to earn money through part-time employment while attending college.

Loans

Student loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest. Students are encouraged to understand all loan terms and repayment responsibilities before borrowing.

How to

Apply

Complete the FAFSA

Students who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or eligible non-citizens should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for federal grants, federal student loans, federal work-study, and many New Jersey state aid programs.

Be sure to include Raritan Valley Community College so your information is sent directly to RVCC’s Financial Aid Office.

Fill out the FAFSA

NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application

Students who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA but meet New Jersey residency requirements may be able to apply for state-based aid through the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application.

This application allows eligible NJ Dreamers and other qualifying students to be considered for New Jersey financial aid programs.

Be sure to include Raritan Valley Community College so your information is sent directly to RVCC’s Financial Aid Office.

NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application

Your Next Steps

Submit Required Documents

Check your RVCC email and portal for any requested documents to avoid delays.

Review Your Offer

Review your RVCC aid offer to see the grants, scholarships, loans, or other aid you may receive.

Maintain Eligibility

Keep aid by meeting eligibility rules, making progress, and applying each year.

Tips for Success

Apply Early

Financial aid deadlines matter. Some state and federal aid programs have strict deadlines, and applying early gives you the best opportunity to be considered for available aid.

Students should complete the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Application as soon as possible and respond promptly to any requests from the Financial Aid Office.

Scholarships

RVCC Foundation scholarships can help make college even more affordable. Eligible students complete one application through AwardSpring and may be matched with scholarship opportunities for which they qualify.

Scholarship availability, eligibility, and award amounts vary. Students should apply during open scholarship windows and monitor their RVCC email for updates.

NJ STARS

High-achieving New Jersey high school students may qualify for NJ STARS, which can significantly reduce or eliminate tuition at RVCC.

NJ STARS covers tuition only for up to 18 credits per semester for a maximum of five semesters, after all applicable state and federal grants and scholarships have been applied.

Learn more about Scholarships Explore Payment Plans

Payment Plans and Other Options

Not all support comes through traditional financial aid. RVCC offers additional ways to help students manage college costs.

Interest-Free Payment Plans

Allow students to divide tuition and fees into smaller payments over the semester.

Learn more

Employer Tuition Assistance

May be available through your workplace. Students are encouraged to ask their employers about tuition reimbursement or education benefits.

Veterans and Military Education Benefits

May be available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, and dependents.

Learn more

Explore Payment Plans

Need help?

You do not have to figure out financial aid alone. RVCC’s Financial Aid Office can help you understand your options, complete applications, review your aid offer, and plan your next steps.

  • Understand your costs and options
  • Complete the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Application
  • Explore scholarships and NJ STARS eligibility
  • Set up a payment plan and stay on track with your bill
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