Bucks County Community College: $5,021 Tuition

$5,021Tuition

5,199Students

28%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$47,324Earnings

Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Bucks County Community College

Bucks County Community College serves as the primary stepping stone for students across southeastern Pennsylvania who want quality education without the hefty price tag. With 5,199 students spread across a rural-fringe campus in Newtown, this institution has built its reputation on practical career training and seamless transfer pathways to four-year universities. The college excels at preparing students for in-demand fields while maintaining the personal touch that comes with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for budget-conscious families. Students from lower-income households pay just $5,209 after aid, while even those from higher-income families rarely exceed $12,864 annually. Graduates typically carry only $12,000 in debt with manageable monthly payments of $127. Within ten years of graduation, the median earnings reach $47,324, making this one of the more sensible investments in higher education.

Nearly 99% of students hail from Pennsylvania, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the commuter-heavy environment. Women make up 58% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare and human services. The Centurions field six varsity sports with 101 total athletes, though the real action happens in classrooms where students prepare for immediate employment or transfer to complete their bachelor's degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Bucks County Community College serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable higher education in southeastern Pennsylvania. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in smaller classes typical of community colleges. However, the 28% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and studies. The college offers solid transfer programs for students planning to continue at four-year universities, plus career-focused training in fields like nursing, criminal justice, and automotive technology. With 98% of students coming from in-state, the college deeply understands local workforce needs and maintains strong connections with regional employers and transfer institutions.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 23.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 28.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,324

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$62,579
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Certificate	$52,107
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$50,856
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$38,289
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$32,708
Culinary Arts and Related Services.	Associate	$25,967
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$25,774
Psychology, General.	Associate	$18,087

View all 97 programs →

Campus Life

Bucks County Community College sits in suburban Newtown, about 45 minutes north of Philadelphia. You'll need a winter coat here, as Pennsylvania winters bring snow and temperatures that regularly drop below freezing. The campus serves a local student body with 98.80% coming from in-state. With no on-campus housing, students commute from across Bucks County to attend classes.

The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classroom environments where professors know your name. Women make up 58.18% of the student body, creating a slight gender imbalance. Most students juggle work and family responsibilities alongside their studies. Weekends tend to be quiet on campus since students scatter back to their home communities. The Centurions field six varsity sports teams with 101 total athletes, though athletic scholarships aren't available. Students often transfer to four-year universities after completing their programs, or enter the workforce directly. The campus culture revolves around practical career preparation rather than traditional college social life.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1964

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Fondling	0	0	1	0
Rape	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–39°F
July Avg: 65°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.7"
Annual Snowfall: 19.9"

Student Demographics

Nearly 99% of students come from Pennsylvania, reflecting Bucks County Community College's role as a local educational center. The student body is 58% women and 42% men, typical for a community college that attracts many students pursuing healthcare and human services careers. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working families seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or career certifications. The college draws students from diverse backgrounds across Bucks County, from suburban professionals looking to change careers to recent high school graduates planning to transfer.

Men: 41.8%
Women: 58.2%
White: 67.5%
Black: 7.2%
Hispanic: 12.6%
Asian: 6.0%
In-State Students: 98.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 22.1%

Location

Bucks County Community College sits in Newtown, Pennsylvania, about 25 miles northeast of Philadelphia. The campus serves a largely local student body, with 98.80% of students coming from in-state. Newtown occupies the rural-fringe setting of Bucks County, where suburban communities blend with farmland and historic small towns. The area balances proximity to major metropolitan opportunities with a quieter, more affordable lifestyle than urban centers. Students benefit from Pennsylvania's rich network of community colleges while staying close to home for family and work obligations. The college draws from surrounding townships where many residents commute to Philadelphia or New York for work. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Bucks County Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Newtown, Pennsylvania 18940-4106

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $47,324
Median Earnings (5 years): $51,200
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 52.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Bucks County Community College?

Bucks County Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with varying academic backgrounds. The college serves 5,199 students and draws nearly 99% of its enrollment from Pennsylvania residents. As a community college founded in 1964, it focuses on providing accessible higher education to local students seeking transfer pathways or career training.

How much does Bucks County Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,561 annually, making it an affordable option for higher education. In-state tuition runs $5,021 while out-of-state students pay $13,421, though the vast majority of students qualify for the lower in-state rate. Only 22% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the college's already low base tuition costs.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Bucks County Community College?

The college maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, providing students with more personal attention than many larger institutions. This smaller class environment supports the college's mission of helping students either transfer to four-year universities or gain practical career skills. The college operates on a semester system in its rural-fringe setting near Newtown.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Bucks County Community College?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 28%, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing their degree. However, graduates achieve a strong 93% employment rate and earn a median salary of $47,324 within ten years of graduation. The college's focus on practical career training helps explain these solid employment outcomes.

What is the student body composition at Bucks County Community College?

The student population of 5,199 is 58% female and 42% male, reflecting the gender distribution common at many community colleges. The campus is 67% white students with growing diversity including 13% Hispanic, 7% Black, and 6% Asian students. This demographic mix represents the changing face of Bucks County's suburban communities.

Does Bucks County Community College offer athletics programs?

The Centurions compete in six varsity sports with 101 total student-athletes participating across all programs. The college does not offer athletic scholarships, focusing instead on providing affordable education through low tuition costs. Athletic programs complement the college's broader mission of student engagement while maintaining its primary focus on academics and career preparation.