It was a good place for me in 2015. It was easy to register for classes. Cheap. And because of Bergen I was able to transfer my credits to other colleges I was more interested in. Make sure to go on ratemyprofessor. A positive experience for me overall. read more

The public saftey office hires incompetent individuals. A woman safety officer was driving in the rain, no headlights and didn't stop for people in the crosswalk. She almosy hit me and I yelled at her, are you serious? At that point she revered back with the siren lights on to look for the person that yelled at her. Also, I left a pair of headphones in my work area and 3 days later go. I called public saftey and spoke to J Rodriguez and he laughed when I said I should be able to leace things at work and not expect others to take it. He laughed at me and I told him he was unprofessional and rude. He tried to gaslight me into thinking he didn't. He even verified with someone it the office. read more

Just got off telephone with Dr Victor Brown, Dean of Business. He could not have been nicer. He personally placed my niece in a required course when another course she was taking closed. His Executive Secretary, Ms Linda Karalian, assisted in changing the situation from lemons to lemonade. Their main interest is assisting students in whatever way possible in attaining their goals. Thank you for caring. Kudos to both of YOU read more

This review pertains solely to BCC's Kids and Teens Summer program. http://www.bergen.edu/kidsandteens When they asked for my opinion, I decided to put it here. Cost: Under $2k for 2 kids for a month - 9a-4p; 5 days/week. Sending youngsters to college classes for the summer suggests they are geniuses or something -- and I think the marketeers at BCC play on parental psychology (read: naiveté) when they describe the course offerings in their extensive curriculum. This is NOT a college level or a gifted and talented program (although the course description makes it sound otherwise) and in some respects, it is little better than day care. I found the technology based courses wanting -- but others (like drama for instance) enjoyable for the kids and good self-esteem builders. Technology: The promise was that our 8 year old would learn about programming and animation in his AppAttack, Minecraft and Lego sessions. I thought ... aha .. programming!! -- an opportunity to improve his logic and math skills! Instead, all he did -- ALL DAY LONG -- is play some form of internet based video game. He came home zombified and exhausted from his gaming sessions. He barely ate his lunch (or dinner) and his affect was flat, seemingly narcotized, and it was distressing to watch! One of the teachers told me his secret to keeping order with unruly kids during the day was to give them even more computer time. Geez?! Really?? So when does the learning part happen? I took our son out of this program 1 week early because he was so over stimulated that he could barely talk, or make sense when he did say something. His experience at a chess and logic class was little better -- made all the more frustrating because the instructor is an inept teacher incapable of controlling children. The instructor's failure resulted in physical confrontations between children of different ages over access to more computer time; a teaching failure acknowledged by the school principal. The 14 year old attended a much touted "Space Camp" at the Beuhler Challenger Center for 1 week. Here they house a mock-up of a space shuttle and a launch control room and simulate space shuttle missions. Interesting concept, but the technology was pretty rudimentary. Once you get past the veneer (literally) and the gee-whiz intercom system that simulates pre-flight and in-flight communications, there was little else your son/daughter can't learn from a history book about NASA and the shuttle missions. The highlight of the experience was to make something useful out of multi-colored duct tape (he made a backpack) and team build a Rube Goldberg device. Not sure what this has to do with space. Underwhelming. Drama: OTOH, our 14 year old enjoyed his drama classes, and the instruction was college calibre. The instructor successfully challenged him to take a risk, get on stage and step out of his own insecurities by playing a part in a show. Insecurities plague all teenagers to one extent or another, and this experience helped mine build poise and self-confidence. He learned something about himself, made several friends and was sorry it had to end. This program, more than any other, was well worth the price of admission. Overall Impression: I like the idea of programs at BCC for kids and teenagers to spell working parents during the summer. It is convenient and affordable for us and there are many useful classes to choose from. I don't like technology masquerading as a babysitter though -- especially when it negatively impacts my kids. In hindsight, I could have made better choices. The program puffery is also something I don't care for -- and it is easy to fall prey to overly hyped descriptions that border on deception. I discussed this with the program director (Regina Imperato) and she suggested that I call her before registering next summer, and discuss courses to ensure a better fit for our children. Good advice. read more

Bergen Community College - Decent heated pool - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Paramus, New Jersey

Worst teachers and over all an awful experience. The tutor aren't even teachers they're just students who barely know how to explain anything. Teachers don't care. I had an art teacher who locked me out of the class cause I had to leave the cry about a family member who died two days earlier. I even explained to her my situation and she said okay I understand yet still locked me out. You can look up how low the graduation rate is here for a reason. Don't waste your time or money here. Spend a little extra for a real college. read more

