Community College
www.Bergen.edu
www.bergen.edu/isc
Contact Information
Kate Plessing-Brunetto
Director of Admissions and International Programs
Phone: + 1 (201) 689-7601
Fax: + 1 (201) 251-0353
Application Deadlines
DEADLINES ARE FLEXIBLE
Fall Semester (September) – July 1st
Spring Semester (January) – November 1st
Locations
The International Student Center,
Room C 102
400 Paramus Road
Paramus, NJ 07652
About
Bergen Community College, the largest community college in New Jersey, is located just 30 minutes from New York City. The College is proud to have over 1000 international students, representing more than 138 countries from around the world. The College has over 100 Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.), and Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) academic programs. Bergen Community College offers a smart start to the four-year degree. Many international students complete an Associate’s degree at BCC, and then transfer to prominent four-year institutions.
Degrees/Certificates Offered
Associate Degrees are awarded. A complete listing of academic majors can be found at here.
Student Demographics
Bergen Community College enrolls more than 14,000 students in Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Applied Science degree programs, and certificate programs. More than 10,000 students are enrolled in non-credit, professional development courses. The College’s three sites in Paramus (main campus), Hackensack (Ciarco Learning Center) and Lyndhurst (Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands) serve more than 32,000 students in degree, continuing education and adult education programs.
ESL Program and Support Services
The American Language Program (ALP) is an English program designed to prepare students for college-level courses at Bergen Community College. There are four levels of ALP (Foundations, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3). Bergen Community College offers extensive support services for international students. The International Student Counselors at Bergen are devoted to supporting the academic, cultural and immigration needs of international students. The College also provides transfer and career counseling.
Student Housing Options
On campus housing is not available. Off campus housing options include local apartments, private homes or with relatives in the area. Public transportation to/from the college is accessible.
Admission Requirements for First Year Students
- Application for admission
- Proof of high school or college completion
- Proof of financial support (proof of at least $22,000 USD)
- Copies of visa/passport
- Bergen Community College SEVIS Information Form
The TOEFL exam and SAT exam are not required for admission. Each student will take Bergen Community College’s Levels of English Proficiency (LOEP) test when they arrive on campus (at no fee). This test may place students into the American Language Program (ALP). However, if students have taken the SAT and scored 540 or above on the Critical Reading section of the test, or scored an 80 or above on the Internet Based TOEFL, they may be exempt from language based placement testing. Students with a grade of C or better in a College level English composition class at a US University or College are also exempt from testing. Test scores/grades must be submitted to the BCC Office of Testing Services upon arrival in the United States.
Visa Categories Offered
F-1 student visa. School specific information is available through www.bergen.edu/isc
Cost of Attendance and Financial Assistance
Annual estimated cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, and miscellaneous expenses (2015-2016) – (2017-2018):
- Tuition and fees: $10,000
- Room and Board: $12,000 (estimated)
- Books: $1,000 (estimated)
There is very limited financial assistance through merit scholarships for international students.
Student Activities and Campus Life
There is an array of courses and programs to prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities, or for immediate entry into a career. Since its inception, Bergen Community College has offered open admissions, small classes, affordable tuition, dedicated faculty, outstanding student services, flexible scheduling and a student-centered campus. While attending Bergen Community College, students are encouraged to participate in clubs, organizations, diversity weekends, heritage celebrations and many other events throughout the year. In addition there are many events, both on campus and off campus, to promote student development.
