Brookdale Community College Grads to Receive Discounted Tuition at Georgian Court

Lincroft, NJ (February 20, 2014)—Officials from Brookdale Community College and Georgian Court University (GCU) formalized an agreement last night that will result in tuition savings of up to 52 percent for Brookdale graduates who maintain a high enough grade point average (GPA) upon transferring to the university. The resolution and memorandum of understanding was signed at the monthly meeting of the Brookdale board of trustees. As part of a new guaranteed admissions initiative, beginning next fall Brookdale graduates from any year will be eligible for the discounts, which will vary depending upon the student’s GPA.

The agreement builds upon an existing partnership between the two institutions. It guarantees admission to all academic programs offered at GCU’s Lakewood campus, as long as students have completed the prerequisite courses and satisfied specific entrance requirements for particular programs. Transferring students will pay no application fee and lowered tuition rates.

“This agreement continues our commitment to creating opportunities that make higher education both accessible and affordable,” Dr. Maureen Murphy, Brookdale president, said. “The attainment of an associate degree under the dual admissions program will provide our graduates with a seamless transition that keeps them on track to earning a bachelor’s degree within two years.”

Students with a grade point average of 3.75 or higher will be eligible for the highest discount, a 52 percent reduction in GCU tuition. Students with a GPA between 3.5 and 3.74 will receive a 45 percent discount. The agreement also guarantees a 37 percent discount for students with a GPA between 3.0 and 3.49, a 30 percent discount for those with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 and a 20 percent discount for those whose GPA falls between 2.0 and 2.49.

“GCU and Brookdale have a great history of working together to benefit students, employers and communities throughout the region. By offering guaranteed admissions, we are offering another path—another opportunity—for both institutions to help students succeed,” said Dr. Rosemary E. Jeffries, Georgian Court University president.

Brookdale Community College graduates currently represent the largest portion of all GCU transfer students. During the last five years, 555 of the university’s 1,118 transfer students have come from Brookdale. While the two institutions currently have a dual admissions agreement, it does not include discounted tuition upon transfer.

“At Georgian Court, we know transfer students often do very well in their college experience. They are already halfway to a degree, and they know how to handle the demands of college. Sometimes they are older, more mature, and have a better understanding of how things work. If they really want this, GCU is ready to help them with the reality of earning a bachelor’s degree,” Jeffries said.

During the meeting, Courtney Griffin of Wall Township, a Brookdale graduate currently pursuing a degree in medical imaging and a minor in biology at GCU, explained the value of graduating before transferring to a four-year school.

“This is the type of incentive that reinforces what students need to know—that to get the most knowledge in your field, you need to go further in your education,” she said. You have to push harder and higher.

“It’s not just about transferring to a four-year college,” Griffin continued. “You need to graduate with your associate degree. Brookdale encouraged that. They encouraged us to graduate and move on. There is so much value in getting your associate’s first and then moving on to a four-year school. The cost savings and the accomplishment of completing the degree are just two examples.”

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 About Brookdale Community College

An open access institution, Brookdale is committed to student success in a socially diverse environment. As the number one associate degree granting college in New Jersey, Brookdale provides students with opportunities to advance academically, pursue a career and enhance their professional skills. With six convenient locations throughout Monmouth County and access to bachelor’s and master’s degrees through the NJ Coastal Communiversity, Brookdale is committed to student success and development. Success starts at Brookdale.