I'm currently in my second semester here so I can't speak as a graduate let alone a sophomore. The goods: -I can't find anything here that isn't offered -There are plenty of clubs to join and other things outside of class to do -The campus is very nice overall -Really haven't had any major issues with my professors -Classes are solid, not sub par The bads: -Parking in the garage is impossible after 9am, the surrounding lots are confusing -Some buildings (Ender Hall) are showing their age -The main education center is a confusing mess -No comfortable place to honestly sit -Traffic gets ugly around 8am and 3-4pm -Can't always get help from the offices The real bad: -It's no cheaper than going to a 4 year University. I attended William Paterson in the Fall of 2012 and paid LESS per semester while taking the same number of credits than I am paying at Bergen Community. Universities such as Montclair, William Paterson, Rutgers Newark (maybe even New Brunswick) are only say a fraction cheaper or more expensive than Bergen. read more

This school sucks, very unprofessional staff. Was impossible to get help with anything. And their security team is a joke. There needs to be some serious revamping here. Didn't matter how many people I talked to nothing ever got done in a professional or timely manner. My professors were good though, plus side. However will not be returning here - transferring out read more

The financial aid office in this school has to be the worst I've ever encountered in my life . I have submitted forms over and over and the office says they still do not have them.it has been 3 months now and nothing is done . I would never recommend this county college if your child wants a stress free education. read more

This review is specifically for the Sidney Silverman Library on the 2nd floor. I visited the library looking for a place to study over the summer. Plenty of of outlets, but NO FREE WIFI. "You have to be a staff member or student to have a log-in," an annoyed Kim from IT informed me. If you don't need WiFi, this place is great. Lots of little corners and tables to claim for yourself as a hideout, and the scholastic atmosphere was particularly nostalgia-inducing of my collegiate years. The atmosphere was impeccably quiet--maybe because it's during the summer hours--but I certainly appreciated it. Will be coming back again. read more

I went back to school on February 2018, for a certificate in Event Planning and Business Management. I spoke with advisors and asked them is it too late being I was in my early sixties, they said no. I did attend BCC in 1976 I stayed for 3 months felt it was not for me so I left school received my tuition back but they failed me for the 4 classes I took even thought I wasn't there LOL. When I started in 2018 they counted those grades. It was tough in the beginning not being in school for over 40 years. There are good people working there who are amazing, I also worked in Registration amazing people again. Unfortunately we were hit in March with Covid-19 My daughter was positive and we had to leave our home and stay in a hotel for 2 months due to that I lived with elderly people and could not risk them getting it. We had to leave quickly then school went on line, To my dismay I had to computer due to I left it where I lived and had no book, I emailed my professors and told the situation I had to drop a class and I did not graduate so I wasted a year 1/2 of school and I have to pay for the 1 year and I leave with nothing. No one would help. So if you want to go to College go to a better one than this. Good Luck read more

Great place to go if you didn't do to well in High School or if your broke. The teachers are great and its in a good location. Turnpike Tech or the University of Southern Paramus is a great place to go for a proper education. read more

If you are looking to do general studies, this would be ok. The nursing program is not. The entire process for evening students is not only unorganized, it is also not student friendly. There are serious lack of student assistance for the evening students and most of the professors are tired. I also had such a terrible and humiliating experience in front of my peers at the hands of one of the professors. The manner in which the school handled was beyond unprofessional and blatantly disrespectful not only to myself but to faculty involved in the "resolution" process (to this day, still unresolved). I have had nothing but problems with this school since i was accepted. I would not recommend the program here, ever. read more

Took a continuing education corse here for a Personal Trainer certification.. The knowledge of the teacher was there but the teacher was not! School took my payment for six hundred seventy five an said "you are on your own if you can not get in contact with the teacher". Tried for over a year to aquire a job in the fitness field (janitor all the way to PT) an the certificate was so weak no one wanted to take me on. Out of it all I gained Binge Eatting Disorder. read more

Great place to start college and first take the core classes( writing comp 1&2, bio, psych, etc) with the most easiest and sweetest professors then transfer to a really good college. So if you do good here, you will get into your dream school for sure without taking those grueling sat/ act exams. Plus, you are saving money since the classes that you are taking will transfer to the college you go to. Also, campus is nice. Bergen looks like a 4 year campus instead of an associate 2 year degree campus. Bergen was a great experience and helped me get into my dream school (nyu). Some tips would be to stay away from eating donuts at Dunkin Donuts or else you will gain weight. There is a lot of good but unhealthy foods at Bergen and if you are not careful pounds will start coming in. cons- Parking is soso. (early bird gets the worm.) but overall bcc is excellent to start. read more

