Bergen Community College: An Overview
Bergen Community College (BCC) is a public community college located in Bergen County, New Jersey. Founded in 1965 and opened in 1968, BCC offers a comprehensive collegiate experience for learners of all ages. With a commitment to student success and a diverse student body, Bergen Community College has become a leading institution in the state.
General Information
Bergen Community College challenges convention. It is recognized as an institution that excels in its ability to meet the needs of its students in an ever-changing educational landscape, Bergen prides itself on its commitment to student success. More students graduate with associate degrees and certificates from Bergen than any other college in New Jersey. The College ranks No. 1 in the state for associate degree graduates; alumni have attended the country’s most prestigious universities, including all eight Ivy League institutions.
The college's main campus is located in Paramus, with additional locations in Lyndhurst (Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands) and Hackensack (the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center). These locations boast award-winning resources such as the STEM Student Research Center, the Health Professions Integrated Teaching Center, and the Innovation Center.
As of Fall 2022, the college had a full-time enrollment of 5,994 students and a part-time enrollment of 5,415 students. The student-faculty ratio is 20-to-1, ensuring students receive personalized attention. The school utilizes a semester-based academic year.
Bergen Community College is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association in Region XIX (New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania) and of the Garden State Athletic Conference.
Read also: Navigating the BCC Bookstore
Academics
Bergen Community College offers degrees and certificates in 52 different fields. The highest degree offered is an associate degree. Renowned faculty lead students - discovery in more than 140 programs ideal for transfer to the nation's best four-year universities.
Popular programs include:
- Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
- Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
The school has an open admissions policy and offers credit for life experiences. Innovative initiatives in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields have uniquely prepared Bergen students as the next generation of STEM professionals.
Tuition and Fees
For the 2020-2021 academic year, the in-district tuition and fees were $4,573, in-state tuition and fees were $8,281, and out-of-state tuition and fees were $8,659. The application fee is waived, making it accessible for a wide range of students to apply. Books and supplies are estimated to cost $1,400.
Financial Aid
At Bergen Community College, 43 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid. The average scholarship or grant award is $4,980, easing the financial burden for many students.
Read also: Bergen Catholic High School Costs
Student Life
Students take advantage of these resources as part of a vibrant on-campus experience brimming with energy and excitement. The College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society of two-year colleges, has previously earned “best in the world” honors, with its 600+ members contributing to service learning, campus events and activities that enrich the student experience.
Bergen Community College offers a variety of campus services to support students, including:
- Employment services for students
- Credit for life experiences
- Academic/career counseling service
- Placement services for completers
- On-campus day care for students' children
Strengthened by its cultural diversity, Bergen attracts and educates students from underserved populations - many of whom are first-generation college students - in an environment rooted in an ethic of care. Collaboration, creativity and empowerment remain critical to maximizing students’ success and unlocking the transformative opportunities available to them. Bergen maintains a deep commitment to fostering this welcoming and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff.
Demographics
The ethnicity distribution of the student body is diverse.
The gender distribution is relatively balanced.
Read also: Reaching Out to Bergen Community College
Age Distribution (Fall 2022):
- Under 18: 4%
- 18-24: 68%
- 25-64: 28%
- Over 65: 0%
Campus Resources
The College’s Paramus main campus features vast physical resources including the Technology Education Center, the region’s only Health Professions Integrated Teaching Center and the nation-leading STEM Student Research Center. Student support resources include the Henry and Edith Cerullo Learning Assistance Center, which has twice earned recognition as the “tutoring center of the year.”
Leadership and Commitment
Led by President Eric M. Friedman, Bergen has developed strong relationships with government, public and private sector leaders to enhance workforce development initiatives and reinforce the institution’s commitment to its community.
Institutional Research
In keeping with Institutional Research’s mission to monitor and report on enrollment and demographic trends at Bergen Community College, the Quick Facts section features reports that take the pulse of the College. The 10th Day Enrollment Reports present ten-year trend analyses of enrollments at Bergen Community College. Specifically, these analyses consist of student headcount and credit totals. The Office of Institutional Research uses Venngage, a data visualization tool, to create RAV reports that present Recycled data in an Accessible and Visually stimulating way.
Notable Alumni and Connections
Bergen Community College has been a stepping stone for many individuals who have gone on to achieve success in various fields. While specific notable alumni are not listed in the provided text, the college's strong ties to the community and its focus on student success suggest a history of producing accomplished graduates.
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