New Jersey Report Shows Community College Grant Boosts Graduation Rates by 32%

Dr. Brian BridgesA state study released recently reveals that New Jersey's Community College Opportunity Grant has significantly improved student success, with recipients 32% more likely to graduate within three years compared to their peers.

The Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) has served more than 50,000 New Jersey residents since its launch in spring 2019, according to the joint report from the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education and the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. The program eliminates or substantially reduces tuition and fees for students from lower-income families pursuing associate degrees at the state's 18 community colleges.

"The data is clear: CCOG recipients succeed at higher rates than their peers in terms of graduation and retention and they are doing so across age, gender, and race and ethnicity," said Dr. Brian Bridges, New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education. "This showcases the power of expanding need-based financial aid as part of goals to develop our workforce, advance equity, and ultimately ensure every resident has the opportunity achieve upward social mobility by earning a life-changing credential."

The report found that CCOG recipients consistently demonstrated higher retention, graduation and transfer rates than non-recipients across all demographic groups. Retention rates for CCOG students have ranged between 66% and 71% since the program's inception, compared to 55% to 63% for students who did not receive the grant.

Graduation rates show even more striking differences. In the 2021-2022 cohort, 26.91% of CCOG recipients graduated within three years, compared to 21.03% of non-recipients. The positive impact held true across racial and ethnic groups, with Black CCOG recipients showing graduation rates of 18% to 21% compared to 11% to 16% for non-recipients, and Hispanic students showing rates of 24% to 25% versus 15% to 19%.

The program has also opened pathways to four-year degrees. CCOG recipients transferred to four-year institutions at higher rates than their peers, with preliminary data showing more than 60% of transferring CCOG students subsequently received Garden State Guarantee grants at New Jersey's public universities.

"By reducing financial barriers to higher education, we empower more students to focus on their academic journey and obtain a college degree," said Margo Chaly, executive director of the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. "This essential program remains a priority for the State to invest in student success and degree attainment in the Garden State, resulting in an educated and highly skilled workforce."