pathway on ocean county college campus with trees

College Pathways Program

College Pathways Program supports and assists high school seniors with the transition to college – regardless of where they choose to attend! The program is designed to eliminate barriers to college entrance through discussions on:
  • The college selection process
  • College applications
  • Funding college and financial aid
  • FAFSA & Scholarship Application completion
  • Career, degree planning, and advisement

The College Pathways Program allows high school seniors to make confident, informed choices about their futures and receive guaranteed lifetime acceptance to OCC.

Spring 2026 Express Enrollment Days

Express Enrollment Days are designed to assist incoming OCC students for the Fall 2026 semester in a “one stop shop” method. During the events, we help students get their student ID card, take a tour of campus, register for classes, plan for transfer, discover scholarships, set up payment arrangements and discuss the financial aid application.

To RSVP for these events, please reach out to your School Guidance Counselor!

  • April 14: Donovan Catholic
  • April 15: Point Pleasant Boro
  • April 20: Central Regional (#1)
  • April 27: Lakewood Township (#1)
  • April 28: Brick Township
  • April 29: Manchester Township
  • April 30: Brick Memorial
  • May 8: Jackson Township (#1)
  • May 12: Toms River East
  • May 14: Jackson (#2)
  • May 19: Barnegat
  • May 26: Toms River North
  • May 27: Toms River South
  • May 29: Toms River East
  • June 1: Point Pleasant Beach

College Knowledge Virtual Webinar

November 20th- 6PM: RSVP HERE

NJ Stars Info Session

November 18th- 6PM: RSVP HERE

Fill out your FAFSA with us!

O.P.E.N. Workshops: RSVP HERE

FAQ?

College Pathways is a resource available to all Ocean County high school seniors. During the Fall, we visit high schools for our “College 101” presentation.

This presentation provides an overview of the college enrollment process, regardless of where a student wants to attend. This gives all students the necessary foundation to begin their own college search!

Welcome to Ocean County College!  During the beginning of this school year, OCC will visit your high school and assist you with your next steps of applying to college.

You are able to apply to OCC at any time.  Our application has no fee, no essay, and no letters of recommendation.

If you plan to attend college September 2026, we recommend submitting your 2026-27 FAFSA, as soon as possible.

As the next step in Pathways, you will be able to attend a Spring “Express Enrollment Days” at OCC.  This will allow participating districts the opportunity to visit our campus, take a campus tour, and register in Fall 2025 courses!

You can talk with your guidance counselors for further information, or contact Lauren Simon at lsimon@ocean.edu

Don’t forget to submit your 2026-27 FAFSA, as soon as possible (it’s open now)!

Keep in mind that National Decision Day is May 1st – you should accept or decline your admission to any four-year school by this date.

You are always welcome to visit OCC in the summer or winter for a few courses! As long as your course selection(s) are approved by your home institution, OCC’s summer classes are a great way to complete credits at an affordable rate.

No! While we do encourage applying to OCC as part of the Pathways program, there is absolutely no commitment to enroll.

Further Questions?

Contact Us!

The HUB: 732-255-0482

hub@ocean.edu