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Faced with declining enrollment and the prospect of a reduction in state aid, Raritan Valley Community College’s (RVCC) Board of Trustees has passed a budget for FY 2020 that reduces operating expenses by over $1 million while maintaining the College’s mission of providing high-quality, affordable education.

“In recent years, RVCC has had to confront two persistent challenges: declining enrollment and stagnant public funding. The new budget reflects the College’s response, which includes adopting a new strategic plan and developing a multilayered operational plan. The strategic plan establishes a framework to face the challenges and opportunities confronting RVCC and the higher education landscape. The comprehensive operational plan sets in motion significant cuts in operational expenses; freezes open or unfilled positions; reorganizes administrative functions to better serve students; supports investments in new and innovative programs; recognizes the need for tuition increases; and, finally, identifies the need for the elimination of seven full-time administrative and support positions,” said RVCC President Michael J. McDonough.

“We recognize that these are difficult times for higher education and for the entire RVCC community. This budget reflects the fact that we always put students first, and we make every effort to minimize the financial burden on students. The reductions in the operating budget are essential to the immediate and long-term fiscal health of the College, and we identified savings that could be achieved without impacting classroom instruction,” Dr. McDonough continued.

In addition to reducing administrative and support positions, the budget includes a number of cost-saving measures totaling $400,000, including reducing the cost of supplies; utilizing alternative technologies; implementing energy efficiencies; and cutting the number of Theatre productions.

The $54.5 million budget for FY 2020 includes a $9 per credit tuition increase. The new tuition of $162 per credit will take effect for the Fall 2019 semester. For the average full-time student taking 30 credits during the academic year, tuition would increase by $270. For the average part-time student taking 12 credits during the academic year, tuition would increase by $108.
The operating budget reflects a 1.5% decrease over last year. It is anticipated that funding for the operating budget would come from the following sources:

Tuition and fees: 61.0%

State of New Jersey: 11.3%

Somerset and Hunterdon Counties: 23.8%

Other (investments, rentals, etc.): 3.9%

The Board also approved a $3.5 million major capital budget and a $750,000 minor capital budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Some of the major components of the capital budget include:

• $2.2 million for renovating and expanding the Arts Building, the oldest building on campus
• $600,000 for a new Enrollment Center to centralize and integrate student services
• $200,000 for roadway repairs
• $120,000 for classroom renovations

The operating and capital budgets now go to the Board of School Estimate for approval. The Board of School Estimate includes two freeholders from Somerset County, two freeholders from Hunterdon County, and two members of the RVCC Board of Trustees.

Following is a list of the new tuition rates approved by the Board and effective for the Fall 2019 Semester:

Fall 2019 Tuition Schedule

Hunterdon/Somerset County Residents: $162 per credit

Out-of-county residents (Board grants a waiver of $50 per credit to students who provide verification of employment in Somerset or Hunterdon Counties): $212 per credit

Out-of-state residents: $212 per credit

Early College Program: $200 for all courses taken at participating high schools.

RVCC Online Courses & NJ Virtual Community College Courses: $212 per credit; no fees charged.

Hunterdon/Somerset Senior Citizens minimum age 65: One course per semester on a space available basis. May register during the 5 business days prior to course start. No tuition assessed; $33 enrollment service fee. Course books/materials extra cost. Audit status, no credit awarded.

NJ National Guard & Reserves: Free tuition for up to 16 credits per term for individual only; fees apply.

Volunteer Emergency Medical Personnel and Firefighters: Free tuition for up to $600 per year and $2,400 lifetime per family of volunteer; fees apply.

September 11 Victims’ Families: Free tuition for children and spouses of victims; fees apply.

RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 19, 2019

Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383

PR #111