Brookdale Community College: An Overview

Brookdale Community College stands as the county college of Monmouth County, New Jersey, serving a diverse population of approximately 648,000 residents. Established in 1967, Brookdale has grown into a comprehensive institution offering a wide array of academic and non-credit programs to meet the educational and professional development needs of the community.

Academic Programs and Offerings

Brookdale provides a variety of degree programs, including Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Fine Arts (AFA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees. These degrees are offered across 68 academic programs, complete with options, 4 Academic Credit Certificates, and 11 Academic Credit Certificates of Achievement.

In addition to its degree programs, Brookdale's Office of Continuing & Professional Studies offers non-degree and non-credit courses. These courses are often tailored to meet the specific training needs of local businesses, contributing to workforce development in the region.

Brookdale also offers fully online degree programs in various disciplines, including:

Business Administration
English
History
Liberal Arts
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Social Sciences

Locations and Accessibility

Most credit and non-credit programs are available at the centrally-located main campus in Lincroft. Brookdale also operates regional locations in Freehold, Wall Township, Neptune, and Long Branch, increasing accessibility for students across Monmouth County. Classes and training can be arranged at workplaces or local high schools.

Enrollment Statistics

Brookdale Community College serves over 20,000 students per year at its five locations throughout Monmouth County. Enrollment data from recent years provides a snapshot of the student body:

9,262 enrollments: (duplicated headcount), reflecting 4,726 individuals
Vocational/Career-Oriented Courses: Approximately 41.4% (3,839) of enrollments
Avocational/Leisure Courses: Approximately 58.6% (5,423) of enrollments

In fall 2020, there were 10,400 credit-seeking students, and in Fall 2019, nearly 11,000 registrants were enrolled in Brookdale non-credit courses. Approximately 12% of students were dual-enrolled high school students in fall 2020.

Open Admission Policy and Dual Enrollment

Brookdale Community College operates as an open-admission college, admitting anyone 18 years of age or older, or any individual who is a high school graduate or holds an equivalency diploma. The college extends its reach to qualified high school students through its Dual Enrollment Program, enabling them to earn college credit while still in high school.

History and Development

In 1967, the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders established Brookdale Community College to serve the residents of Monmouth County. Thompson Jr. became the first president in 1968. Peter F. Burnham served as College President until July 24, 2012.

Lincroft Campus and Facilities

The main campus in Lincroft, Middletown, consists of 22 buildings. Notable facilities include:

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The Center for the Visual Arts
The Center for World War II Studies
The Donald D. Warner Student Life Center
The Bankier Library
The Conference & Events Center
Larrison Hall

High Technology High School, a magnet school for Monmouth County students, is located near the Lincroft Campus. The campus is also home to the Brookdale Performing Arts Center and Brookdale Public Radio (WBJB-FM).

Athletics and Student Life

The Department of Athletics, Recreation, and Intramurals offers a diverse range of programs. Brookdale's intercollegiate program is nationally recognized. The Jersey Blues teams compete in the Garden State Athletic Conference and in Region XIX of the National Junior College Athletic Association.

There are approximately 60 recognized student organizations at Brookdale Community College, fostering a vibrant campus community.

Center for World War II Studies and Conflict Resolution

The Center for World War II Studies and Conflict Resolution promotes the study of the historical, political, social, economic, cultural, and military aspects of World War II up through the Korean War.

Notable Alumni and Faculty

Brookdale Community College has been associated with several notable individuals:

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Kevin Smith: Film director, screenwriter, and actor, known for Clerks. Brookdale's Criminal Justice program was mentioned in Clerks 2.
James Urbaniak: Actor of film, stage, and voice.
Monica Aksamit: Olympic Athlete, fencing. This Matawan Regional High School grad has taught fencing at Brookdale Community College and currently teaches fencing at St. John Vianney.
Jeffrey Ford: Author.
Laura McCullough: Poet and professor.
Rabbi Sally J. Priesand
William John Watkins
Lou Brutus
Dean Ehehalt: Monmouth Hawks baseball.
Bill Hill
John Montefusco: Baseball player.
David P. Rible: Assemblyman.
Alex Skuby: Actor.
Denny Walling: Baseball player.
Brian Williams
Jack Yonezuka: Olympian, Judo.

Rankings and Recognition

Brookdale Community College has been ranked as the #1 community college in New Jersey for 2025 by Niche, a platform for connecting students and families with schools and colleges. The ranking is based on analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education and over 1,700 reviews from students and alumni.

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

Brookdale is dedicated to equal opportunity for all and does not discriminate against anyone on any basis, in education or employment practices.

Governance and Policies

An appointed Board of Trustees sets policies, fixes tuition and fees, and continually monitors education programs.

Financial Aid

Most Brookdale students are eligible for various forms of Financial Aid administered through the College.

Campus Events and Activities

All students are encouraged to participate in the many campus events, clubs, guest lectures, and athletic programs offered through the office of Student Life & Activities.

Campus Expansion

In the 50 years since Brookdale opened its doors, both the College and the County have grown tremendously. In the last decade, many new buildings have been constructed. The 220-acre main campus today comprises 22 buildings totaling 731,353 square feet.

Tuition and Fees

The school utilizes a semester-based academic year. The student-faculty ratio is 22-to-1. The highest degree offered at Brookdale Community College is an associate degree. The school has an open admissions policy and offers credit for life experiences. The in-district tuition and fees for 2020-2021 were $5,599, in-state tuition and fees were $8,804, and out-of-state tuition and fees were $9,554. The application fee is $25.

Student Demographics

Total Entering Students: 3,348 (Fall 2023)
Full-time enrollment: 4,783 (Fall 2022)
Part-time enrollment: 5,655 (Fall 2022)
Age Distribution:
- Under 18: 15%
- 18-24: 64%
- 25-64: 20%
- Over 65: 0%

Campus Services

Brookdale Community College offers a range of services to support students, including:

Employment services
Credit for life experiences
Academic/career counseling
Placement services

Financial Aid and Scholarships

At Brookdale Community College, 33 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, and the average scholarship or grant award is $4,787.

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