Suffolk County Community College and St. Joseph's University have announced a new partnership aimed at providing students with guaranteed acceptance into nearly all of St. Joseph’s programs through joint admission. This initiative includes 48 articulation agreements between the two institutions, promoting educational advancement while allowing students to remain on Long Island.
Participants in the joint admission program will be eligible for transfer scholarships and grants, such as the Stay on Long Island Scholarship. This scholarship offers four full-tuition awards and eight $20,000 scholarships annually to graduates from Suffolk County Community College.
SJNY President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., stated, “Our two institutions are here to help students meet their goals and achieve degrees.” He emphasized the benefits of strong programs, reduced student debt, and a seamless transition from community college to university.
St. Joseph's University is a popular choice for Suffolk County Community College graduates seeking further education. These students reportedly complete their degrees faster and maintain higher GPAs compared to those transferring from other schools or before earning an associate degree. In the 2023-2024 academic year, half of SJNY's Long Island transfer students came from Suffolk County Community College.
Edward T. Bonahue, Ph.D., President of Suffolk County Community College, commented on the collaboration: “Suffolk County Community College lays the foundation for students while St. Joseph’s builds on top of that foundation with a direct pathway to a baccalaureate degree.”
The announcement was made during a ceremonial signing event attended by administrators and staff from both institutions at SJNY’s new student center in Patchogue, New York.