Best Community Colleges in New Jersey

Formed in 2019 by the merger of two community colleges, Rowan College of South Jersey now offers more than 120 degrees and certificates online and at two campuses. Distance education programs at the college feature five-, seven-, and 15-week classes, giving online learners even more flexibility to choose a pace of learning that best suits their needs. Any student who graduates from RCSJ with a GPA of 2.0 or higher receives guaranteed admission to Rowan University, a four-year institution in Glassboro, New Jersey.

To apply to RCSJ, you must have either a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate. Most applicants must also take a placement exam, though the college waives this requirement for students who earn sufficiently high scores on a standardized exam like the ACT or SAT.

RCSJ also provides a host of scholarships to make the community college experience even more affordable. For example, the Presidential Start Smart Scholarship provides $1,000 to first-year students who graduated in the top 15% of their high school class.

Ocean County College strives to be one of the most student-focused colleges in the country. OCC's Center for Student Success, for instance, offers peer tutoring, peer mentoring, in-person and virtual academic advising, and research and writing assistance. An online planning tool also provides step-by-step instructions on enrolling in a program, registering for courses, and tracking progress towards degree completion.

Along with on-campus programs in nursing, environmental science, and game design, OCC offers fully online associate degrees in business administration, criminal justice, and computer science. The college has also partnered with an online test proctoring company to ensure that distance learners can complete all aspects of their coursework remotely.

OCC does not require students over the age of 18 to have a high school diploma or GED certificate to enroll. However, some programs, such as nursing, have additional requirements. In addition to low tuition rates and a variety of scholarships, full-time students can take advantage of a free course during the summer semester.

Rowan College at Burlington County offers an educational experience enriched by diversity and multiculturalism. Students of color make up roughly 40% of the student body, and international students represent nearly 50 countries from around the globe.

The college offers in-person, online, and hybrid programs in fields like photography, hospitality and tourism management, computer networking technology, and dental hygiene. RCBC also maintains a guaranteed transfer agreement with Rowan University in New Jersey, meaning students who earn an associate degree with a GPA of at least 2.0 can easily apply their credits towards a bachelor's program.

Applicants to RCBC must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Incoming students must also take the ACCUPLACER, though the college waives this requirement for applicants who earn a minimum score on either the ACT, SAT, PARCC, or ASVAB. During the admissions process, prospective students may also apply for an RCBC Foundation scholarship. To qualify for an award, you must maintain a high school or college GPA of at least 2.0 and submit two letters of recommendation.

Mercer County Community College places a premium on experiential learning. Through the school's Innovative Partnership program, students pursuing either a certificate or degree in certain fields -- such as cybersecurity or automotive technology -- can apply for paid internships with partner businesses. Participating students receive mentoring and, in some cases, additional scholarship funding. Partner organizations also commit to extending postgraduation offers to students who meet specific benchmarks during their internship.

MCCC offers more traditional programs of study in accounting, civil engineering technology, and occupational therapy assisting. Students can also earn fully online degrees in business administration and criminal justice. An online associate in liberal arts also serves students planning on continuing their education at a four-year college or university.

Applying to MCCC requires a high school diploma or GED certificate. While not required, students who submit results from either the ACT or SAT do not need to take an additional placement exam.

Since 1964, Middlesex County College has provided access to quality and affordable education to residents of northeastern New Jersey. Now, students from around the state and country can take advantage of the college's growing slate of online courses, in subjects like world literature, constitutional law, and small business management.

In total, MCC offers 90 degree and certificate programs.The college's associate of applied science degrees equip students with the skills needed to begin technical careers, while an associate of art or associate of science helps meet the general education requirements of a bachelor's program at a four-year institution. Non-degree students can also take in-person and online classes in areas such as computer programming, plumbing, and veterinary technology.

Degree-seeking applicants must have either a high school diploma or GED certificate. They must also take a placement exam that assesses their reading, writing, and math skills. MCC waives tuition fees for unemployed individuals, senior citizens, and volunteer emergency services personnel.