NJ Free Tuition Program Still Rolling At Essex County College

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — When the fall semester begins at Essex County College, thousands of students will be paying for their educations with the state’s free tuition program.

Launched in 2018, the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) provides free tuition for qualifying students in households earning $65,000 or less. Despite deep cuts to other state programs, funds for the CCOG were maintained at their FY 2020 levels in Gov. Phil Murphy’s “bare bones,” three-month state spending plan in June.

It was a vital decision for many students at Essex County College, school administrators said.

“The CCOG program allows so many of our students to continue their education,” Interim President Augustine Boakye said. “Their academic success will better their lives, improve their communities, and ultimately move the state of New Jersey forward.”

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

This fall, the college's full academic offerings will be available to students who are attending through the CCOG. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Essex County College will be holding most classes remotely, with some “customized hybrid forms of instruction.”

The fall semester will run from Aug. 31 to Dec. 18. Fall II classes are scheduled for Oct. 19 to Dec. 18.

Essex County College has campuses in Newark and West Caldwell. Learn more about the CCOG and Essex County College here.

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