New Report Shows College Affordability Grant Strengthens Student Outcomes in New Jersey

New data from the State of New Jersey affirms the Community College Opportunity Grant is creating a more affordable degree pathway, improving graduation and transfer rates for thousands of students

TRENTON, N.J. - Making college more affordable expands opportunities for residents of all backgrounds to pursue and earn a postsecondary degree, which is essential to meeting the educational goals and workforce needs of New Jersey. Today, the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) and the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) released a new report showing that the state-funded Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) is delivering measurable results.

From its creation under the Murphy Administration in 2019 through 2024, CCOG helped more than 50,000 students from lower-income backgrounds pursue an associate degree by eliminating or significantly reducing the burden of tuition and fees. In addition to paying less for college, the joint report shows that students receiving CCOG are also more likely than peers not receiving the grant to stay enrolled, graduate, and transfer to four-year institutions.

"Delivering on our promise to make college more affordable and more accessible, the Community College Opportunity Grant continues to open doors for thousands of New Jerseyans," said Governor Phil Murphy. "By strengthening pathways to college for students of all backgrounds, we are keeping our promise to build a stronger and fairer New Jersey."

"We are encouraged to see the state's investment in student financial aid driving stronger outcomes, thanks to the leadership of the Murphy Administration and our partners at HESAA," said Dr. Brian Bridges, New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education. "Our community colleges serve as vital engines of economic opportunity and as gateways to further education and career training. This report offers meaningful insights into how CCOG is helping more students pursue and complete their degrees and reinforces the importance of pairing affordability-focused policies with practical supports that empower students to succeed."

"The Community College Opportunity Grant demonstrates New Jersey's commitment to supporting access to higher education," said Margo Chaly, Executive Director of HESAA. "Over the past several years, the Murphy Administration took great strides in reducing financial barriers and empowering New Jersey residents to pursue a college degree. This program remains an important part of our ongoing efforts to invest in the success of postsecondary students and foster a highly-skilled workforce in our state."

Students with financial support from CCOG are 32% more likely to graduate within three years than peers without the grant. The report also highlights equitable outcomes for CCOG recipients, with students persisting, graduating and transferring at consistently higher rates across every age, gender, and racial and ethnic group, regardless of part-time or full-time attendance.

Additionally, with the average academic year award from CCOG growing by $1,128 between 2019 and 2024, out-of-pocket costs for students and families paying for community college were reduced by 10.5%.

"We commend Governor Murphy for his vision in establishing the Community College Opportunity Grant, which has provided life-changing opportunities to thousands of low-income New Jersey community college students," said Aaron Fichtner, President of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges. "The new report's research finding that CCOG recipients are more likely to persist, graduate, and transfer to continue their education at a four-year college or university reinforces the critical importance of investing in New Jersey's community college students."

CCOG is one of several State financial aid programs available to eligible New Jersey college students, in addition to generous grants and scholarships such as the Tuition Aid Grant, Garden State Guarantee, and New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS).

Under the Murphy Administration, New Jersey has also strengthened holistic student supports by expanding the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), investing in statewide 24/7/365 mental health services for college students, and developing resources to address students' basic needs insecurity, including campus food pantries.

The full report is available on the OSHE website: New Jersey Community College Opportunity Grant Report

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The New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) is the state agency for higher education policy development and statewide program coordination in New Jersey. Learn more at nj.gov/highereducation. ​

HESAA, the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, is the only New Jersey state Authority with the sole mission of providing students and families with financial and informational resources for students to pursue their education beyond high school. For more information, visit https://www.hesaa.org.