College application season is in full swing, and high school seniors have some big decisions ahead. Where will you find the academic challenge you’re looking for? What opportunities will help you reach your goals? And how much will it all cost?
For high-achieving students in Somerset County and Hunterdon County, Raritan Valley Community College deserves a closer look. With an engaging Honors College experience, strong transfer opportunities, and scholarships that can help make college more affordable, RVCC offers plenty for ambitious students to consider.
And there’s a great opportunity coming up to learn more. RVCC is hosting an Honors College/NJ STARS Information Session on November 12, where students and families can explore academic opportunities, scholarship eligibility, and the application process.
Here’s why RVCC could be a smart addition to your college list.
Big Goals? Meet RVCC’s Honors College
If you’ve been exploring honors programs at different schools, you may be wondering, “what is honors college?” At RVCC, it’s an opportunity for motivated students to challenge themselves academically while learning alongside peers who share their drive to succeed.
The Honors College features small classes, engaged faculty, and a dedicated advisor to help students stay on track. Honors courses encourage critical thinking, meaningful discussion, and deeper exploration of academic topics.
Students also have the flexibility to pursue their interests. Drawn to science or math? Explore Honors Biology, Chemistry, or Calculus. More interested in the humanities? Options include Honors Film, Philosophy, English, History, and more.
It’s a chance to dig deeper into subjects you enjoy, connect with professors, and build skills that will serve you throughout college and beyond.
Do You Have What It Takes?
If you’ve earned strong grades and challenged yourself in high school, you may already be a good candidate for RVCC’s honors college program.
To be considered, applicants should meet at least three of the following four criteria:
- An unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher, or an equivalent average of at least 88%
- College readiness in English and math, demonstrated through qualifying test scores or RVCC placement testing
- Leadership, community service, volunteerism, or civic engagement
- A class rank in the top 20% of their high school, when ranking is available
The Honors College is test-optional, with additional consideration given to student involvement and leadership when SAT or ACT scores aren’t submitted.
The application also includes a 500-word essay and two letters of recommendation. Your best bet is to review the requirements on RVCC’s Honors College website or bring your questions to the upcoming information session.
See Where an RVCC Education Can Take You
For students planning to earn a bachelor’s degree, choosing where to begin is an important part of the college search.
RVCC’s Honors College helps students build a strong academic foundation while preparing for transfer to four-year colleges and universities.
And the possibilities are exciting. Honors College graduates have earned acceptance to universities including Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Stanford, the University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, and NYU.
That’s worth considering for students who want to begin their college journey in NJ while keeping their future options open.
If you’ve been searching “which community college has the best honors program in NJ?”, consider the academic experience, faculty support, and transfer opportunities each school provides. RVCC’s track record gives high-achieving students plenty to explore.
Good Grades Could Mean Big Savings
College costs are a major consideration for students and families. For those exploring NJ scholarships, RVCC’s Raritan Valley Community College scholarships page is a helpful starting point.
One opportunity worth exploring is NJ STARS. So, what is the NJ STARS program?
The New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS) helps eligible high-achieving high school graduates cover tuition at their home county community college. The scholarship covers up to 18 credits per semester for a maximum of five semesters, after applicable state and federal grants and scholarships are applied. Students remain responsible for fees, books, and other expenses.
And who qualifies for NJ STARS?
Students who rank in the top 15% of their high school class at the end of either junior or senior year may qualify. Additional requirements apply, including residency, enrollment, and financial aid applications.
Eligible students who earn an associate degree may also qualify for NJ STARS II, which provides additional scholarship assistance for transfer to participating four-year institutions.
RVCC also offers Foundation scholarships with separate eligibility requirements and application periods.
Find Out More at the November 12 Information Session
If your college search has included phrases like “best community college in NJ” or “honors college near me,” why not see what RVCC has to offer?
The upcoming information session is a chance for students and families to ask questions, explore the Honors College experience, and learn about scholarships and the application process. Bring your questions, invite your family, and find out what’s possible at RVCC.
Honors College/NJ STARS Information Session
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 6–8 p.m.
RVCC Event Center
118 Lamington Road, Branchburg, NJ
Can’t make November 12? Good news! RVCC is hosting another Honors College/NJ Stars Info Session on Thursday, December 10. Register for the Honors College/NJ STARS Information Session today!
