'No Loans': Hudson County Students Praise NJ Free Tuition Grants

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — New Jersey’s popular “free tuition” program is giving a big boost to students at Hudson County Community College, school administrators say.

The Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) provides “last dollar scholarships” at 18 county colleges throughout the state for students making $65,000 a year or less. Learn more about the CCOG program and see if you qualify.

In Hudson County, the grants have already benefited a large cross-section of students since launching last year. Those people include biology major Symone Dominique Lopez, who said the state grants made it possible to avoid taking out any student loans.

“Without the CCOG, I wouldn't have been able to be financially stress-free last semester,” Lopez stated.

• See related article: NJ Continues 'Free College' Program, Makes It Easier To Qualify

Earlier this month, President Chris Reber offered praise for the program, which is especially relevant at Hudson County Community College, where 83 percent of students receive financial assistance.

“Thousands of HCCC students balance college with full-time employment, full-time studies, and caring for their families,” Reber said. “This program will enable students to achieve their higher education goals while managing other important priorities.”

The free tuition program has also been a big success at nearby county colleges, school administrators have reported.

At Essex County College, which has campuses in Newark and West Caldwell, more than seven out of 10 students qualify for federal financial aid. In June, school administrators said about 300 students have received a financial boost from the CCOG program.

"Now I can take the last two classes this summer I need to graduate and then transfer to Rutgers University-Newark," one student said. "If this wonderful assistance hadn't come along, I'd probably be working this summer and try to pay my tuition… if I could."

• See related article: NJ's 'Free Tuition' Program Is A Big Hit At Essex County College

At Middlesex County College, 300 students took advantage of the CCOG program during the spring 2019 semester. Many would not have been able to attend school if not for the grants, President Mark McCormick said.

"I believe that CCOG is an investment in our students as they earn an associate degree or industry credential that leads to a career with family-supporting wages," McCormick said.

For the 2019-20 school year, the family income eligibility limit has been increased from its previous limit of $45,000. Students with adjusted gross household incomes of up to $65,000, who take six or more credits during the 2019-20 academic year, are eligible to receive CCOG awards for tuition and educational fees after applying other federal or state grant aid they receive.

For more information about the Community College Opportunity Grant or attending Hudson County Community College, contact the Admissions Office at 201-360-4222 or email freetuition@hccc.edu.

• See related article: Student Loan Debt Is Rising In New Jersey, Study Says

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