When I moved to the US 8 years ago, I was miserable. I did not have any friends or relatives, I didn't even end speak English until I found out about BCC and the ALP program. My life changed after my first cemester of going to Bergen. My professors did not only teach me English, but also motivated me and made me want to do more. They taught me that If you work hard and put your best effort, you can accomplish anything. After getting the American Language Program certificate, I was able to choose a major, graduate with high GPA and get the best education a person can possibly get from a community college. If Bergen had been a 4 year school, I would have never transferred anywhere because I could get a better education for less. I believe that BCC is the best community college in the United States. read more

BCC offered "Certified Animal Cruelty Investigator" course for $789 on its web site. I called and paid for the class and a few days later my credit card was charged $879. I figured it was a mistake and called to have it fixed. The next day I get a phone call from the billing department saying that some student made a mistake when typing it and they changed it. I told them that I should get it for the price I saw online since the price was up there for months. The woman got nasty, talked down to me like I was stupid. Then she hung up on me. When I called back no one answered the phone in the billing dept. I left a message and no one ever called me back... The school looked nice enough but the part of the school I am taking the classes is under construction. So I can't give it a solid review about the school grounds. Class itself is good and of high quality. If you are looking for another career, in the Animal control field, run a kennel or like me run your own Wildlife Control business and want to get higher qualifications this class is one to take. But the reason I couldn't give BCC a higher score is because it is not taught by BCC. The instructors are professionals from around NJ and don't reflect the quality of the school. They just use the school for the course. Summery: School grounds are average but from my experience from the school staff isn't so good. They will take your money and wont even have the good sense to let you know there is a mistake on the class price before you pay. And they are not professional enough to call you back to work out the issue you are having....Typical of a school.. read more

I went here for a seminar, very confusing parking lot and buildings, not proper signage. I just walked down the hallway on the technology building and it looked pretty run down.. not a fan.. read more

Do not go to this school unless you have to. Some Professor are amazing and some are the worst I've ever seen. It's the luck of the draw. Administration is horrible. It takes hours to get something so simple done. They constantly make mistakes with my financial aid and loans that I have to spend time correcting for them. You have to take a ticket like the DMV to speak with anyone in admin and then when you get to the window they are so rude to you. No one will ever answer the phone if you call, don't bother. You have to show up in person and wait. I was in the nursing program there and voluntarily left because I couldn't stand the way students were treated, it's a diploma mill. Thank god I have my associates now and am finally transferring out of this nightmare. The tutoring center is the only great thing about this school. read more

Professors are great, if you're here to learn than pay attention. The lady who works at the panini stand is amazing !! She's so friendly and even if she's having a bad day she will always be smiling. Such a kind hearted lady!! But the Dunkin donuts crew are horrible. I tell them one thing they give me another and then claim I said what they gave me. False ladies, I'm allergic to what you've given me!!! A simple "I'm sorry" would give me justice but not once have they said sorry. Such rude ladies. I wish they had a new staff working or Atleast tell them to change their attitudes!!! ------ i'd give them 0 stars for DD Also the people at Bergen pizza are so nasty!! They are so rude, rolling their eyes over a simple question!!! Nasty people ------- also give them 0 stars read more

do not go to this school location is bad they didn't pick a fair location for this school it's not convient to people who live like in cliffside park and stuff the government should provide free bus shuttles that go to the school the main thing is they do not help you here you call call you will never get a return call especially in financial aide everytime you call the same voice mail no one will ever call you i tried calling since september its now february not once did anyone call back this school is disorganized they dont have trained expert financial aide rep they tell you to go sit on the computer while students help you most of the time they dont know what their doing then you find out 2 weeks later that your missing files for your fasfa then you have to go back all the way to the school dont go here this schoool is garbabge read more

