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Raritan Valley Community College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Raritan Valley Community College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Raritan Valley Community College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Raritan Valley Community College reviews, or contribute your own Raritan Valley Community College review if you're a current student there.

  • Jonathan from Stewartsville, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    This is a overall excellent school. The teachers expect the best from their students and nothing less. This school is a great option for perspective students wanting to save money and get a great education.
    Tips for prospective students

    Try your hardest in all of your classes, just because there is a community college attached to the name of the school doesn't mean that it is any easier. If you try your best you will do your best and receive the best education
    Academic Rigor

    All of my classes offered a lot of different challenges for me.
    Dorm Life

    There are no Dorms
    Food and Dining

    The dinning hall is a bit pricey but their is a quick check, wendy's and shoprite less then a minute drive from the school.
    What to do for fun

    One of the best malls in the east coast, the bridgewater mall, is located just 10 to 15 minutes away from the college. If you are looking for time to kill between classes this a great option.

  • Caitlyn from Annandale, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    At first I thought I was not going to like RVCC, but I love it, I honestly never expected to learn so much in one year here at RVCC. I love the teachers and the campus, everyone is just so helpful and kind. I am happy with the choice I made to start out here and I would not change it for the world.
    Tips for prospective students

    It is a great school. Yes, its not an away school but you learn just as much if not more and you save so much money while attending a community college.
    What to do for fun

    There are so many fun clubs and there is always some kind of event going on at the school you can join in on.
    Bang for the buck

    It is a two year school it won't be as much a four year school. You get your moneys worth out of RVCC and a lot more.
    Great for these types of students

    ANY!!!

  • Claire from South Bound Brook, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Raritan Valley is a community college with a diverse student body. It can be boring & seemingly filled with slackers or kids forced to go to college by their parents with little interest in school. But the silent majority are professional, school-minded students who are just looking to better themselves or their family. Some students who have the luxury of time work very hard to give back to the school community.
    Tips for prospective students

    Become involved in a club or start your own if you see there is nothing that suits your interests. Don't be afraid to talk to your teachers/other faculty & form relationships because they will be an asset if you plan on transferring. Parking is not so bad & there is a bus that runs throughout Somerset county to the college every weekday. If you plan on transferring, do an internship either through the chair of the department of your academic major or through the internship opportunity office (where there are also career services & figuring out your major services).
    Academic Rigor

    For a community college the majority of classes I took were challenging on the level that's expected. Teachers were strict with deadlines & expected papers to be well-written, researched and cited. However, there are some teachers who get the reputation of being easy & are popular with the student body.
    Dorm Life

    There is none, most live at home with their parents or are adults with their own households.
    Food and Dining

    Corporate influence is strong, specifically from Starbucks. Sodexho provides the regular sub par stuff in the cafeteria but there is a salad bar open for most of the day. Nearby there are several fast food & somewhat healthier options.
    What to do for fun

    There's a mall nearby, I'm sure people do that. Socializing is either done in the parking lot smoking cigarettes, in the library pretending to do homework, in the cafeteria & though the school's clubs & organizations.
    Bang for the buck

    If you're unsure of what to do or where to go RVCC can't be beat for the cost effective undecided college experience. There are multiple opportunities, resources & people for you to talk with for you to figure out what to do. You'll have a grounding experience & feel a tie to your community.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    You can't smoke on campus so kids smoke in islands where there are trashcans in parking lots. There is an area by the planetarium where kids hang out & smoke cigarettes too. Relay for Life is a big deal & happens every year in the spring.
    Great for these types of students

    Unsure of major, career choice. Financially independent, or just struggling. Working full or part time. Left college & trying to decide if you should go back. Adult professionals looking to start a new career.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are a lot & they are varied. Events thrown by clubs tend to be music or performance oriented but there are all kinds of educational, leadership, video game, theater, art and sport activities too. The Planetarium is awesome & has cool events for all ages.
    Greek Life

    Phi Theta Kappa, an educational co-ed fraternity is one of the biggest student organizations on campus (& provides many scholarship & transfer opportunities). There is also Psi Beta, an educational Greek organization for psychology students.
    Campus Safety

    As far as I know the school is generally safe. In my two years I have not heard anything about break-ins or assaults. I have heard about ipods, phones & laptops being swiped in the library & other public areas so I would keep an eye on my things at all times but I do that in any public space.

