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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (April 30, 2021) --- Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) and nonprofit, accredited Western Governors University (WGU) announced the signing of an agreement that creates pathways for RVCC employees, graduates, and students to earn a WGU degree. As part of the agreement, WGU will apply credit earned at the associate level at RVCC toward a bachelor’s degree at WGU. In addition, RVCC employees, graduates, and students will be able to apply for specially designated WGU Community College Partner Scholarships. RVCC’s high quality, innovative education transforms the lives of its students, offering them a pathway to transfer to a four-year school or gain the necessary skills to thrive in the workforce of today and the future.

“The new agreement with Western Governors University offers RVCC graduates, students, and college employees a wonderful opportunity to continue their higher education and conveniently complete their bachelor’s degree from any location,” said RVCC President Michael J. McDonough.

“The online component is especially helpful for working adults who are juggling family and professional obligations with continuing their higher education.”

WGU offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degrees in the high-demand fields of business, information technology, K-12 education, and healthcare, including nursing. WGU’s competency-based, high-quality and low-cost learning model allows students to accelerate at their own pace. Asynchronous courses allow students to log in and study whenever their schedules permit. Tuition is around $3,250 per six-month term for most undergraduate degree programs, and students can take as many courses per term as they and their mentors are comfortable with.

“Partnering with Raritan Valley Community College will make it possible for their graduates and employees to complete their degree at a low cost, without disrupting their lives,” said Regional Vice President Rebecca Watts, Ph.D. “After they are admitted and enroll at WGU, our online, competency-based model allows working adults to advance their careers, with personalized support from a faculty mentor.”

Watts continued, “At a time when so many people are in need of higher education opportunities that align with employer and industry needs, WGU is thrilled to partner with RVCC to advance our mission of providing higher education access to historically-underrepresented communities, like working adults.”

WGU degree programs include undergraduate and graduate degrees in cybersecurity, human resource management, data management/data analytics, information technology management, business management and leadership, and healthcare management. To learn more, go to www.wgu.edu.

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About Raritan Valley Community College
Ranked by WalletHub.com, Intelligent.com and Niche.com as the #1 community college in New Jersey, Raritan Valley Community College has been serving as an academic and cultural center for Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for over 50 years. The College has been nationally recognized for its service to the community, environmental stewardship, and commitment to diversity. It is home to a Planetarium, Science Education Institute, and an Honors College for high achieving students.
The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training, small business assistance through the Small Business Development Center, and professional development courses. RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

About Western Governors University
Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 133,000 students nationwide and has more than 210,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 24 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today’s rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.

Media Contacts:

Dulcey Antonucci, Western Governors University
717-803-2034
dulcey@wgu.edu

Donna Stolzer, Raritan Valley Community College
908-526-1200, ext. 8383
donna.stolzer@raritanval.edu