Rowan College at Burlington County was named one of the top ‘military-friendly’ institutions in New Jersey ahead of Memorial Day, according to recent data published by the Education Connection, sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics.
An institution’s inclusion in the list is based on the amount it receives in GI Bill benefits a year, which is money that helps veterans pay for school and cover expenses while training for a job. RCBC veterans earned an average of $2,295 in benefits in the 2023-2024 academic year, helping them crack the list of 15. RCBC led all institutions in the number of students earning the benefits, with 382 students served, and is the only community college on the list.
“There are many data points that show how well Rowan College at Burlington County performs, and this one is particularly humbling because it shows that we serve the brave men and women who have sacrificed for our country,” said RCBC President Dr. Michael A. Cioce. “As we prepare to honor service members who have given their lives for our freedom on Memorial Day, I’m grateful for the opportunity to include so many veterans and their family members in our community.”
RCBC’s Military Education and Veteran Services is the place to go for veteran students at the college who need help navigating school life and these GI Bill benefits. From the initial point of contact, they guide students through admissions and advising, evaluating prior military education for academic credit, and helping set realistic expectations as they transition to college life.
“In an era of widespread misinformation and self-proclaimed internet ‘gurus,’ we provide fact-based, credible guidance to students who may feel uncertain about beginning or continuing their college journey,” said Military Education Lead Peer Mentor Cecil Straker-Holder II. “By offering consistent, reliable support from enrollment through graduation and beyond, we fulfill our duty to honor and serve veterans and their families.
“Being recognized as a top military-friendly institution in the state reinforces our commitment to supporting our military-affiliated student body and motivates us to continue enhancing our services.”
The Veterans Center inside the Student Success Center, the college’s central hub for students, is also available to RCBC students who are veterans. It is an exclusive space where veteran students can relax, study, and connect with other veteran students in a more private environment than the lobby or cafeteria of the Student Success Center or study areas of academic buildings. It’s equipped with a television and sofa, several desks to work at, and a computer and printer.
“It’s just an area to feel at home,” Veterans Center Manager David Reeves said. “Just having your own space to feel welcome is a good thing.”
To learn more about RCBC’s military services, visit rcbc.edu/vets.
