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 runs on low debt and low upfront cost, and that combination carries the value here. You borrow a median of $12,000 and pay under ten thousand a year, so even the middling earnings outcome doesn't sink you the way it would at a pricier school. The catch is the 23.90% graduation rate. Fewer than one in four students finishes, and if you leave without the credential you still owe money without the earnings bump that justifies it.
The health programs are where the money is. Nursing graduates clear over $71,000, the highest on campus and well above the school's $46,624 median, with debt around $13,600. That's a strong return in a Bergen County market full of hospitals and clinics. Allied health diagnostics and dental support both land in the mid-to-high $50,000s and hold up too.
The lower rungs tell a different story. Veterinary technology and medical assisting graduates earn in the $31,000 to $36,000 range while carrying similar or higher debt than nursing students. Medical assisting in particular pairs the lowest pay with real borrowing, so the math there is thin.
Cost climbs steeply with income. If your family earns under $48,000 you pay around $7,700 to $8,000. Above $110,000 you pay roughly double that, closer to $15,000. The aid clearly targets lower-income families, and if you're in that bracket the price is manageable.
This school fits you if you're aiming for nursing or allied health and can commit to finishing. Pick a health credential, graduate, and the numbers work in your favor. If you're drawn to the lower-earning tech programs or unsure you'll complete the degree, weigh that against the graduation odds before you enroll.
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.