Paying for College

Paying for College

RVCC offers a quality education that’s

affordable and accessible to everyone.

We strive to give students a first-rate education without being saddled with huge college debt. The college offers a flexible payment plan to make paying tuition more manageable. We also offer all forms of federal and state financial aid including grants and loans. Scholarships are also available deserving students.

Financial Aid

The first step in seeking financial aid – including loans, grants and scholarships – is to fill out the FAFSA application. Students must re-apply for financial aid each academic year. The FAFSA is the application for Federal and State grants as well as Federal Loans (including the Stafford Loan) and for Federal Work Study. You can complete the FAFSA online. RVCC’s federal school code for the FAFSA is 007731. Students can view financial aid information on Lion’s Den, the student online portal.

The federal government may randomly select a student’s FAFSA for a process called Verification.  Verification requires that your college verify that the Income and household size information you reported on the FAFSA is correct. RVCC has partnered with a company called Pro-Education Solutions to assist students and simplify this process.  Students who are selected will be simultaneously notified by the RVCC Financial Aid Office and Pro-Ed to log into the Verification website at rvcc.proed.org and complete electronic forms to verify their info

Scholarships

The College awards $300,000 in scholarships every year to deserving students. A wide range of scholarship opportunities are available based on academic merit and financial need. Special scholarships are available for first-time college students. Students must complete a FASFA to be eligible for consideration for a scholarship.

Free Tuition Opportunity Grant

RVCC is participating in the New Jersey Community College Opportunity Grant Program, which offers free community college to qualified students. Eligible students will receive free tuition and most educational fees for up to 18 credits a semester. The first step is to complete the FASFA or New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application.

Tuition & Fees

RVCC is committed to keeping tuition affordable for students. RVCC tuition and fees are generally set in the spring for the following fall and spring semesters.

Students can attend RVCC for a fraction of what it costs to attend a four-year college or university in New Jersey.

Payment Deadlines and Options

Tuition is generally due 30 days before the semester begins. Learn more about payment options including a payment plan.

FAQs

How can a student apply for financial aid?

The first step in the financial aid process is to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). RVCC’s federal school code for the FAFSA is 007731. Within two weeks of filing electronically, the student will receive an email with the Student Aid Report that documents basic eligibility for financial aid. Each student should check the Student Services Tab on Lion's Den to track the progress of the financial aid award and if any additional documentation is required.

When is tuition due and can tuition payments be spread out over several months?

Tuition and fees are generally due around 30 days before the start of the semester. Click here for specific due dates. Payments can be made by debit card, credit card, check or cash. If the student is unable to pay the balance in full, the College offers an interest-free tuition payment plan. The Cashnet Tuition Payment plan enables tuition payments to be spread over the semester.

Can a student drop a class and receive a refund?

If a student wants to drop a class, they may withdraw and get a full refund during the first week of the term. The student must fill out the Add/Drop form to officially withdraw from class. Click here to learn more about refunds for dropping a class.

Are Dreamers eligible for financial aid?

DACA recipients are eligible for state financial aid and RVCC scholarships but not federal aid. Dreamers should complete the State of New Jersey's Alternative Financial Aid Application.  This application will allow the student to qualify for state grant programs such as the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG), NJ STARS, Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) and the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG). Click here to learn more.

We made an error on the FAFSA. What do I do?

The results of the FAFSA will be returned to the student in the form of a Student Aid Report (SAR). Read this document carefully to be sure there are no errors. If errors were made in completing the FAFSA, the student can make the necessary corrections to the SAR and return it for processing, or submit documentation supporting the correction to the RVCC Financial Aid Office and we can make and track the correction.

How can a student apply for a scholarship?

The first step is to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Dreamers should fill out the State of New Jersey's Alternative Financial Aid Application form. Some scholarships will also require applicants to submit an essay. Please note the student must take a minimum of 6 credits to be eligible for a scholarship. Scholarship applications are accepted in late spring for the following academic year.

To apply for scholarships, visit https://raritanval.awardspring.com/.

I’m preparing my taxes and need to have access to the student’s 1098T that shows their educational expenses. Where can I get that information?

The student needs to go into the Lion’s Den (student portal) and click on the Student Tax Form 1098T tile, enter the tax year and click on submit. If you are experiencing any issues contact the Finance Office at bursar@raritanval.edu or 908.526.1200 x7006.