Looking out for one of the best two-year colleges in the United States; one of the greatest community colleges in the United States? Or a college that has the most sought-after facilities a standard institute needs? Bergen Community College is the right choice. The institute prepares students for a standard associate degree or certificate to proceed to a four-year school or even earn a career.
According to statistics as of November 2021, Bergen Community College (BCC) happens to be the largest community college in the United States. About more than half a million students with associate degrees and certificates have graduated from Bergen College since it started operation in 1968. Moreover, according to Federal data, Bergen Community College has its graduates ranked as the first people to receive the highest income among their mates from the other 19 two-year institutions in the United States. According to studies, BCC graduate earns more than their mates from other four-year colleges.
Amazing, right?
About Bergen Community College
Bergen Community College is a public community college located in Bergen County, New Jersey. It was established in 1965 but began operation in 1968. BCC has sites in Paramus, Hackensack, and Lyndhurst. with over 13,352 degree program students and about 5,800 enrolled for continuing and adult education programs.
Why Choose Bergen Community College?
BCC ranks as one of the topmost colleges in the State for associate degree graduates, with over 740,000 attendees and many others visit the college for community and cultural events.
Moreover, the College ranks No. 1 in the state for associate degree graduates; alumni have attended the country’s most prestigious universities, including all eight Ivy League institutions. More than 740,000 students have taken classes at Bergen, with countless others visiting for community and cultural events.
Furthermore, the college is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, alongside each program. The accreditation process was officially done by the following bodies;
- The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs,
- The National League for Nursing, the American Dental Association,
- The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology,
- And many more.
Additionally, this accreditation guarantees that quality education with commitment is provided at Bergen Community College.
More Information
Bergen offers its students engaged faculty, supportive services, and different kinds of fun activities that expand the growth of the college since its existence.
BCC prepares students effectively to obtain their associate degree or certificate before they proceed to pursue a career at a four-year school, showcasing its renowned capability.
The college has admitted hundreds of international students from over 55 countries worldwide. It has an enrollment of 5,748 undergraduate students as it’s a midsize college. Simply put, the acceptance rate of the school is 100%. The popular courses at the school offered to international students include Liberal Arts and Humanities, Nursing, Dental Hygiene, and others.
Clubs & Organizations
At Bergen, there’s time to study and time to have an interesting moment outside the school world. Instead of this, the school introduced some clubs and organizations into the school to make learning easier for the students and enjoy their stay in the prestigious college. The school offers every student the opportunity to participate in at least one or two different types of activities, including the aspect of clubs and organizations.
The school authority believes that students will have the opportunity to mingle with more people, make new friends, strengthen relationships with mates, explore their talents and interesting activities, and also be able to impact positive vibes in themselves.
Both US and international students can partake in these clubs and organizations as being a member of a club or organization will pave the way to having connections, widening knowledge and interests, and as well build relationships with people.
The clubs and organizations available at Bergen Community College include:
Active Minds.
- Bergen Wings Club (Aviation)
- College Democrats of BCC.
- Computer Science Club.
- Criminal Justice Club.
- Dental Hygiene Club.
- D.I.V.A. Girl Empowerment Club.
- F- W.O.R.D. Club.
Weekend Activities
To make the weekend at Bergen enjoyable and interesting, and also present an avenue for students to make new friends and support one another. Hence, the school has highlighted some weekend brochures for fun activities. These include:
- Academic Advisement
- Admissions Deadlines
- Athletics
- Educational Opportunity Fund
- FAQs
- Financial Aid
- Forms
- Getting Started At Bergen
- Health Professions
- International Students
- NJ STARS
- Open Houses & Information Sessions
- Testing – Basic Skills Test Placement information
- Transfer to Bergen
- Tuition & Fees
- Veterans & Military Affairs Center
- Visiting Students
Merit Awards And Financial Aid
Merit Awards
To be eligible for merit awards at Bergen, students must have a GPA of 3.5 or even more. The GPA required by schools can vary but 3.5 is considered the best minimum average. Merit requires that a student must have a grade of 2:1 and 60-69% in his degree, while a pass requires 2:2 and passing 50-59% in one’s degree. The third is a fail or borderline pass which requires passing 40-49% in one’s degree.
Financial Aid
In 2020, the FAFSA Simplification Act under the Financial Aid was erected by Congress. This act is considered an important aspect of the Financial Aid process awarded to need-based federal students. It encompasses unparalleled changes regarding how students can apply and determine eligibility. Moreover, it aims to disseminate simpler and better experiences with the form.
Scholarships At Bergen Community College
Scholarship opportunities will only be granted to need-based students, who are incapable of paying their tuition fees. To be eligible for the scholarship opportunity, the following criteria must be satisfied:
- The scholarship will be open to only legal residents in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and citizens of the US.
- Students applying must be age 17 or older at the time of entry
- Must have a GPA of at least 3.5 or higher and 12 college credits.
