Middlesex College students who complete their associate degrees will be able to continue their undergraduate education in pursuit of bachelor’s degrees in nearly all of Rutgers-New Brunswick programs, with joint counseling and advising from both institutions.
The agreement is a first-of-its-kind Dual Admissions agreement between Rutgers–New Brunswick and a two-year college.
Under the terms of the agreement, Middlesex College students who have a minimum GPA of 2.8 and complete the application process will be eligible to attend any academic program at Rutgers–New Brunswick, with the exception of a few specific programs.
Students meeting all criteria will enter Rutgers–New Brunswick as fully matriculated third-year students, with application fees waived and credits transferred, according to New Jersey’s Comprehensive Statewide Transfer Agreement. Financial aid will be processed and provided by Middlesex College during the associate degree period and by Rutgers–New Brunswick during the bachelor’s degree period.
To ensure that students take the correct prerequisite courses to enter Rutgers–New Brunswick, advising will be available from both institutions beginning in their first semester at Middlesex College. The College will provide dedicated space and a part-time transfer advisor to support students and manage the operations of the partnership.
“Transfer partner institutions like Rutgers–New Brunswick report that our students generally perform better than their native students in every outcome, including grade point average, time to degree, and attainment of the bachelor’s degree,” said Middlesex College Board of Trustees Chair Praful Raja. “With the signing of this new agreement, we are affirming for students and their parents that beginning at Middlesex College is a smart move that will position students for success at Rutgers–New Brunswick.”
“As a proud Middlesex College Trustee, I know that we are preparing our students for the future,” said Middlesex College Board of Trustees Vice-Chair Gary Taffet. “Through rigorous coursework and with the assistance of student support professional staff members, we ensure that our students are equipped with the skills and the confidence they need to do well at Rutgers–New Brunswick and in their chosen careers.”
“Middlesex College is delighted to create this partnership with Rutgers University–New Brunswick, making it easy for students to continue their educational endeavors at the flagship public four-year institution of higher education in New Jersey,” said Middlesex College President Mark McCormick. “Providing accessibility to high-quality education close to home is central to our mission, and we look forward to collaborating with Rutgers–New Brunswick on this important agreement that will benefit so many of our students.”
“Rutgers–New Brunswick is proud to provide New Jersey’s brilliant students with a world-class education that is accessible and affordable, and prepares them to succeed in their future pursuits and as engaged citizens,” said Rutgers–New Brunswick Chancellor Francine Conway. “Our partnership with Middlesex College creates new pathways for students who have completed their associate degrees at an outstanding institution and are ready to continue the life-changing journey of higher education.”
“Middlesex County is blessed with exceptional institutions of higher education and this collaboration will ensure more students can take advantage of tremendous opportunities at Middlesex College and Rutgers–New Brunswick,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “I’m proud of our State support for both schools and each of these institutions will be enriched by this agreement. The region will thrive as more homegrown talent will pursue an affordable, excellent education.”
“The Middlesex College and Rutgers–New Brunswick dual admissions arrangement will inspire more County students to explore the College as their leading choice for higher learning,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “But it’s not only a leading choice, it’s a smart choice. We look forward to all the ways this partnership will continue to expand in the future.”
“Access to quality education levels the socio-economic playing field,” said Middlesex County Commissioner and Chair of Economic Development Chanelle Scott McCullum. “This dual admissions partnership removes one more barrier for many residents to pursue their dream careers while transforming their lives, families, and communities.”