About Bergen Community College
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $7,692 annually, making this one of New Jersey's most affordable college options. Even middle-income families with earnings up to $75,000 face net costs under $11,000. Graduates earn a median of $46,624 ten years after enrollment, while carrying manageable debt loads averaging $12,000. The 89.4% employment rate shows that BCC credentials translate into jobs, though the 24% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many part-time and working students face completing their programs.
Only 17% of students take federal loans, suggesting most can afford their education without heavy borrowing. Monthly loan payments average just $127 for those who do borrow. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors, while 13 varsity sports give the 143 student-athletes opportunities to compete at the NCCAA level.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 29.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 23.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,624
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $71,575 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $57,995 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $56,544 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $36,141 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $31,133 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,827 |
Campus Life
Campus life centers around the Bulldogs' 13 varsity sports programs, though with only 143 total athletes among 10,597 students, most students focus on academics and work. The student body is diverse, with 43.01% Hispanic students and 26.75% white students creating a multicultural environment. Students bundle up for harsh New Jersey winters and enjoy mild springs on the suburban campus. With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, classes feel more personal than at large universities. Weekends often mean work shifts or family time rather than campus events, reflecting the practical, career-focused mindset of community college students juggling multiple responsibilities.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1965
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–39°F
- July Avg
- 68°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 46.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 29.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 46.6%
- Women
- 53.4%
- White
- 26.8%
- Black
- 7.5%
- Hispanic
- 43.0%
- Asian
- 8.8%
- In-State Students
- 97.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 34.3%
Location
- Address
- Paramus, New Jersey 07652-1595
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,624
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,340
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 48.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $127/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Bergen Community College?
Bergen Community College has an open admission policy typical of community colleges, meaning they accept all students who have a high school diploma or equivalent. With 10,597 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in northern New Jersey. Nearly 98% of students come from in-state, reflecting its role as a local educational center.
How much does Bergen Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,376 annually at Bergen Community College. In-state tuition starts at $4,757, while families earning less than $30,000 typically pay around $7,692 after aid. About 34% of students receive Pell Grants, helping make this one of New Jersey's more affordable higher education options.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Bergen Community College?
Bergen Community College maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. The college operates on a semester calendar system and focuses on career training, transfer preparation, and workforce development. Students can choose from programs designed to either transfer to four-year universities or enter the job market directly.
What are the employment outcomes for Bergen Community College graduates?
Bergen Community College graduates have an 89% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market preparation. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median salary of $46,624. The college's focus on practical skills and local industry connections helps explain why most graduates find work relatively quickly.
Where is Bergen Community College located and what is campus life like?
Bergen Community College sits in Paramus, New Jersey, a large suburban area in Bergen County. The college fields 13 varsity sports with 143 total athletes competing as the Bulldogs in NCCAA athletics. The diverse student body is 53% women and includes significant Hispanic (43%) and white (27%) populations.
Does Bergen Community College have a good graduation rate?
Bergen Community College has a 23.9% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the challenges many community college students face. Founded in 1965, the college serves many working adults and part-time students who may take longer to complete degrees or transfer before graduating. Students who do borrow money graduate with a median debt of just $12,000.
