Rowan College at Gloucester County and Cumberland County College merged Monday, becoming Rowan College of South Jersey.
State and local government officials, administrators, educators, civic and business leaders, and members of the Gloucester and Cumberland communities gathered on the Deptford Township campus to witness the joining of these two community colleges — the first of its kind in the state.
The merger is in conjunction with an expanded 10-year premier partnership agreement with Rowan University and leads the way to a future filled with diverse, one-of-a-kind educational opportunities. Together these two campuses offer more than 120 unique degree and certificate programs — nine of which are fully online — combining 100 years of experience to provide a variety of degree selections, cost-saving initiatives, and scholarship and internship options, at one of the lowest tuition rates in the state.
Ali Houshmand, president, Rowan University. – AARON HOUSTON
“Although Rowan College of South Jersey and Rowan University remain independent from each other, the region will benefit greatly from our commitment to the partnership,” Rowan University President Ali Houshmand said. “Our goal is to provide a variety of pathways to quality degree programs that are affordable, relevant and accessible to all. In turn, and over time, lives will change, businesses will prosper and our local economy will grow.”
“The joining of these two schools to create one Rowan College of South Jersey is exactly the right thing to do,” New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney, D-3rd District, said. “The students and residents will benefit from increased academic offerings and the opportunity for a seamless transition into Rowan University. I applaud the leadership of Gloucester County and Cumberland County for taking the initiative to make higher education more affordable and accessible for their residents.”
