Rockland County, NY — Rockland Community College (RCC) and Ramapo College of New Jersey (RCNJ) have entered into a transfer agreement designed to create a more direct pathway for students seeking to complete a bachelor’s degree. The agreement, announced April 13, 2026, outlines a structured process for RCC students to continue their education at Ramapo College with junior standing after earning an associate degree.
Under the terms of the agreement, students who complete an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree at RCC and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 will be eligible for admission to Ramapo College. One exception applies to graduates of Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Nursing programs, who are not included in this transfer pathway. Eligible students who meet the criteria will enter Ramapo College as juniors, having satisfied general education requirements, though they may still need to complete prerequisites specific to their chosen major.
The partnership reflects a broader effort by both institutions to streamline the transition from a two-year to a four-year college, particularly for students in the region spanning Rockland County, New York, and neighboring areas of northern New Jersey. Officials from both schools emphasized the geographic and community connections that support the initiative, noting that many students already live, work, or study across state lines.
William P. Mullaney, president of Rockland Community College, said the agreement is intended to provide a clearer and more affordable route to a bachelor’s degree. In a statement, he noted that the program allows students to remain close to home while continuing their education, building on the academic foundation established at RCC.
Cindy Jebb, president of Ramapo College of New Jersey, highlighted the regional ties between the two institutions. She described the partnership as a reflection of the shared communities that exist on both sides of the New York–New Jersey border, where students and families frequently engage with both colleges.
In addition to guaranteed admission for eligible students, the agreement includes financial and academic support components. RCC graduates who transfer to Ramapo College will be eligible for the Border State Scholarship, which can be renewed as long as students remain continuously enrolled while pursuing their first bachelor’s degree. The scholarship is intended to help offset tuition costs and make the transition more financially accessible.
To support students through the transfer process, Ramapo College will assign a dedicated transfer advisor to RCC’s campus. This advisor will provide guidance on course selection, application procedures, and academic planning. The two institutions will also coordinate advising efforts and periodically review the agreement to ensure alignment in curriculum and transfer policies. Officials say this ongoing collaboration is intended to minimize credit loss and reduce the time required for students to complete their degrees.
The agreement is scheduled to take effect for students enrolling in the Fall 2026 semester. Both institutions have provided contact information for their admissions offices to assist prospective students seeking more details about eligibility requirements and application procedures.
Representatives from RCC and Ramapo College describe the partnership as part of a larger trend in higher education aimed at improving transfer pathways between community colleges and four-year institutions. By formalizing credit transfers and admission criteria, such agreements are intended to reduce uncertainty for students and provide a more predictable route to degree completion.
While the long-term impact of the agreement will depend on student participation and outcomes, officials from both colleges say the initiative is designed to expand access to higher education opportunities within the region.
