
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, the proposed $20 million decrease in funding to New Jersey’s community colleges had the potential to create significant challenges for institutions like Bergen Community College. Such a cut would have resulted in a $1.8 million loss for Bergen Community College alone, leading to inevitable tuition increases. Community colleges are often the most affordable avenue for students seeking quality education, and as leaders, it is our duty to support their educational journey and alleviate any obstacles they face.
Relief for New Jersey Community Colleges
The threat of a $20 million state budget cut has been averted, bringing a sigh of relief to community colleges across New Jersey. For Bergen Community College, this restoration of funds prevents the anticipated $1.8 million shortfall that would have forced a tuition hike, according to college President Eric M. Friedman.
Bergen Community College, the state’s largest community college, serves over 20,000 credit and non-credit students annually in diverse programs including cybersecurity, nursing, and advanced manufacturing. Currently, tuition and fees are about $7,500 a year, Friedman noted.
Supporting Students’ Path to Success
At a time when students are under immense pressure to achieve their educational goals, avoiding additional financial burdens is critical. President Friedman emphasized the importance of leadership in easing these pressures.
“Bergen Community College students encounter innumerable pressures as they seek to earn a college degree that enhances their social and economic mobility,” Friedman said. “It is on us as leaders to ease burdens that may disrupt students’ progress to earning a degree.”
Advocacy and Support
Friedman, alongside Bergen County Executive James Tedesco, has been vocal in supporting community colleges. In March, both leaders testified during the state Senate’s public budget hearing at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, advocating for the needs of community college students.
“I am grateful for our Bergen County government partners who consistently advocate on our students’ behalf, including Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III, whose passionate testimony before the State Senate budget committee gave voice to the thousands of New Jersey community college students who can least afford additional barriers to their education,” Friedman said.
Looking Forward
The restored funding, reflected in the 2025 fiscal year budget, now allocates over $290 million in aid to community colleges. Without this restoration, funding levels would have reverted to those seen in 2002, which Tedesco described as a disservice to students striving for education and workforce readiness.
“I commend the Legislature and the Governor’s Office for working together to come to this agreement and restore this crucial funding,” Tedesco said. “Community colleges offer our students an affordable pathway to undergraduate degrees. With this sustained level of funding, Bergen Community College will be able to continue its mission as the state’s top-ranked community college, allowing us to better serve Bergen County’s residents and expand access to higher and continuing education.”
This funding victory ensures that community colleges like Bergen can continue to provide essential educational opportunities, fostering social and economic mobility for countless students across New Jersey.
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