Rowan College at Burlington County’s Board of Trustees approve budget

The spending plan totals $42.1 million.

New Jersey’s top-ranked community college will remain its most affordable under a budget proposal approved by the Rowan College at Burlington County Board of Trustees.

The $42.1 million spending plan, will keep in-county tuition and fees at $135.50 per credit, maintaining the lowest rate in New Jersey while the college has transformed itself into a national model for high-quality education through innovations such as its Rowan University partnership and Workforce Development Institute. The college has held the line against tuition increases that have become common throughout the country for two consecutive years.

“The two most important things a college can offer is high-quality and affordability. We have redefined how a college can offer exceptional quality at a price that won’t burden students with huge piles of debt,” RCBC President Paul Drayton said. “This budget will support many of our ongoing efforts to improve the campus experience, increase student success and workforce development, and offer new programs in growing fields without raising costs on students.”

At a time when college enrollment is declining throughout the nation, RCBC achieved an enrollment increase this spring and projects to build upon that momentum in the fall when the college completes its modernization of the Mount Laurel Campus including a new Student Success Center, Health Sciences Center and quad.

All of these projects have been supported by the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders to fulfill the county’s goal of providing world-class educational and workforce development programs in Burlington County.

“Rowan College at Burlington County’s transformation is remarkable and something the entire county can take pride in,” said Burlington County Freeholder Linda Hughes, who serves as liaison to the college. “Families and students throughout the country struggle with the high costs of education and we’re proud that families in Burlington County can choose to attend RCBC and receive a tremendous education without mortgaging their future.”

“We are so pleased to support the bright future of RCBC students in a way that won’t increase their tuition and fees this year,” Hughes added.

RCBC’s enrollment and budget were bolstered by the immediate success of 3+1, which debuted in January as the first of its kind in the region. Students can remain at the community college for their junior-year courses and complete 75 percent of their Rowan University bachelor’s degree at RCBC, allowing them to save $75,000 while earning two degrees. There are about 360 students committed to the program with 530 more interested in it.

“By every measure Rowan College at Burlington County is growing — except by price tag,” Board Chair George Nyikita said. “The Board of Trustees is very excited to expand opportunities for students without additional cost. We are very grateful for all of the hard work done by President Drayton, his staff and the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders to support students in Burlington County.”