Brookdale Community College: $5,921 Tuition

$5,921Tuition

7,898Students

29%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$44,379Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Brookdale Community College

Brookdale Community College serves as a launching pad for students pursuing four-year degrees and career training in New Jersey's Monmouth County. The college enrolls 7,898 students on its suburban campus in Lincroft. Students flock here for nursing, business, and technology programs that prepare them for immediate employment or transfer to universities. Nearly all students come from New Jersey, with 98.46% claiming in-state residency.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students with family incomes under $30,000 pay just $7,000 net price annually after aid. Even middle-class families earning $48,000-$75,000 face costs around $9,332 per year. Graduates carry a median debt load of only $12,000, well below national averages. Within ten years, alumni earn a median salary of $44,379. Monthly loan payments average $127, making the debt burden reasonable given earning potential.

The Blues compete in 12 varsity sports with 145 total athletes, though no athletic scholarships are available. Students benefit from an 18:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personal attention. The graduation rate sits at 28.90% within six years, typical for community colleges where many students transfer before completing degrees. Employment rates reach 91.3% for those entering the workforce directly.

Academics & Faculty

Brookdale serves as New Jersey's largest community college transfer center, with 98% of its 7,898 students coming from in-state. The college built its reputation on strong nursing and healthcare programs that feed into four-year universities and local hospitals. Students also flock to business and technology courses designed for quick workforce entry. With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay manageable even at this size. The 29% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer before completing their associate degrees here. Brookdale functions as an affordable stepping stone, charging in-state students $5,921 annually while preparing them for both immediate careers and university transfer.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 28.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,379

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$68,079
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$49,344
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.	Associate	$46,769
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$36,848
Legal Support Services.	Associate	$35,420
Culinary Arts and Related Services.	Associate	$30,771
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$28,327
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$27,618
Design and Applied Arts.	Associate	$26,353
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$26,353

View all 49 programs →

Campus Life

Brookdale's 225-acre suburban campus sits 45 minutes from New York City, offering students access to metropolitan opportunities while maintaining a quieter college environment. Nearly all students commute from across Monmouth County, as the college serves 98% in-state residents. New Jersey winters require heavy coats and boots, while spring and fall provide ideal weather for walking between the modern academic buildings and student centers.

With 52% women and 48% men enrolled, the campus maintains a balanced gender split among its 7,898 students. The 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio means classes stay relatively small for a community college this size. Most students juggle work and family responsibilities alongside coursework, creating a practical, goal-oriented atmosphere. Weekends often involve part-time jobs or family time rather than traditional college parties. The Blues athletic teams compete in 12 varsity sports with 145 total athletes, though athletic scholarships aren't available. Students frequently use the campus as a stepping stone, with many planning transfers to four-year universities after completing their associate degrees.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1967

Campus Safety (2023)

13 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Burglary	4	0
Stalking	4	0
Aggravated Assault	0	2
Domestic Violence	1	1
Rape	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 22°–41°F
July Avg: 65°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.6"
Annual Snowfall: 29.0"

Student Demographics

Nearly all students at Brookdale come from within New Jersey, reflecting the college's deep roots in serving Monmouth County communities. The student body leans slightly female, which aligns with strong programs in nursing and healthcare that traditionally attract more women. About a quarter of students are Hispanic, mirroring the demographics of central New Jersey's growing Latino population. The relatively low Pell Grant rate suggests many students come from working-class families who earn just above federal aid thresholds but still need affordable education options close to home.

Men: 47.6%
Women: 52.4%
White: 53.7%
Black: 8.6%
Hispanic: 24.4%
Asian: 3.8%
In-State Students: 98.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 23.4%

Location

Brookdale Community College sits in Lincroft, New Jersey, about 45 miles south of New York City. The campus serves the Jersey Shore region, where students can reach beaches within 15 minutes. Nearly 99% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a local educational center. The suburban setting offers a quieter alternative to urban campuses while maintaining access to major metropolitan areas. Philadelphia lies roughly 90 minutes away by car. The Monmouth County location provides internship and job opportunities in healthcare, technology, and business sectors that align with Brookdale's career-focused programs. The area combines suburban residential communities with coastal recreation. Students considering colleges in New Jersey may also compare Brookdale Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Lincroft, New Jersey 07738-1597

Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, NJ - Student Life Center

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $44,379
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,836
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 are the admission requirements at Brookdale Community College?

Brookdale Community College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of high school GPA or test scores. The college serves 7,898 students and focuses on providing accessible education as a transfer pathway to four-year universities. Nearly 99% of students come from New Jersey, reflecting its role as a local educational resource.

How much does Brookdale Community College cost after financial aid?

Students at Brookdale pay an average net price of $8,882 after financial aid, with in-state tuition set at $5,921. Only 23% of students receive financial aid, and those from families earning under $30,000 pay around $7,000 net. The relatively low debt burden results in a median debt of just $12,000 for graduates.

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

Brookdale maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its suburban campus in Lincroft. The college is known for career-focused programs in nursing, business, and technology that prepare students for immediate employment or transfer. With 12 varsity sports and 145 student athletes, the Blues compete in NCCAA athletics.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Brookdale Community College?

Brookdale achieves a 29% six-year graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges where many students transfer before completing their associate degree. Graduates enjoy strong employment prospects with a 91% employment rate and median earnings of $44,379 ten years after enrollment. The college's focus on practical, career-oriented education helps explain these solid employment outcomes.

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

Brookdale sits in Lincroft, New Jersey, a large suburban setting that provides a quiet learning environment. The student body of 7,898 is 52% women and reflects New Jersey's diversity with 54% white, 24% Hispanic, and 9% Black students. Founded in 1967, the college has established itself as a cornerstone of Monmouth County's educational landscape.

Does Brookdale Community College offer good value for transfer students?

Brookdale serves as an affordable transfer pathway with monthly loan payments averaging just $127 for those who borrow. The college's strength lies in preparing students to continue their education at four-year universities rather than entering the workforce immediately. With 98% of students coming from in-state, it functions as a local stepping stone to higher education at a fraction of university costs.