Bergen Students Could Go To College For Free, Here's How

Bergen students could attend college for free thanks to Bergen Community College being awarded part of a $20 million grant from the state.

Bergen and 12 other institutions of higher learning will share the Community College Opportunity Grant. The money will be awarded to students with household incomes of less than $45,000.

“While I am extremely proud for Bergen Community College and its selection among the grantees, I am most excited for our students and the new opportunities that now await them,” said Board of Trustees Chair Carol Otis. “This program will open the door to a college education for many who may not otherwise thought it to be possible.”

The program invests $25 million in community colleges, seeking to ease the burden of paying for college on working class families. A “last dollar” initiative, the program will cover all remaining tuition and fees for students taking six or more credits after any other federal or state grants are applied to their tuition bills.

Bergen Community College has developed initiatives that target the often-hidden challenges students encounter in an attempt to keep as many students enrolled as possible. Among them, Bergen partnered with the Center for Food Action to open a pantry for students battling hunger and opened a “career closet” to provide clothing for students going on interviews for internships or jobs.

Bergen students who have already completed a financial aid application for the fall 2018 semester will automatically receive consideration for the program. Students who have not yet filed for financial aid for the 2018-19 academic year will have until Feb. 15, 2019 to apply.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photo: Gov. Phil Murphy, who announced the Community College Opportunity Grant recipients Sept. 27, spoke at Bergen’s commencement ceremony in May. (Bergen Community College)