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It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed life as we know it—and the community college landscape is no exception. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center:

• First-time enrollment at community colleges is down a staggering 21 percent
• For Black, Hispanic and Native American first-year students, that number jumps to over 28 percent
• Interestingly, men account for more than 70 percent of the decline—leading researchers to ponder why fewer men are attending college

The economic and social upheaval of the public health crisis has certainly played a role in this sea change. Large numbers of students left school during the pandemic and never came back. Many individuals lost jobs and could no longer afford the cost of college. 

At Raritan Valley Community College, we are committed to helping students prioritize their education and overcome common barriers to enrollment: from schedule challenges to affordability and beyond. Read on to learn more!

Challenge 1: Managing a Busy Schedule as an Adult Learner

Adults over the age of 25 represent roughly 40 percent of enrollment in U.S. higher education, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. But despite that substantial figure, colleges are beginning to see a notable decline in adult enrollment.

Taking college classes while working can be hard to manage. RVCC’s convenient online and in-person courses are designed to help you achieve an ideal work/school/life balance, even with family obligations or a full-time job. The College offers flexible evening and weekend classes, so you can study in your free time and accelerate your career. 

Challenge 2: Balancing Work & Parenthood

According to a study by The Institute for Women’s Policy Research, over a quarter (26 percent) of all undergraduate students—or 4.8 million students—are raising dependent children. Of the 3.8 million students who are raising children while in college, roughly 2.7 million (or 70 percent) are mothers and 1.1 million (30 percent) are fathers.

At RVCC, our goal is to increase access to post-secondary education for RVCC student families by providing quality, affordable and accredited childcare services at our Children’s Campus.

The Children’s Campus has received the Department of Education’s “Child Care Access Means Parents in School” (CCAMPIS) grant, which supports single and lower-income student parents through campus-based child care services. The grant will help student parents pay for childcare services at the Children’s Campus while they are enrolled at RVCC. In addition, the grant will provide academic and emotional support for these student parents. 

Challenge 3: Affordability

Many prospective students wonder: “How much does it cost to get an AA at a community college?” Or: “Why is a community college better than a university when it comes to cost?” 

The RVCC website features a robust section on paying for college, with answers to your questions on tuition & fees, financial aid, scholarships, and more. Learn about the incredible value of RVCC, and even compare tuition costs with other colleges you may be considering. 

It’s worth noting that college is a smart investment. Research shows that getting even some post-secondary education leads to higher salaries and greater lifetime earnings. Many students choose to start their education journeys at RVCC and then transfer to a four-year institution as a way to save money.

Get Started Now at RVCC 

Have you been researching “best community colleges in NJ” or “best trade schools near me?” 

Raritan Valley Community College has been ranked as the #1 community college in New Jersey by WalletHub.com and Niche.com. The College offers more than 90 degree and certificate programs, from academics to professional certifications and training programs. Enjoy vibrant in-person instruction, accredited online courses, and so much more. 

Learn more at RVCC’s upcoming Information Session. Be sure to register today!