The Camden County College and Rutgers-Camden partnership is the first of its kind in the state.
GLOUCESTER TWP. -- Massive student loans now seem to many an unavoidable part of getting a four-year degree, but a new program in Camden County promises to help some students graduate with little or no debt.
The partnership between Rutgers University's Camden campus and Camden County College guarantees grants to cover all or half of tuition for income-eligible students who earn their associate's degree at the county college and then transfer to the four-year university.
Phoebe Haddon, Chancellor of Rutgers University-Camden speaks at a press conference April 12, 2016. (Joe Warner | For NJ Advance Media) Rutgers University-Camden began offering the same deal to in-state freshmen who met income requirements last fall as part of a new Bridging the Gap program. The arrangement with Camden County College now opens it up to those transfer students.
"Our program offers a pathway to achieve a Rutgers degree regardless of socioeconomic status," Rutgers-Camden Chancellor Phoebe A. Haddon said in a press release. "This is the historical promise of the American higher education system, and it is our commitment here at Rutgers University-Camden to make certain that we prepare New Jerseyans for success and without serious debt."
How much does college cost in N.J.?
Now, like last fall's incoming freshmen class, eligible transfer students whose families have an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less will receive a grant to cover tuition and the general campus fee. The grant will cover half of a student's tuition and fee if his or her family has an adjusted gross income between $60,001 and $100,000.
Tuition and fees cost at Rutgers-Camden was around $14,000 in the last school year, according to school officials.
Freeholder Deputy Director Ed McDonnell said the program makes attending Camden County College "one of the smartest and fiscally prudent decisions you can make to achieve a degree."
The two campuses are already working together to make it easier for students to transfer and continue their education at Rutgers.
A year ago, Camden County College started the Rutgers at CCC program that enables those with their associate's degrees to transfer "seamlessly" to over 40 programs at Rutgers-Camden and choose whether to complete their coursework at Rutgers-Camden at the county college campus, according to the statement.
The Rutgers at CCC program currently has 160 students.
3 things Rutgers-Camden does for city
The new Bridging the Gap partnership is the first of its kind in the state, the release states, although other colleges and universities are piloting other programs to help students graduate with less debt.
Rowan University, Rowan College at Gloucester County and Rowan College at Burlington County created the 3-plus-1 program earlier this year, allowing students in certain majors to attend three years at either college campus and complete their degree with a fourth year at the university.
By paying Rowan College fees for three years and paying only one year at the university, the degree will end up costing around $25,000, the university said.
Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook.