2024 Niche Best Colleges

Brookdale Community College secures its position as the Best Community College in New Jersey, according to the 2024 Best Colleges Rankings released by Niche, the leading platform connecting students and families with colleges and schools. In all, dozens of colleges and universities in the Garden State, including many of Brookdale’s transfer partners, were ranked among the best places to get a degree. This year’s rankings incorporate cutting-edge methodologies, focusing on economic mobility and diminishing the significance of standardized test scores, encompassing updated data from 4,048 colleges nationwide.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Brookdale, earning the top grade in the state for two consecutive years from Niche is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Brookdale President David M. Stout, Ph.D. “We’ve not only maintained our exceptional standards but have also soared higher on the national stage, moving from the top 20 percent to the top 10 percent. This remarkable achievement reflects our dedication to providing outstanding education, fostering diversity, and ensuring student well-being.”

To rank the schools, Niche combines data from sources such as the U.S. Department of Education along with reviews and ratings from current students, alumni, and parents and a thorough analysis of factors including academics, athletics, and campus life, to name a few. With rich data, tools, and comprehensive profiles and reviews on every college in America, Niche aims to empower students and their families as they embark on the college search process.

The new economic mobility index considers the percentage of students receiving Pell Grants, the net tuition price for students from low-income households, and the median earning of those students six years after they get their first post-graduation jobs.

“With tuition fees rising and strong workforce opportunities for high school grads, students and their families want to know they’ll see a return on their investment before committing to a college education,” said Luke Skurman, Founder and CEO of Niche. “Our new Economic Mobility Index, along with transparent net tuition price data on all college profiles, helps students consider the real cost of attending, as well as their potential future earnings after graduation.”

Brookdale received an overall B+ Niche Grade, has 1,419 average 4-star reviews, A in Student Life, A- in Diversity, A+ in Safety, and A- in Location. Brookdale is also ranked #2 of the Best Community Colleges in the New York City Area and #82 of the 922 Best Community Colleges in America.