NJ community college now offering campus housing

Mercer County Community College has become the first community college in New Jersey to offer a campus housing option for students.

MCCC recently finalized an agreement with nearby Rider University to provide room and board services for its students at Rider’s campus in Lawrenceville.

The goal of the agreement was twofold − to provide housing for MCCC students and to make admission and transfer to Rider more feasible for these students. Both goals are in line with MCCC’s dedication to providing a holistic education, as well as a supportive and seamless college experience for its students.

The agreement provides MCCC students with a specialized rate on room and board at Rider.

Also, students who successfully complete an associate degree from MCCC and choose to transfer to Rider can extend the discount for an additional two years. The agreement actualizes ideas first presented in an October 2021 memorandum of understanding.

"We are proud to offer competitive room and board rates as well as other benefits to neighboring students at Mercer County Community College," said Rider’s President Gregory G. Dell’Omo. "For those that choose to continue their educational journey at Rider after completing their associate degree, they will already be fully embedded within our welcoming and vibrant community."

Also see: 'Too many unanswered questions' in Middlesex college expansion plan: environmentalist

While taking classes at MCCC, which has campuses in West Windsor and Trenton, students can now immerse themselves in the residential life at Rider University. This includes access to a wide range of essential student services including housing, dining, transportation, health care and more.

"Our new agreement with Rider allows us to offer students a valuable community college experience enriched with residential housing, plus a clear path toward a bachelor’s degree from a leading New Jersey university," said MCCC’s President Deborah E. Preston. "This collaboration will open a wealth of opportunities for students, including those from other counties, states, and countries."

The program is open to current and prospective students enrolling at MCCC for the fall 2023 semester and beyond. For more information on the housing agreement between MCCC and Rider University, go to MCCC and Rider University housing webpages.

email: cmakin@gannettnj.com

Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Mercer County Community College, Rider University partner on housing