RVCC Forgives Student Debt Accumulated During the Pandemic
Raritan Valley Community College is forgiving students’ outstanding unpaid account balances that were accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping them to remove financial obstacles that could impact achieving their educational goals.
Approximately $1.7 million in unpaid tuition and fees is being forgiven for 1,300 RVCC students who were enrolled from March 13, 2020 to May 21, 2021.
“The effects of the pandemic have been personally and financially devastating for many students and their families. Eliminating some of the financial hardships placed on RVCC students will help them move forward and continue their higher education, whether they are seeking a path to transfer to a four-year school or gain skills and credentials at our Workforce Training Center,” said RVCC President Michael J. McDonough.
The funds were provided by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which provides financial relief to address the continued impact of COVID-19 on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses. The debt is being forgiven for all affected RVCC students, regardless of whether they are continuing their education at the College, their grade point average, or the number of credits they earned. Balances for visiting students were not forgiven.
RVCC offers a variety of scholarships and other financial assistance to help students overcome economic hardships that may hinder their education plans. The College also participates in the New Jersey Community College Opportunity Grant Program (NJ CCOG), which offers free community college to qualified students who have a total household adjusted income not exceeding $65,000. Eligible students receive free tuition and most educational fees for up to 18 credits a semester. The NJ CCOG pays for all tuition and educational fee costs not covered by state, federal, institutional or community grants or scholarships.
Raritan Valley Community College’s Fall Semester begins September 1. For additional information, contact admissions@raritanval.edu, visit https://www.raritanval.edu/get-back-on-track or call 908-526-1200 (Select Option 2). To register for an Information Session or an Instant Decision Day, visit www.raritanval.edu/visit.
Ranked by WalletHub.com, Intelligent.com and Niche.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 an Honors College for high achieving students.
The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training, small business assistance through the Small Business Development Center, 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
August 6, 2021
Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383
PR #7