Bristol Community College
Out-of-state tuition
$10,776
In-state $5,832
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
6,950
Student-faculty ratio 16:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
20.7%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 26.0%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Bristol Community College (BCC) is an esteemed institution located in Fall River, Massachusetts, with additional campuses in New Bedford and Taunton. Known for its commitment to accessible and affordable education, BCC offers a diverse range of programs that cater to the needs of its students. The college provides over 70 degree and certificate programs across various fields such as health sciences, business, liberal arts, and technology. This extensive curriculum allows students to gain practical skills and knowledge that enhance their career prospects. Moreover, BCC emphasizes the importance of a supportive learning environment, featuring small class sizes and dedicated faculty who are invested in the academic success of their students.
In addition to its robust academic offerings, Bristol Community College fosters a vibrant campus culture that encourages student engagement and personal growth. The college promotes a strong sense of community through various extracurricular activities, including student organizations, cultural events, and athletic programs. BCC's campus facilities are modern and well-equipped, providing students with access to state-of-the-art technology and resources. Notably, the college's commitment to student success is reflected in its comprehensive support services, which include academic advising, counseling, and career services. With a focus on preparing students for the workforce or further education, BCC has established a solid reputation for producing graduates who are ready to excel in their chosen careers.
Analysis of Tuition Trends and Student Retention
The data from Bristol Community College reveals significant trends in tuition fees and student retention rates over the years. From 2014 to 2024, in-state undergraduate tuition has increased from $4,178 to $5,412, representing a rise of approximately 29.5%. Similarly, out-of-state tuition has escalated from $9,122 to $10,356, marking an increase of around 13.5%. This consistent uptick in tuition fees can create financial strain on students and their families, particularly for those from lower-income backgrounds, potentially discouraging enrollment and increasing student debt.
Moreover, the student population has seen a noticeable decline from 9,022 in 2013 to 5,822 in 2023, reflecting a drop of about 35%. This downward trend could be attributed to the rising costs of education, alongside other factors such as increased competition from other institutions and possibly shifting demographics.
Retention rates have also fluctuated during this period, with a peak of around 61.5% in 2014, but a decline to approximately 58.5% by 2023. This suggests that while the college may have been able to attract students initially, the challenges posed by financial burdens and possibly inadequate support systems have led to higher dropout rates.
Finally, examining the gender ratio among undergraduate students indicates a persistent trend where female students consistently outnumber male students, peaking at 66.7% female representation in 2021. This demographic shift may influence campus culture and academic dynamics in the coming years.
Overall, the interplay of rising tuition fees, declining student numbers, and fluctuating retention rates raises concerns about the accessibility and sustainability of education at Bristol Community College, necessitating a closer examination of institutional policies and support systems to better serve future students.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a large city
- Nearest major city
- Providence, about 15 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD), about 15 mi
- Also known as
- Bristol
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Sedgwick Harris (President)
- Phone
- 7743572811
- City
- Fall River, Massachusetts
- Address
- 777 Elsbree St, Fall River, MA 02720-7395
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Trends at Bristol Community College
The graduation statistics from Bristol Community College for 2023 reveal significant insights into student enrollment and graduation across various fields of study. Notably, the data indicates a strong inclination towards practical and vocational programs, particularly in health and public service sectors. For instance, the Registered Nursing program saw 74 graduates, while programs like Veterinary/Animal Health Technology and Dental Hygiene also reported modest numbers, underscoring the demand for skilled professionals in the healthcare sector.
Interestingly, the absence of graduates in many bachelor's and master's programs suggests a potential gap in advanced academic pursuits at this institution. This trend could point to either limited offerings or a preference among students for associate degrees that lead to immediate employment opportunities. With economic uncertainties and evolving job markets, many students may be prioritizing quick access to the workforce over prolonged academic commitment.
Moreover, the data shows that international students are not currently represented among graduates, highlighting a possible area for growth. With global education becoming increasingly competitive, Bristol Community College may benefit from strategies to attract and retain international talent to enhance its diversity and academic richness.
