Brookdale Students to Live and Learn at TCNJ

Brookdale Community College and The College of New Jersey Launch Residential Pathway Program with Inaugural Cohort of 15 Students

Brookdale Community College and The College of New Jersey are proud to announce the inaugural cohort of 15 students selected to participate in the new Brookdale at TCNJ residential pathway program, launching in Fall 2026.

This first group of students will take part in a unique and immersive college experience beginning their college studies with Brookdale while living full-time on TCNJ’s campus in Ewing. The program blends affordability with the traditional four-year college experience, offering students the opportunity to live, learn, and engage in campus life from day one.

The Brookdale at TCNJ program is designed to provide a clear and affordable path to a four-year degree. Students begin their college studies with Brookdale while living and learning on TCNJ’s campus. After their first year, students who meet TCNJ’s academic requirements will be eligible to transition into the institution as sophomore-level students, continuing their studies toward a bachelor’s degree. Throughout the program, students receive coordinated advising from both Brookdale Community College and The College of New Jersey to ensure a smooth and supportive academic experience.

Students in the cohort will attend in-person classes taught by Brookdale faculty directly on the TCNJ campus, while enjoying access to residence halls, academic facilities, student organizations, and campus events. Each student will reside in campus housing under a full academic year contract, with options that include winter break housing.

The residential component is central to the program’s design. Participants will enroll in a campus meal plan, providing convenient access to dining services throughout the week, and will have the option to bring a car to campus, further supporting independence and ease of transportation.

“This inaugural cohort represents an exciting step forward in expanding access to innovative and affordable higher education opportunities,” said Brookdale President David M. Stout, Ph.D. “These students are not only beginning their academic journeys, but they are also fully immersed in the college experience, building connections and confidence that will carry them forward.”

As the first cohort prepares to arrive this fall, the Brookdale at TCNJ program marks a new model for collaboration, one that reimagines how students can begin their college journey with both affordability and a fully immersive campus experience.