  • Alexander from Basking Ridge, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    RVCC provides a high level of education at a very affordable rate. The Faculty and students are genuinely commited to succeed both academically and personally. An overal great learning and growing environment.
    Tips for prospective students

    One: pick a major and stick with it. RVCC is a community college, and many programs are designed as two-year degrees. You have the option to continue into a four-year college after graduating RVCC, and credit earned are fully transferable within the same are of study. Also, just stick with it. Many of us do not enjoy the prospect of school (myself especially), but it truely is the most rewarding investment for your future.
    Academic Rigor

    RVCC is a community college designed to get you into the workforce following completion of an AAS degree, or to transfer to a four-year program after obtaining an AS degree. That being said, courses are challenging just as in any other college, and require attention and effort for one to succeed in their area of study.
    Dorm Life

    This is a community college without on campus living facilities. Students commute from home.
    Food and Dining

    Most college dinign gets a bad rep because it is usaully bad quality food for an outrageous cost. At RVCC, the dinning is not bad. You have several cuisine options to choose from all at competitive price leves as compared to of campus dining. I'm not saying its exellent, but beeter than most school food I have experienced in my life.
    What to do for fun

    The are numerous student clubs and organiztions; athletic, social and academic available at RVCC. I for one work full-tiem as well as attend school full-time, so I have very little experience in this field. But from what I have witnessed, these organizations are well recieved by the student body and involvement is looked at as a positive experience
    Bang for the buck

    RVCC is the most affordable institute of higher education that I have found. Cost is fairly based on the level of academic rigor the student wishes to take responsibility of. Plus; it helps that it is a publicly funded school.
    Great for these types of students

    Recent NJ high school graduates who may be struggling financially or not interested in attending a larger four-year college/university
    Young adults/adults and tight budgets wishing to continue their education or seeking a new line of work
    Anybody interested to get to work ASAP without the hassle of degree which may take too much time.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are numerous clubs and activities at RVCC; athletic, social and academic. Other than being a member of the Alpha Beta Gamma Honors Fraternity, I have very little knowlege of this field. But as previously stated, Many students do partake in the on campus organizations with relish and enthusiasm.
    Greek Life

    Aside from a few Honors Fraternities, no Greek life is present at RVCC. The Honors Fraternities serve as aids to academic and professional growth of students.
    Campus Safety

    As with any other college/university, RVCC hold campus security as its priority. Being coordinated with the various police and emergency services available through both Hunterdon and Somerset Counties of New Jersey, RVCC prides itself as being among the safest and most rapidly responding colleges in the state of New Jersey.

  • Nicole from Whitehouse Station, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    This college is very competitive, cost effective & current. The campus is beautiful, large, and most importantly, functional. The faculty, staff & students are friendly and diverse.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be prepared. Like all colleges, you get wheat you put into into it. Study, work hard, and you will succeed.
    Academic Rigor

    Although the courses could be challenging, the class sizes are smaller, so one on one with the teacher helps out!
    Food and Dining

    Food is great. Many choices to choose from. Dine in the main cafeteria or grab a snack at the small coffee shops.
    What to do for fun

    This college offers a grat deal of clubs and organizations. One is sure to fit your style & like.
    Bang for the buck

    Awesome education without breaking the bank!! A very good bang for the buck!
    Great for these types of students

    Students who are paying their own way or are not very sure what type of career they would like to pursue. Adults who are going back to school after some time out of high school. People who are living home and do not want to live on campus.
    Clubs and Activities

    Many clubs and activities to choose from. Very diverse.
    Campus Safety

    Constant security presence. Very low crime area. You can feel safe at any time of day.