As the job market continues to evolve, particularly in technology and environmental fields, Bristol Community College should consider expanding its curriculum to meet emerging demands. This includes enhancing offerings in areas like cybersecurity and environmental sciences, which have shown increasing relevance in today's economy. Overall, the graduation data presents a valuable opportunity for the college to reassess its academic strategies and better align with workforce needs.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $38,236 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other. | $38,236 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Hygiene/Hygienist. | $69,398 | |
| Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary. | - | |
| Occupational Therapist Assistant. | $42,423 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician. | - | |
| Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist. | - | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $84,017 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | $49,956 | |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $39,891 | |
| Accounting. | - | |
| Executive Assistant/Executive Secretary. | $38,697 | |
| Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies. | - | |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | - | |
| Hospitality Administration/Management, Other. | - | |
| Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | $42,177 | |
| Fire Science/Fire-fighting. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Programming/Programmer, General. | - | |
| Computer Game Programming. | - | |
| Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Computer Science. | - | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | $33,710 | |
| Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching. | $33,710 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $42,009 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design. | - | |
| Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other. | - | |
| Fine/Studio Arts, General. | $27,381 | |
| Intermedia/Multimedia. | $27,381 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | - | |
| Engineering Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture. | - | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Culinary Arts and Related Services, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Deaf Studies. | - |
Students
6,950 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 33:67 · Freshman retention 54.4%
- Continuing undergraduates 3,941
- First-year undergraduates 711
- Transfers and others 2,298
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (6,950)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Bristol Community College in 2023
In 2023, Bristol Community College displays a diverse student body with a notable gender distribution across various categories. The data indicates a significant enrollment of undergraduate newcomers, with 1242 students, where females represent 59.5% and males 40.5%. This trend continues among returning undergraduates, where females constitute an even larger proportion at 70.1%, suggesting a potentially increasing appeal of higher education among women.
The demographics also reveal a smaller cohort of transfer students, numbering 336, with a gender ratio favoring females at 63.7%. This could reflect broader societal trends where women are increasingly pursuing educational advancement. Moreover, the total number of non-degree seeking students stands at 902, with a gender split of 62.2% females and 37.8% males.
Examining the racial composition, the majority of undergraduate newcomers are white, who account for approximately 52.7% of this group. The representation of other racial and ethnic groups, including Asian, Latinx, and Black students, indicates a commitment to inclusivity, though the specific percentages for each subgroup were not provided.
Overall, the data underscores the college's ongoing efforts to create an inclusive educational environment while highlighting the significant female representation in higher education at Bristol Community College. These trends could influence future enrollment strategies and the development of support services aimed at fostering diversity and equity within the student population.
Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Bristol Community College
The age distribution of students at Bristol Community College reveals several interesting trends that reflect broader societal patterns in higher education. The majority of students fall within the 18-21 age range, with 576 male undergraduates and 763 female undergraduates aged 18-19, and 377 male undergraduates and 623 female undergraduates aged 20-21. This indicates a strong presence of traditional college-age students, which is a common trend in community colleges as they often serve as a stepping stone for younger students transitioning from high school to higher education.
As we analyze the data further, the number of students in the older age brackets decreases significantly. For instance, only 200 male undergraduates and 526 female undergraduates are in the 25-29 age group, and even fewer in the 30-34 age group, with 127 male undergraduates and 423 female undergraduates. This drop-off is indicative of the challenges faced by non-traditional students, who may juggle work and family commitments alongside their educational aspirations.
Interestingly, the data shows that there are no graduate male students, which raises questions about the representation of men in graduate programs at the college. This could suggest a need for targeted recruitment or support strategies to encourage male students to pursue advanced studies.
Overall, the demographics highlight a predominance of younger students, while also pointing to the potential barriers faced by older and graduate-level students. Addressing these disparities could enhance the educational environment and support a more diverse student body.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
0 in 2025 · 0.1% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Bristol Community College
The data on international students at Bristol Community College reveals a concerning trend over the years. From 2004 to 2021, there has been a significant decline in the number of international undergraduate students. In 2004, the college had 51 international undergraduate students, accounting for 0.77% of the total undergraduate population. However, by 2021, this number had plummeted to just 1 student, representing a mere 0.02% of the undergraduate cohort.