- Must be a student in college.
- Must be a senior in the school.
- The scholarship is available for US students and only international students who have become legal citizens/residents of the state.
Requirements For US Students
To be admitted into Bergen, a GPA of at least 2.5 is required. However, some courses require a 3.0.
To be eligible to study at Bergen, students must meet up with one of the following conditions:
- Combined SAT score of minimum 1700/2400 (old point scale) or 1200/1600 (new point scale).
- 25 marks in ACT or higher scores in English and Maths.
- 275 marks or more in Classic Accuplacer score in English before 12/14/18 and 90 marks or more in Algebra before 1/25/19. Or a B+ grade or higher in MAT-040/MAT-048.
- A score of 265 or higher in Next-Generation Accuplacer in Reading and WritePlacer of 6 or more starting 12/17/18 and 273 marks or more in Algebra as from 1/28/19 or a B+ grade or higher in MAT-040/MAT-048.
- CGPA of 3.4 or better score.
- A minimum of 12 college credits is also required to be eligible to enroll in Bergen.
Requirements For International Students
Bergen Community College is delighted to have students from around the globe from different countries in its institution. However, application and grant awards provided for US students differ from those given to international students. International students are expected to have a GPA of 3.5 or higher before having college entrance.
Other inquiries and information can be accessed here intadmissions@bergen.edu.
Admissions
To be admitted into Bergen, a GPA of at least 2.5 is required. However, some courses require a 3.0. At least 12 college credits are also required.
Academic tests for proficiency, placement, challenge, waiver, special accommodations, and some other courses are required before gaining entrance into Bergen.
How Do I Apply to Bergen Community College?
To be able to enroll in Bergen, applicants have to be eligible academically. Criminal records will also be checked as well as testing of some basic skills. Students can take up substituting courses for the necessary high school prerequisites if they’ve missed it. They also need to complete a direct application, and complete algebra, Biology, and Chemistry with a lab. There’s the need to also take the College Math and English placement test (only for new incoming students).
Additional Recommendations
Upon completion of the application and review has been done, the official application process can then begin for enrollment. The application may need letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and an official BCC transcript.
What Are the Courses and Programs At Bergen Community College?
Courses and Programs available at Bergen Community College include the following:
- Anytime Online
- Apprenticeship Opportunities
- Approved Unemployment Education
- Business and Technology
- Construction Administration and Licensing/UCC
- Construction Management/OSHA
- ESL – English as a Second Language
- Fashion Design
- Health Professions
- Hospitality and Culinary
- HSE – High School Equivalency for Adults
- Human Services & Public Safety
- Institute For Learning In Retirement
- Interior Design
- Kids and Teens
- Languages & Multicultural Learning
- Manufacturing
- Project Management
- Real Estate
- Teacher Education and Childcare
Academic Departments
At Bergen are available Divisions with respective Departments under them. Below are some of the Divisions with Departments available at Bergen Community College.
1) Division of Business and Social Sciences
Departments:
- Business & Hotel Restaurant Management Department
- Criminal Justice & Legal Studies Department
- Social Sciences Department
2) Division of Health Professions
Departments:
- Dental Hygiene
- Health Science Program
- Nursing
- Wellness & Exercise Science
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Medical Office Assistant
- Paramedic Science
- Radiography
- Radiation Therapy
- Respiratory Care
- Surgical Technology
- Veterinary Technology
3) Division of Humanities
Departments:
- Communication Department
- History and Geography Department
- Philosophy and Religion Department
- English Department
- ESL & World Languages Department
- Visual & Performing Arts Department
Other Divisions with their Departments can be fully assessed here.
What Is the Tuition for the 2024 Academic Year of Bergen Community College?
It is worthy of note that the school’s Board of Trustees are eligible to change the school’s tuition fee at any point in time.
Detailed information about the school’s tuition for the 2024 Academic Year Calendar can be accessed here.
Which Bodies Are Accredited with Bergen Community College?
Bergen is accredited under the body of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Each program and course at Bergen is accredited.
Rankings Of Bergen Community College
Bergen Community College is ranked in the following organizations with their respective positions:
- In the National Best Community Colleges in America, ranked 496 over 922.
- In Best Community Colleges in New Jersey, ranked 4 over 19.
- In Best Community Colleges in New York City Area, ranked 11 over 23.
Also according to the QS World University Rankings as of 2024, the College is ranked 281.
Conclusion
Bergen Community College stands out amidst other colleges by empowering futures through accessible education, community, and diverse opportunities. The school prides itself as one of the prestigious colleges in the US. And worth giving a try!
To register for classes at Bergen, visit mybergen.edu to apply online. For further details and inquiries or to register by phone, applicants should call 201-447-7488. They can also send an email to continuinged@bergen.edu.
You can also visit Bergen at the Technology Education Center (TEC) in Room TEC-115.
References
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki
- bergen.edu/ce
- niche.com
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