Georgian Court University is making it easier—and more affordable—for students at Saint John Vianney High School to take their education to the next level by graduating from SJV’s Early College Academy with an associate degree from Brookdale Community College and then earning their bachelor’s degree and M.B.A. from GCU within four years. This new guaranteed admissions agreement and the Early College Academy to M.B.A. (ECA to M.B.A.) program, which goes into effect Fall 2017, offer SJVHS students a seamless transition from high school and transfer to Georgian Court.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our young people and the only program of its kind in New Jersey,” SJVHS President Joseph Deroba says. ”It represents the epitome of what two Catholic educational institutions, working together, can accomplish for the welfare of students, families, and the church.”
Getting a Head Start on Higher Education
In addition to ensuring access to a quality education, both institutions are equally concerned about making sure students graduate.
“Both the guaranteed admissions agreement and the Early College Academy to Master of Business Administration agreement directly benefit SJVHS students who are looking to continue their education by providing seamless admissions and financial aid processes, early academic advising, and increased scholarships,” explains Justin G. Roy, GCU Dean of Admissions.
“The ECA to M.B.A. program is a unique opportunity for us to help students who want to save money and who want to get two degrees in the span of four years,” he says. “We want to provide them with a great Catholic education that both maximizes their money and their time.”
GCU’s guaranteed admissions agreement and ECA to M.B.A. program are part of a range of efforts and initiatives to improve student retention and increase the field of college graduates. The collaboration with Saint John Vianney is just one of many high school partnerships that GCU offers.
“We are very concerned about students completing college in a timely manner, and reducing any debt they may have,” said GCU President Joseph R. Marbach, Ph.D. “With this partnership, it will be great for them to get their degrees in New Jersey and keep their talent in New Jersey.”
The ECA to M.B.A. program, announced today at the McAuley Heritage Center on Georgian Court University’s Lakewood campus, allows SJVHS graduates looking to get the most out of their education in such a way that they can earn—for the first time—undergraduate and graduate degrees within four years at the Lakewood campus. GCU is currently taking applications.
Focusing on Accessibility, Affordability
The agreements signed by GCU President Marbach and SJVHS President Deroba reflect their shared commitment to providing meaningful, viable options for those pursuing higher education.
“The commitment to our students, the seamless transition from high school to higher education, and the affordability of the entire program will hopefully encourage students to dream high and to expand their possibilities with us,” says Dr. Marbach.
About Saint John Vianney High School
Established in 1969, Saint John Vianney High school opened its doors to its first freshman class and continues to provide a quality Catholic education to students from Monmouth, Middlesex, and Ocean counties. SJVHS is a coed, Catholic high school operated by the Diocese of Trenton. Located on 38 acres of property in Holmdel, New Jersey, SJVHS has established itself as an important part of the local community. As a college preparatory high school, SJVHS has garnered national attention for its innovative education programs, various community service projects, Christian Service program, and athletic and student activities.
