Find your path to success with a diverse range of more than 120 degree, certificate, and continuing education programs.
COLLEGE TOGETHER
A Guide for Parents and Families
Starting college is an exciting time for students and families.
Whether your child is the first in your family to attend college or continuing a tradition, you play an important role in their journey.
To help guide you during this process, learn how to:
- Explain the college admission process in clear language
- Provide a step-by-step path to admission
- Share checklists so you know how to support your child
- Connect you with resources that will help your child thrive
Your encouragement, support, and guidance will make a real difference throughout the college search journey from application submission to acceptance, enrollment, and beyond.
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Starting college is an exciting time for your child and family. As you embark on this new journey, we understand that the admissions process can be confusing. From submitting an application to enrolling in classes and paying tuition, there are several important steps along the way.
Apply Online
Start the Bergen application process at bergen.edu/apply.
Steps to Enrollment
- Activate Student Portal Account – This is where your shield will plan and register for courses, view financial aid notifications and tuition bills, access class schedules, and more.
- File the FAFSA® – Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to determine if your child is eligible for aid.
- Take Placement Testing – All degree-seeking students must either take a placement test or have it waived. Before testing is scheduled, review the testing waiver policy and request a waiver (if applicable).
- Meet with an Academic Advisor – In these meetings, your child will confirm their program of study, plan their courses, register, and stay on track for academic success.
- Register for Classes – Once the above steps are completed, your child is ready to register for classes!
TIP: Deadlines matter – encourage your child to apply early to secure classes and financial aid.
FINANCIAL AID BASICS
Figuring out how to pay for college is a top priority for you and your child. With the right steps, college is within reach for every family.
Financial aid is designed to help families pay for college. The three types of financial aid are:
- Grants (gifted aid)
- Student Loans (low-interest loans)
- Federal Work-Study (part-time work)
The first step to receiving any type of aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) each year. This step is required to determine eligibility for most types of aid. Once submitted, your child may qualify for grants (which don’t need to be repaid), student loans (which must be repaid after graduation), and/or work-study opportunities (on-campus jobs that help cover costs).
After the FAFSA® is processed, be sure your child creates a Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA)/New Jersey Financial Aid Management System (NJFAMS) account to view and manage state-specific financial aid. Learn more: njfams.hesaa.org
Want to learn more about financial aid and how to fill out the FAFSA®? Join us for an upcoming financial aid workshop.
Payment Plans
To make college costs more manageable, Bergen offers flexible payment plans that allow families to spread tuition and fee payments over several months instead of paying all at once. Learn more: bergen.edu/bursar
TIP: File early at studentaid.gov to maximize the amount of aid for which your child is eligible. Be sure to include Bergen’s school code 004736 before submitting the FAFSA®.
KEY COLLEGE TERMS MADE SIMPLE
College comes with a new vocabulary. Here are the basics:
Admissions Terms
BURSAR (Student Accounts Office) – The office that handles tuition bills, payment plans, and refunds. If your child owes money for classes, this is where payments are made.
Orientation – An event to welcome new students and introduce them to campus resources
Placement Test – An assessment used to determine the right math or English course level
Registrar – The office that manages student records, transcripts, and course registration
Transcript – An official record of a student’s grades from high school (or another college)
Financial Aid Terms
EOF – The Educational Opportunity Fund is a New Jersey state program that provides academic, financial, and personal support to students.
FAFSA® – Free Application for Federal Student Aid, required to apply for financial aid
Grant – Financial aid that does not need to be repaid (often based on financial need)
Loan – Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest
Scholarship – Money awarded based on academics, activities, or need that doesn’t have to be repaid
Tuition and Fees – The cost of classes and required services
Work-Study – A federal program providing part-time campus jobs for eligible students
SUPPORT RESOURCES
College success isn’t just about what happens in the classroom. Knowing where to turn to ask for help outside of the classroom is key. From academic advising and tutoring to wellness support and career guidance, students at Bergen have full access to a network of free campus resources designed to help them thrive.
Academic Advising Center
Advisors help students choose classes, stay on track for graduation, and explore career goals. Encourage your child to meet with their advisor every semester before registration to help them stay on track.
One-Stop Center • (201) 612-5480 • [email protected]
Bergen Cares Center
College can bring unexpected challenges, and the Bergen Cares is here to help students through them. This program connects students with vital support services like food assistance, clothing, emergency funds consideration (bus pass, books, technology), and rental/utility assistance.
Room S-118 • (201) 879-711 • [email protected]
Career Center
From choosing a major to preparing for internships and jobs, the Career Center helps students plan for what’s next. At Bergen, students can get help with resumes, interviews, and connecting their studies to future careers.
Room OS-102 • [email protected]
Health, Wellness, and Counseling
College can be stressful. Personal counseling and wellness workshops offer free, confidential support for mental health, stress engagement, and overall well-being to Bergen students so they always have someone to talk to when they need it.
Health Services: Room HS-100 • (201) 447-9257 • [email protected]
Wellness Center: Room G-208 • (201) 612-5365 • [email protected]
Personal Counseling: Room HS-100 • (201) 447-9257 • [email protected]
Student Life
Getting involved is one of the best ways to feel connected on campus. Student Life offers clubs, leadership programs, and campus events that help students make friends, build confidence, and find their community.
Room L-123 • (201) 447-7215 • [email protected]
Tutoring
The award-winning Cerullo Learning Assistance Center (CLAC) offers academic support on campus and online for over 200 courses through a variety of services. All tutoring services are free for registered Bergen Students.
Room L-125 • (201) 447-7489 • [email protected]
PARENT CHECKLIST
Parents and families play an important role in helping students stay on track. While college is your child’s journey, your encouragement and reminders can make all the difference.. Use the following checklist for important dates and deadlines, key steps, and additional support.
- Apply early and track important deadline dates
- Submit the FAFSA® as early as October 1 each year
- Review the enrollment steps checklist
- Ask about scholarships – applications open every October and February
- Familiarize yourself with the academic and registration calendars
- Remind your child to meet with their academic advisor every semester
- Support healthy routines like study time, rest, and balance
- Celebrate milestones like the first day of classes, midterms, and end of semester
TIP: First-generation students may hesitate to ask for help. Remind your child that college resources exist for their success.
CONTACT US
Admissions Office
Pitkin Education Center • Room SC-110
(201) 447-7200
[email protected]
One-Stop Center Offices
BURSAR
Pitkin Education Center • Room OS-101
(201) 447-7105
[email protected]
Financial Aid
Pitkin Education Center • Room OS-101
(201) 447-7148
[email protected]
Bergen Community College Foundation
Scholarship Inquiries
Pitkin Education Center • Room A-325
(201) 447-7117
[email protected]