Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Founded in 1973 by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) is a two-year community college located in Boston, Massachusetts and is the largest community college in the state. The college has two campuses and four satellite locations and offers more than 100 associate’s degree and certificate programs that prepare students for their future careers and/or transferring to four-year colleges and universities.

The College also offers numerous English as a Second Language (ESL) and Adult Basic Education classes. Students can choose from flexible scheduling options that include day, evening, midnight, weekend, web-based and distance learning courses and programs. Popular areas of study include Business, Early Childhood Development, Culinary Arts, Education, Engineering, Electric Power Utility, Computer Science, Communication, Allied Health Professions, Visual & Media Arts, and Hospitality & Travel Management.

Information Summary

Ranks 89th in Massachusetts and 3304th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	46.3
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$6,564
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	28 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	61% / 48%
Enrollment Total (all students)	12,522

Academics

The college offers associate in arts degrees, associate in science degrees, and a wide variety of certificate programs for those who want to learn a new skill for their job, switch careers, or join the workforce right away and need some training. All students are required to complete general education classes, career and/or liberal arts electives, and finally their program requirements.

The Associate in Arts is designed for students who will eventually transfer over to a four-year college or university. Most of the jobs related to this degree will need a bachelor’s degree, and starting with the associate’s at a community college will save tuition money in the long run. Some programs offered are Business, Computer Science, Music, and Psychology.

Students interested in the Associate in Science are preparing for work right after graduation. However, these credits are also transferable, but be sure to check with the institution you are transferring to. Programs offered for this degree include Business Administration, Computer Technology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, and many others.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Gallery

Unique Programs

This is the only college in the country that offers the Midnight Classes program. Free coffee is available to the students in class this late, which meet once a week for 2 hours and 45 minutes. Popularity has soared with this program, so be sure to check the catalog and see which classes have been added.

Admissions

There is an open admissions policy allowing anyone with a high school diploma or GED to enroll. Students who wish to apply must first complete an (online or paper) application form. Each applicant must also submit an official high school transcript, a high school diploma, or a GED score report, an official SAT or ACT score report (optional), and an official college transcript or an AP transcript (where applicable). The university utilizes a rolling decision plan, but there is a priority deadline for submitting an application under the Early Action plan, so prospective students should contact the school for specific dates. A nonrefundable application fee is also required.

Students must also take Computerized Placement Tests in reading, mathematics, and English. The placement tests are offered on a walk-in basis on the Charlestown campus and the Chelsea campus. Qualifications for exemption are listed on the college’s website. After being accepted to the college, students will be invited to attend a START SMART session, where they will meet with advisers and choose and register for classes.

Adult students, non-degree seeking students, transfer students, home-schooled students, and international students, as well as applicants to the Health or EPUT programs, may need to use different procedures, so they should refer to the university’s website or contact the Office of Admission for more information about the admissions process and application requirements.

Financial Aid

The college’s in-state tuition rate is the lowest of any college in Massachusetts and the college offers a wide variety of financial aid programs. A significant number of students receive some form of state, federal, private or institutional financial assistance. Forms of aid that are available for students include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. The college also offers a limited number of scholarships and grants for students. Some are based on merit; others require applicants to demonstrate evidence of financial need. All students who wish to be considered for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA should be submitted as soon as possible after January 1st each year. The priority deadline for submission of financial aid applications is in April. If selected for verification, students will also need to complete a Federal Verification Worksheet and/or submit additional documents. Students who wish to be considered for in-state tuition rates must also submit an Application for Massachusetts In-State Tuition Rates form with appropriate documentation.

Students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office for more information and assistance with completing the financial aid application process. Students should also note that financial aid applications must be renewed each year.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 5424th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Massachusetts.

Students

Bunker Hill Community College is one of the most diverse colleges in New England, with students from 96 countries. The average age of students is 27 and 56% of the students are women. The majority of the college’s students work while attending college. At the college, there are more than 20 clubs, organizations, and activities that include academic, professional, political, social, talent, athletic, student government, media, religious, service, multicultural, special interest, and honor groups.

Popular clubs include the African-American Cultural Society, the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, the Entrepreneur Club, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Student Union, the Multicultural Club, S.H.O.C.W.A.V.E.S. (Students Helping Our Communities with Active Volunteer Experiences and Service), and the Otaku and Gamer Alliance. Students can check the college’s website for a complete list of clubs and events. The Office of Student Activities and Athletics oversees and provides administrative support for all of the college’s teams, programs, clubs, events, and organizations.

While on-campus housing is not available, the International Center maintains resource information about housing in the Boston area. The college also has a number of student support services that include academic advising, career counseling, physical and mental health referrals, and support for students with disabilities.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

Known as the Bulldogs, the 6 athletic teams compete in sports that include men’s and women’s soccer, basketball, and baseball/softball. There are also intramural athletic programs that include basketball, 3 on 3 basketball, tennis, table tennis, chess/checkers, and co-ed golf. The college participates in the Massachusetts Community College Athletic Conference and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region XXI.

Alumni

Belkys Angeles, award winning community leader
Dana Rosenblatt, boxer
Gloribell Mota, community organizer

Accreditation

BHCC is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

Bunker Hill Community College