At $9,376/yr net price, Bergen Community College graduates earn $46,624/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,624/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,376 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $37,504 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,624/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,624/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 23.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,692/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,019/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,548/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,994/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,154/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $71,575 | $13,641 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $57,995 | $16,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $56,544 | $17,183 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $36,141 | $15,232 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $31,133 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,827 | $11,500 |
The Risk Factor
23.9% of students at Bergen Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Bergen Community College delivers solid financial returns if you pick the right program, but the numbers reveal sharp divides between career tracks. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, producing graduates who earn $71,575 annually with manageable debt of $13,641.
Healthcare programs dominate the high-earning categories here. Allied health diagnostic fields and dental support services both generate salaries above $56,000, though dental students carry higher debt loads at $17,183. These programs align well with New Jersey's healthcare job market, where demand remains strong.
The concerning reality is Bergen's 24% graduation rate, meaning three out of four students never finish. This creates real financial risk since you pay tuition regardless of completion. The median debt of $12,000 stays reasonable for those who graduate into well-paying fields, but becomes problematic if you drop out or choose lower-earning majors.
Programs like veterinary technology and general medical assisting show weaker returns, with earnings in the $31,000-$36,000 range that barely justify the time and cost investment. Your program choice matters enormously at Bergen.
This school works best for career-focused students targeting specific healthcare fields, particularly nursing. The relatively low net price of $9,376 makes it accessible, and only 34% of students need financial aid, suggesting many can afford the costs outright.
Skip Bergen if you lack clear career direction or plan to pursue general studies. The low graduation rate suggests the school struggles to support undecided students through completion. Transfer-bound students should verify their credits will move to four-year institutions before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bergen Community College worth the money?
Bergen Community College offers solid value with a low net price of $9,376 and median debt of only $12,000. However, the 24% graduation rate is concerning and may indicate completion challenges for many students.
What are the highest paying programs at Bergen Community College?
Nursing programs at Bergen Community College lead earnings at $71,575 annually, followed by allied health diagnostic programs at $57,995. These healthcare-focused programs significantly outperform the school's overall median earnings of $46,624.
How much debt do Bergen Community College graduates typically have?
Bergen Community College graduates carry a median debt of $12,000, which is relatively low for higher education. The affordable tuition and community college structure help keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year institutions.
What is the job market like for Bergen Community College graduates?
Bergen Community College graduates earn a median of $46,624 ten years after enrollment. Healthcare program graduates significantly outperform this average, while other programs may struggle to justify even the low costs.