Bristol Community College: $5,412 Tuition

$5,412Tuition

5,073Students

21%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,663Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Bristol Community College

Bristol Community College has built its reputation serving southeastern Massachusetts with affordable career training and transfer programs since 1965. The college enrolls 5,073 students across its suburban Fall River campus. Nearly all students come from Massachusetts (96.34%), creating a tight-knit community focused on local workforce needs and university transfer preparation.

Students pay an average net price of $6,235 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options in the region. Graduates earn a median of $38,663 ten years after enrollment, providing solid returns on the modest investment. Student debt remains manageable at a median of $8,243, with monthly loan payments averaging just $87. The employment rate of 91.7% shows strong job market outcomes for career-focused programs.

Women make up two-thirds of the student body (66.84%), reflecting the college's strength in health sciences and human services programs. The Bayhawks compete in seven varsity sports with 81 total athletes, though the focus remains firmly on academics rather than athletics. With 43.35% of students receiving Pell Grants, Bristol serves many first-generation college students seeking practical pathways to middle-class careers. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in this community-centered environment.

Academics & Faculty

Bristol Community College serves southeastern Massachusetts as an affordable stepping stone into higher education and skilled careers. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides more individual attention than many larger institutions. However, the 20.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and school commitments. BCC focuses heavily on career training programs, particularly in healthcare fields like nursing and medical assisting, which align with the region's employment needs. The college also maintains strong transfer agreements with four-year universities for students seeking bachelor's degrees. With 96% of students coming from Massachusetts, the school understands local workforce demands and designs programs accordingly.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 20.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,663

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$62,012
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$55,512
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other.	Associate	$46,087
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Associate	$38,721
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Associate	$38,289
Legal Professions and Studies, Other.	Associate	$38,289
Culinary Arts and Related Services.	Associate	$32,711
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$30,409
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services.	Associate	$30,409
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$30,409

View all 70 programs →

Campus Life

This campus sits in Fall River, about an hour south of Boston, where students bundle up for snowy New England winters and enjoy mild summers. With 5,073 students spread across a suburban setting, you'll find a quieter pace than big university life. Nearly all students (96%) come from Massachusetts, creating a tight-knit community feel.

As a commuter school with no dorms, most students drive to campus for classes then head to work or family obligations. The student body skews older and more diverse than typical colleges, with women making up 67% of enrollment. Weekend life revolves around the greater Fall River area rather than campus events. The Bayhawks field seven varsity sports with just 81 total athletes, so athletics take a backseat to academics and career preparation. Many students juggle part-time jobs alongside their studies, reflecting the practical, workforce-focused culture. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but don't expect the rah-rah college atmosphere you see in movies.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1965

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–38°F
July Avg: 65°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 49.4"
Annual Snowfall: 38.1"

Student Demographics

Bristol Community College draws primarily local students from southeastern Massachusetts, with 96% coming from in-state. The student body is predominantly female at two-thirds, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare, education, and human services. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable pathways to careers or four-year degrees. The diverse mix includes significant Hispanic and Black populations alongside white students. Most students are older than traditional college age, often juggling work and family responsibilities while pursuing practical skills training.

Men: 33.2%
Women: 66.8%
White: 57.3%
Black: 12.5%
Hispanic: 14.9%
Asian: 1.9%
In-State Students: 96.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 43.4%

Location

Bristol Community College sits in Fall River, Massachusetts, about 50 miles south of Boston. The campus serves a former textile manufacturing city that has transformed into a diverse community along the Taunton River. Fall River retains its working-class character while offering access to nearby beaches and the greater Providence metropolitan area just 20 minutes away. With 96% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from southeastern Massachusetts mill towns and coastal communities. The suburban setting provides affordable living costs that complement the college's low tuition rates. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Bristol Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Fall River, Massachusetts 02720-7395

Bristol Community College campus, Fall River, Massachusetts

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,663
Median Earnings (5 years): $43,979
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 52.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $87/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,243

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Bristol Community College?

Bristol Community College has an open admission policy typical of community colleges, meaning qualified applicants are generally accepted. The college serves over 5,000 students primarily from southeastern Massachusetts. Nearly all students come from in-state, with 96% being Massachusetts residents.

How much does Bristol Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,235 annually after aid. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,439 per year, making college highly affordable. About 43% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve working-class communities.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Bristol Community College?

The student-faculty ratio is 15:1, providing reasonable access to instructors. The college focuses on career training and transfer preparation for students in Fall River and surrounding areas. With two-thirds of students being women, BCC attracts many non-traditional learners returning to education.

Does Bristol Community College have good job outcomes for graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $38,663 ten years after starting college. The employment rate reaches 91.7%, showing strong workforce preparation. However, the six-year graduation rate is 20.7%, reflecting the challenges many community college students face balancing work and studies.

Where is Bristol Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Fall River, a large suburban community in southeastern Massachusetts. BCC offers seven varsity sports with 81 total athletes competing as the Bayhawks. The campus serves a diverse population, with 57% white students, 15% Hispanic, and 12% Black students.

What makes Bristol Community College unique compared to other community colleges?

BCC has served southeastern Massachusetts since 1965, building deep community ties in the Fall River area. Students graduate with relatively low debt at just $8,243 median, with monthly loan payments averaging only $87. The college's focus on affordable career training helps first-generation college students enter the workforce quickly.