A Bridge to Opportunity: A new CCP and Rutgers-Camden agreement offers a more affordable path to a bachelor’s degree

Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) and Rutgers University-Camden (RUC) officials signed an historic dual admissions agreement on Oct. 17, providing scholarships and other benefits for CCP graduates entering RUC.

It is the first time either institution entered into a dual-admissions agreement  with a partner in another state. At a signing ceremony, officials from both institutions noted the two campuses are close, only about four miles apart, and that RUC might actually be the shortest and most direct commute for some Philadelphia residents.

Just as the bridge connects the region, “this transfer agreement serves as an educational bridge” affording new opportunities to CCP graduates, said Dr. Michael Palis, Rutgers Camden provost.  

Dr. Judith Gay, who, as vice president for Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff, signed the agreement on behalf of CCP, said the agreement offers important benefits and supports for CCP students, such as early access to academic advisers from RUC.

The two institutions worked for months to coordinate majors and line up requirements and advising so Community College of Philadelelphia graduates majoring in in Liberal Arts, Nursing, Computer Science or Business can move seamlessly into their junior year at Rutgers, bringing their college credits with them.

All transferring students will receive renewable scholarships, enabling them to pay in-state New Jersey tuition rates or less. Top academic scholars could receive about $17,000 a year. Provost Palis noted that both institutions are committed to providing quality affordable education for their students.

“I look forward to seeing what our students will accomplish because of this partnership,” Dr. Samuel Hirsch, vice president for Academic and Student Success, said at the ceremony.

CCP has 15 additional dual admission partners, including Drexel University, St. Joseph’s University and Temple University.