  • Jon from Ringoes, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    its a good school for locals to save money and a good place to plan to transfer from. it can be a good school but some professors have too much of their own agenda and personal views butting into their grading as well as the subjects they teach. parking sucks.
    Tips for prospective students

    make sure you personally check financial aid offices as well as the others (transfer, tuition, etc.) because there tend to be a lot of problems regarding tuition payments, classes, etc. sign up for classes early to make sure you get one that agrees with your schedule and keep up watching payment statuses or they will simply drop you from the classes you signed up for with little notice or reasoning. if you expect decent parking, schedule early classes (before 8am).
    Academic Rigor

    this school has some really amazing and challenging classes as well as professors. however, that coin has another side to it and there are some professors that are just downright annoying with unreasonable assignments and grading. this school really is hit or miss in difficulty, some professors like to challenge their students making the class as hard as any 4 year school and other classes are a cakewalk.
    Dorm Life

    no dorm life, commuter school.
    Food and Dining

    most of the food can be quite good (no mystery meat days or anything like elementary school) but when i had to buy lunch on campus i felt like i needed to take out a loan just to buy a sandwich...pricing can be outrageous and id much rather pack a lunch or buy elsewhere and bring in my own lunch to save money.
    What to do for fun

    nothing really to do. studying in the commons or outside is most common. the gym is free to any student (obviously) but its not very big and not many people go. most just leave after class.
    Bang for the buck

    for what it is (basically just a springboard, a temporary stay to get classes out of the way for a very low price) its the best option hands down for the first two years of schooling and saving big bucks for the same classes taken anywhere else. even though its the most logical choice, its definitely far from a luxurious stay for its students and leaves much to be desired from the way that it looks and there is not much to do. the grass isn't even nice enough to sit on most times, parking is a nightmare almost any time of day (including night classes) , and the potholes and cracked sidewalks are terrible. basically, for its primary use its the best option, but don't expect any extras.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    none.
    Great for these types of students

    locals hoping to commute and save money, keeping jobs closer to home as well as going to school, adults hoping to continue education/switch occupations.
    Clubs and Activities

    smaller sports clubs, honors society (phi theta kappa), etc.
    Greek Life

    none.
    Campus Safety

    call boxes in parking lots (not many), mall cops they call security guards don't do much other than write parking tickets and sit in their cars.

  • Kevin from Titusville, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    a great community college, though with a high-school social feel. class availability is better than other area community colleges. the surroundings, too, are conducive to really getting that information in your head.
    Tips for prospective students

    study, and study hard. don't let the internet distract you.
    What to do for fun

    hike, play pool.

  • Monira from Somerset, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    raritan valley community college is a wonderful college where you are ensured to succeed to your highest. the professors are very helpful and will work with you in any situation. the whole campus its self is accessible, clean and have many resources on campus to help you succeed to your highest potential.
    Tips for prospective students

    tips for prospective students would have to be:
    dont be afraid, there is many great students who are friendly and will help you out
    make sure you research about your professor and see if they are up to your standards
    make sure you get early to class if you have morning classes as parking is very hetic

    Academic Rigor

    the academic rigor at the school is very good. my gpa is a 3.3 and this just shows how much the professor and students want to learn. many students go on to 4 year colleges and have been on deans list which shows the school has great students with great grades.
    Dorm Life

    at raritan valley community college we dont have dorm facilites as it is only a 2 year college. everyone who attends this college comutes from near by.
    Food and Dining

    the food and dining at rvcc is very good. there is a lot to choose from be it breakfast, lunch or dinner. they have wonderful cooks who are there to ensure everyone gets the best possible. there is a variety of foods to cater for all cultures. the canteen is very big so it is never a problem finding somewhere to sit.
    What to do for fun

    at rvcc there is many clubs and activities that go on, on a regular basis. our college hour is on a tuesday and thursday from 1:00-2:00 and this is where most of the activities are held. we have a great gym and swimming pool and also a planetarium where many shows are held such as the light show. we also have a theatre where shows and singing competitions are usually held. at rvcc you are sure to have something to do with all the fun held things that go on throughout the week.

  • Kira from Milford, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    great value for the money. adjunct professors from big name area schools.
    Tips for prospective students

    take your academic life seriously. it pays off when it comes to transferring.
    What to do for fun

    starbucks.
    Great for these types of students

    working.
    Greek Life

    phi theta kappa

  • Katherine from Annandale, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    rvcc is a very nice community college and although i've only been here for about two weeks, i feel like there are a lot of possibilities. the campus is pretty and is easy to navigate and most of the professors i have are very nice and eager to help. people kind of keep to themselves, but i think that's the kind of atmosphere you find at most community colleges.
    Tips for prospective students

    i would say to just go into it with an open mind; things may turn out better than you think. i was a little bummed transferring from a university to rvcc (university didn't work out) but just take it all in stride - it is what you make of it. if you work hard to get good grades, transferring out again will be a snap, and you save lots of money.
    Academic Rigor

