Hudson County Community College (HCCC), located in Jersey City, New Jersey, reported its highest summer enrollment in school history in 2025. Over 3,000 students enrolled in the first summer session, exceeding the previous summer record by more than 650 students. This marks a 45% increase in total enrollment compared to summer 2024. Among continuing students, enrollment rose by 47%.
The second summer session is also on track for record numbers. Enrollment had already surpassed 2024’s total more than a month before classes were scheduled to begin. The increase for the second session was over 11% as of mid-June.
- HCCC increased summer enrollment by 45% in 2025, enrolling over 3,000 students and breaking its previous record by more than 650.
- The Free Summer Initiative offers up to seven tuition-free credits to continuing students, supported by $3.1 million in financial aid.
- Nearly 60% of summer students have already registered for Fall 2025, with fall enrollment tracking over 15% higher than last year.
Free Summer Initiative Launched in 2025
HCCC introduced the Free Summer Initiative in 2025 to improve student retention and graduation rates. The program offers up to seven tuition-free credits to nearly all credential-seeking continuing students. The free credits are available after applying for other financial aid programs.
The initiative was developed by HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber, Associate Vice President for Institutional Research and Planning John Urgola, and Dean of Enrollment Services Matthew Fessler. It was based on internal research that showed the long-term academic benefits of summer course participation.
Research Supports Year-Round Learning
HCCC’s internal research revealed that full-time students who take a summer course between their first and second year are up to eight times more likely to graduate within two years. Part-time students who take summer courses are up to 17 times more likely to graduate in the same time frame.
This research led directly to the development of the Free Summer Initiative. College leaders used these findings to justify the financial investment in the program, emphasizing the clear connection between summer enrollment and student success.
Financial Aid Drives Participation
Nearly 70% of students in the Free Summer Initiative are receiving aid through programs such as the federal Summer Pell Grant and New Jersey’s Summer Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG). With this support, the program is revenue-positive for the College.
In the first session alone, HCCC awarded more than $3.1 million in grants, nearly double the total awarded in the previous summer, allowing students to complete summer courses at little to no cost.
Early Signs Show More Students Returning This Fall
Early results from the summer program suggest strong long-term benefits. Nearly 60% of students enrolled in summer courses have registered for the fall 2025 semester. Thus, students are three times more likely to re-enroll compared to those who did not take summer classes.
Fall 2025 enrollment is currently tracking more than 15% higher than it was at the same time in 2024. This comes shortly after HCCC celebrated its fifth consecutive year of record-breaking graduation totals during the May 2025 commencement.
