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Since Bergen’s establishment in Paramus by the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1963 and its subsequent opening in 1968, eight presidents have led the State of New Jersey’s largest community college, prioritizing the hallmarks of a community college education: quality, access and affordability for all who seek lifelong learning opportunities.
Recognized as an institution that excels in its ability to meet the needs of its students in an ever-changing educational landscape, Bergen prides itself on its commitment to student success. Built on a mission of providing an education in the liberal arts, sciences, technical fields, and a variety of non-credit programs that foster critical thinking, the College facilitates upward mobility and instills a sense of purpose.
Located in northeastern New Jersey just minutes from New York City, Bergen provides a comprehensive collegiate experience for learners of all ages at three locations – Paramus (main campus), Lyndhurst (Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands) and Hackensack (the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center). Each location boasts award-winning resources such as the STEM Student Research Center, the Health Professions Integrated Teaching Center and the Innovation Center. The College will break ground on its newest learning amenity, a culinary arts center, soon.
Students take advantage of these resources as part of a vibrant on-campus experience brimming with energy and excitement. The College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society of two-year colleges, has previously earned “best in the world” honors, with its 600+ members contributing to service learning, campus events and activities that enrich the student experience. Clubs and organizations such as the Student Government Association and LatinxCEO provide students with real-world learning opportunities that further contribute to Bergen’s active and engaged campus community.
Strengthened by its cultural diversity, Bergen attracts and educates students from underserved populations – many of whom are first-generation college students – in an environment rooted in an ethic of care. Collaboration, creativity and empowerment remain critical to maximizing students’ success and unlocking the transformative opportunities available to them. Bergen maintains a deep commitment to fostering this welcoming and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. As a federally-designated Hispanic Serving Institution and the state’s highest ranked community college in the Campus Pride Index, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine has named Bergen one of the “most promising places to work.”
This environment helps foster Bergen’s standing as a state-leader: more students graduate with associate degrees from Bergen than from any other community college in New Jersey. 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. Students in career programs enter the workforce with industry defined in-demand skill sets in fields such as healthcare, information technology and business.
Student support resources include the Henry and Edith Cerullo Learning Assistance Center, which has twice earned recognition as the “tutoring center of the year.” The College’s Paramus main campus features vast physical resources including the Technology Education Center, the region’s only Health Professions Integrated Teaching Center and the nation-leading STEM Student Research Center. Students have access to study abroad programs, including a partnership with Southport College in England through the Association of Community College Trustees.
Led by President Eric M. Friedman, Bergen has developed strong relationships with government, public and private sector leaders to enhance workforce development initiatives and reinforce the institution’s commitment to its community. Among them, the College frequently works with the federal government, New Jersey Council of County Colleges and CVS Health to secure grants and to create pathways to employment.