    it's not hard, it's not easy, but all i'm taking is english ii, astronomy, drawing ii and history so i am not taking hard classes. my mom is in the nursing program and she is constantly studying and fretting but she says it is a wonderful, demanding program. i think it depends what you do.
    Dorm Life

    uh.... no. it's a commuter school.
    Food and Dining

    the food in the cafeteria is actually pretty good - they have a nice variety to choose from and the dining hall is very well kept and is a nice place to sit.
    What to do for fun

    rvcc has several clubs and student organizations and there are several sports teams.
    Bang for the buck

    i feel like rvcc is an extremely good bang for the buck kind of school. because of my federal aid, i am attending rv completely free this semester and i could not be happier about that; it is very inexpensive and it's one of the best community colleges in nj. i think it is definitely worth the money; if you're unsure of a major for an expensive university, go to rv.
    Great for these types of students

    pretty much anybody. there is a variety of people here of all ages. my mom is 50 and she went back to nursing and loves it. there are people straight out of high school, and people transferring from universities (like me) to get their grip and transfer elsewhere. i think rv is great for anybody who wants to save money on college tuition.
    Clubs and Activities

    there are several student organizations and trips to museums and art shows. i don't know much, but there seems to be a good amount of stuff to do here.
    Greek Life

    i'm not sure - i don't think they have any greek life.
    Campus Safety

    the campus is small and compact; all of the buildings are connected except for the art and childcare building and there is a lot of security at night.

  • Evelyn from Hillsborough, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    five

  • Laura from Elizabeth, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    I have learned a lot.
    The professors are very skillfull and knowledgeable.
    The professors motivate students to do well.

  • Wade from Somerset, NJ

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    Learning is expected and easily done as long as students are willing to put the work into it, which is expected of school. The Classes are interesting and due to the wide variety of classes can be beneficial to someone who is unsure as to what they want to do. However for those who already have a planned career and know what they want to do RVCC does have a specified program and series of classes for your choice of career.
    Did enjoy being here

    I enjoyed my time at RVCC, there are plenty of classes that i enjoyed, there are also many clubs and on campus activities for those who are interested and they are great to meet new friends or maybe even future colleagues in your field of work. Keep in mind though that parking can be a pain to find in certain times of the day and during certain days in general, especially at the beginning of the semester. Also not every teacher is a professor at RVCC so getting meeting times with them may be a little difficult, though the teachers there are usually very friendly and are willing to set up meeting times if you want them or need them for certain classes.
    Bang for the buck

    Definitely worth the money for tuition and the lab fees, however keep in mind that the books there can get very expensive so watch out for that and make sure you get the right books you need. Once again teachers at RVCC are pretty understanding about the college books. Also due to smaller classes it is easier to find time to talk to teachers and set up meetings with you to make sure you get the experience and knowledge you deserve from them.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get to classes a little early so as to find a good parking space, if you have time join a club there are plenty of types so i am sure you can find one with your interests, if you dont plan on keeping your books either rent them or use the buy back sale or buy them from last semesters class ( be careful though sometimes they update the edition between semesters). Start registering for classes ASAP because they fill out fast and you don't want to be stuck with a bad schedule.
    Great for these types of students

    Part time students, full time students, people who are reentering the work place, Undecided majors, students who plan to transfer to a four year school, and people who will go straight to the workplace.

  • Mike from Stockton, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Leanne from Branchburg, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The courses you take at Raritan Valley really teach you a lot. You learn new things that you will stay with you in life and throughout the other courses.
    Am enjoying being here

    The campus is small, and everyone gets to know you. All the administrators are there to help you and answer anything you have questions about.
    Bang for the buck

    Raritan Valley is an affordable college to go to.
    Tips for prospective students

    Register for classes early so that you get in the ones you want to.
    Great for these types of students

    Raritan Valley is great fro students who cannot afford a 4 year college, if they do not know what to major in, or those who do not want to leave home yet.

  • Stephanie

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The professors are all wonderful and care about their students success.
    Tips for prospective students

    Schedule classes early as they fill up fast and meet with advisors.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who aren't ready to leave home, looking for an inexpensive college, or do not know what to major in.