I have never been so dissatisfied with any institution, academic or otherwise, in my entire life. I was nearly done with my Associate's Degree at this school, and with only three classes left to take, I was unable to get into the courses I needed to here in order to complete my degree. I applied for a Consortium Agreement so that I could take the required courses at Passaic Community College in Wanaque instead, which was initially approved, but Bergen made so many mistakes and took so long getting the Agreement and Financial Aid for it completed that by the time it was done, it was three weeks into the semester (and I started the process a month before school started) and it was too late for me to take my courses. I spent hours upon hours standing in line there to try to get the Consortium Agreement completed, for over a month, I was there several times a week trying to get it done. The staff there cared so little about my problem and offered me so little assistance that after they finally told me it was too late for me to take the courses and that I would have to drop them, I decided to forget the last three courses and transfer my credits to a four-year school. That's when the fun really began. Not only did they simply ignore my transferring school's request for my transcripts for three weeks, when I finally did get in touch with someone in order to try to find out why they wouldn't give up my transcript (I called EVERY single number listed on the phone list to beg for help, whether it was a relevant department or not, and in the end it was the person that runs Bergen's Facebook that helped me..), I found out it was because I hadn't completed my Student Loan exit interview, which I then completed immediately, that same afternoon. You would think that Bergen would have then sent my transcript, at least sometime in the next week, but you would be wrong. It took another three and a half weeks to get my transcript from them, and not a single person out of the dozen-plus people I contacted returned any of my dozens of phone messages, the last of which I was literally in tears during, begging for them to release my transcript so I wouldn't miss the Fall semester. Luckily my transferring school had a semester starting in October, or I certainly would have. All in all, the time between when I originally requested my transcript be forwarded to the time it was actually sent was TWO MONTHS. I would not recommend this school to anyone that would have a problem with spending weeks of their time trying to get in touch with someone there if you decided to transfer or if you have any kind of problem that requires employee assistance. read more

Been here for two and a half years. After 9:30 am parking is not great. Classes are hit or miss, one professor can be the nicest person ever and the next could not care at all. One of my professors for communications didn't show for more than half the semester. Only grade was the mid term which no one had less than a 95. Then ended class with a month or so left. Money wasted learned basically nothing except Adele released an album. Never taking him again read more

I commenced my experience at Bergen quite graceful but when I met administration, I realized the bias they offer. I joined the Student Government Organization and had a dispute with an individual there based on the injustice and preference the person exemplified. The administration/counsellors do not listen to you, in fact they crucially marginalize the person that does not serve a convenience to defend who ever they prefer. They perpetuate the situation with "protocols" until someone becomes disillusioned. These people are not professionals. This year alone due to preference 17 out of 30 members quit the organization, yet there were no consequences. Another professor tampered with my test grade just because I did not want to participate in an activity I did not feel comfortable in. The woman who is president of the Honors school is the rudest influence I could have ever had the displeasure of meeting. Just going to the school you realize what is wrong, I can stretch this rant on forever but you get the idea. read more

this college did a number on me finanically. when i went to the office of special services for a little extra help in one class, they lost my documents i needed. totally unprofessional!!! even tho it didnt work out well with my classes ive made alot of great friends so all in all it wasnt bad. read more

the school itself is impossible to get help over the phone. i got dropped from a class due to a payment discrepancy and had to go on campus to get any help. the registration has the sweetest people working there but ralph choonoo was the most helpful kind soul who saw how distraught i was over losing my classes and went above and beyond to help and accommodate me. thank tou ralph choonoo the school is lucky to have you. read more

My college experience at BCC was a great one. I received my associates degree years ago, but I still come back for more classes..I don't know why those other people are complaining about the parking. I think they should be grateful that Bergen does not charge for parking like most colleges..They are making such great improvements. With more and more people returning to college I don't think they can keep up..My only problem I have with Bergen is that there aren't many evening classes for the health care profession.. I waited all year to take Surgical Tech to commence because it only starts in the Fall only to drop the program because it's all daytime classes. What about for the people that work??? Forget about the nursing program.. you could wait for years before you get accepted because of that 4 hrs Hesi exam, you may never get in..They pick the top 90% first.. I'm not a dummy, but that Hesi exam is not easy.. read more

I wish I could give "zero" stars, I would for this college. Bergen Community College is overrated and should not have ranked No. 1 in NJ for Associate Degree. Passaic County Community College in Paterson should have ranked No 1 for a very warm and welcoming place for students to start their college education, a great professional staff to assist you with all your registration and financial needs and a wonderful place to continue your education. Regretfully, I have had a very similar experience like Emily B mention in her review, trying to register for Fall 2016 classes and didn't receive the proper guidance. I've tried to reach out to the administration and the Bursar office workers at Bergen Community College for assistance several times a day and they did not call me back. They're the worst ever and are the most disappointing college in NJ. The truth is, the people working in the office do not have the right experience or temperament for the job to deal with solving the problems of the students and others, so if you need help good luck. I should've read all the reviews beforehand, so my advice to anyone registering for classes at Bergen Community College, do your research and read the reviews before you waste your time and money. Bergen Community College I say "SHAME, SHAME" for showing a lack of support for students and their college career future!!! read more