Baton Rouge Community College: $4,221 Tuition

$4,221Tuition

8,003Students

28%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,581Earnings

#22 in LouisianaPublic2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Baton Rouge Community College

Baton Rouge Community College serves as a practical stepping stone for students throughout Louisiana's capital region. The college enrolls 8,003 students across workforce training and transfer programs designed to meet local employment needs. Nearly 94% of students come from Louisiana, reflecting the school's role as a hometown option for Baton Rouge-area residents. The Bears compete in four NJCAA sports with 96 total athletes supported by $198,389 in athletic scholarships.

Students pay an average net price of $10,171 after financial aid, with 57% receiving federal Pell Grants. Low-income families pay around $9,219 annually while higher earners face costs up to $15,093. Graduates earn a median of $34,581 ten years after enrollment, making the typical debt load of $12,450 manageable with monthly payments of $132. The employment rate reaches 89.2%, suggesting strong job placement outcomes for completers.

The student body reflects Baton Rouge's diversity, with 54% Black students and 36% White students. Women make up 68% of enrollment, typical for community colleges nationwide. The 29:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, but the 27.5% six-year graduation rate shows room for improvement in student completion. Only 43% of borrowers successfully repay their loans, indicating some graduates struggle financially despite decent employment prospects.

Academics & Faculty

Baton Rouge Community College focuses on workforce training and transfer preparation for students heading to four-year universities. The college serves 8,003 students with a 29:1 student-faculty ratio, meaning larger class sizes and less individual attention than smaller institutions. The 27.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face, including work and family obligations that extend completion timelines. Nearly 94% of students come from Louisiana, creating a strong local focus. The college offers practical programs aligned with regional job markets, from healthcare certifications to skilled trades training. Students typically complete associate degrees or certificates before transferring or entering the workforce directly.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 29:1
Full-Time Faculty: 27.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 27.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,581

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$89,490
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$59,402
Construction Management.	Associate	$52,107
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$50,856
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$41,193
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$36,132
Business/Commerce, General.	Associate	$33,687
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$30,119
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$28,598
Legal Support Services.	Associate	$26,739

View all 50 programs →

Campus Life

Students navigate a bustling urban campus where nearly 70% are women and over half receive Pell Grants. The college sits in Louisiana's capital city, about 80 miles northwest of New Orleans, where humid subtropical weather means packing light jackets for mild winters and plenty of sunscreen for sweltering summers. This is a commuter school where 94% of students are Louisiana residents who typically drive to campus each day.

The 29:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the reality of large introductory classes, though students often find smaller groups in specialized workforce programs. Most Bears spend weekends working or with family rather than on campus, as the college serves many adult learners balancing education with employment. The athletic program fields just 4 NJCAA sports with 96 total athletes, creating a low-key sports culture. Students gravitate toward practical programs that feed into Baton Rouge's petrochemical industry and healthcare systems. With employment rates hitting 89%, many graduates stay local, earning around $35,000 within a year of completing their programs.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1995

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	0	0	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 41°–62°F
July Avg: 73°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 60.7"
Annual Snowfall: -777.6"

Student Demographics

Students at this community college reflect the diverse working-class community of Baton Rouge. Over half of students are Black, making it an important educational pathway for Louisiana's African American population. Nearly all students come from in-state, showing the school's deep local roots and commitment to serving its immediate region. Women outnumber men two-to-one, typical for community colleges where many students pursue healthcare, education, and business programs. More than half receive Pell Grants, highlighting the college's mission to provide affordable education for lower-income families seeking career advancement.

Men: 31.6%
Women: 68.4%
White: 35.8%
Black: 53.5%
Hispanic: 5.0%
Asian: 1.2%
In-State Students: 93.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 57.1%

Location

Baton Rouge Community College sits in Louisiana's capital city, home to 220,000 residents. The campus serves a metropolitan area of over 850,000 people along the Mississippi River. Students find themselves 80 miles northwest of New Orleans and 290 miles southeast of Dallas. The city blends government, petrochemical industry, and Louisiana State University's flagship campus. Downtown Baton Rouge offers internship opportunities in state agencies and corporate headquarters. The region features classic Louisiana culture with Creole and Cajun influences throughout the community. Nearly 94% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's strong local connections. Students considering colleges in Louisiana may also compare Baton Rouge Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,581
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,323
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 43.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $132/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,450

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Baton Rouge Community College?

The college maintains an open enrollment policy typical of Louisiana community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. With 8,003 students enrolled, BRCC serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in the capital region. The school focuses on workforce development and transfer preparation rather than selective admissions.

How much does Baton Rouge Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,171 annually, with 57.14% receiving financial aid. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay around $9,219 after aid, making BRCC one of the more affordable options in Louisiana. The relatively low tuition of $4,221 helps keep education accessible for working-class families in Baton Rouge.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Baton Rouge Community College?

Classes average 29 students per faculty member, reflecting the school's focus on practical workforce training over small seminars. The college emphasizes hands-on learning in technical programs and career preparation. BRCC operates on a semester system and primarily serves local students, with 93.83% coming from Louisiana.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Baton Rouge Community College?

Graduates achieve an 89.2% employment rate, though median earnings of $34,581 after ten years reflect the school's focus on associate degrees and certificates. The college excels at preparing students for Louisiana's petrochemical industry and healthcare sectors. Only 27.5% complete their programs within six years, typical for community colleges serving working students.

Where is Baton Rouge Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Louisiana's capital city, serving a diverse student body that is 53.52% Black and 35.79% White. With 68.42% female enrollment, BRCC attracts many non-traditional students balancing work and family responsibilities. The Bears compete in four NJCAA sports with 96 total athletes, though athletics takes a back seat to academics and job training.

Does Baton Rouge Community College offer good value for transfer students?

Students graduate with a manageable median debt of $12,450 and monthly loan payments of just $132. Founded in 1995, BRCC has built strong transfer agreements with Louisiana universities, making it a cost-effective pathway to a four-year degree. The school's affordability and regional reputation make it popular among students planning to continue their education.