This gradual decrease is alarming, particularly in a global context where many institutions are actively seeking to attract international talent. Various factors could contribute to this decline, including stricter visa regulations, rising tuition costs, and the overall perception of the United States as a study destination amidst geopolitical uncertainties.
Moreover, the absence of data on graduate students further complicates the understanding of the overall international student landscape at the college. The lack of representation in higher education levels could indicate a broader trend affecting the institution's appeal to non-domestic students.
Given the increasing competition among colleges for international enrollment, Bristol Community College may need to reassess its strategies to attract and retain international students. Initiatives such as enhancing support services, establishing partnerships with foreign institutions, and promoting cultural diversity could potentially reverse this downward trend and enrich the academic environment for all students.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$20,323
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $10,776
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $5,832
- Room and board
- $9,547
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 17% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 139%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$91.7M
Expenses$82.3M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
| NJCAA Division III | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 22 | 15 |
| Basketball | 15 | 12 |
| Volleyball | - | 12 |
| Cross Country | 3 | 1 |
| NJCAA Division III | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 17 | 14 |
| Basketball | 20 | 10 |
| Volleyball | - | 12 |
| Cross Country | 4 | 4 |
| NJCAA Division III | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 20 | 15 |
| Basketball | 17 | 10 |
| Volleyball | - | 10 |
| Cross Country | 4 | 4 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Brown UniversityProvidence · 16.3 mi
U.S. News #16
-
Wellesley CollegeWellesley · 40.5 mi
Liberal Arts #10
-
Boston CollegeChestnut Hill · 42.5 mi
U.S. News #31
-
Northeastern UniversityBoston · 42.7 mi
U.S. News #42
-
Boston UniversityBoston · 43.5 mi
U.S. News #34
-
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge · 44.1 mi
U.S. News #1
-
Harvard UniversityCambridge · 45.1 mi
U.S. News #3
-
Tufts UniversityMedford · 47.4 mi
U.S. News #31
-
College of the Holy CrossWorcester · 50.2 mi
Liberal Arts #22
Data insights
Here are some notable schools surrounding Bristol Community College:
-
Brown University - Ranked 9th in the 2024 US News rankings, Brown University is an Ivy League research university located in Providence, Rhode Island. Known for its flexible curriculum and diverse academic programs, it offers a unique educational experience.
-
Wellesley College - This prestigious women's liberal arts college is ranked 4th in the nation. Wellesley College is located in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and is renowned for its empowering environment and strong alumni network.
-
Boston College - With a ranking of 39, Boston College is a private research university located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. It is known for its academic rigor and strong commitment to community service and the Jesuit tradition.
-
Harvard University - As one of the most prestigious universities in the world, Harvard is ranked 3rd in the US News 2024 rankings. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it offers a diverse range of programs and is known for its significant contributions to research and scholarship.
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology - MIT is ranked 2nd in the nation, focusing on science, engineering, and technology. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it is known for its innovative research and cutting-edge education.
These institutions represent a variety of academic strengths and opportunities for students in the region.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Bristol Community College
The crime data from Bristol Community College reveals a fluctuating pattern of incidents over the years, with notable spikes and declines. From 2013 to 2014, there were no recorded incidents, which indicates a relatively safe environment during those years. However, a shift occurred in 2015, where the crime rate rose to 0.59 per 1,000 students, primarily driven by drug-related arrests and alcohol offenses, reflecting a potential increase in substance-related issues among the student population.
The peak year was 2018, with a significant rise in crime rate to 1.07 per 1,000 students, indicating a heightened concern for safety on campus. This spike could have been influenced by various factors, such as the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020, which may have contributed to increased substance use among students. Interestingly, the subsequent years from 2019 to 2023 show a return to a zero crime rate, suggesting either effective crime prevention strategies or a decline in reporting incidents.
While the data indicates a downward trend in crime incidents in recent years, the brief spikes highlight the necessity for continuous vigilance and improvement in campus safety measures. Educational institutions must prioritize student well-being and provide resources to address issues related to substance abuse, ensuring a supportive environment conducive to learning. For a deeper understanding of crime rates and their implications, you can refer to the calculation method here: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.