Four Years on Top: Brookdale Named Best Community College in New Jersey for 2026

LINCROFT, N.J., Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Brookdale Community College has once again been recognized as the #1 Community College in New Jersey by Niche, earning the top spot in the state for the fourth consecutive year in the 2026 Best Colleges rankings. The annual rankings, released by Niche, the nation's leading platform connecting students and families with schools and colleges, evaluate more than 4,000 institutions across the United States, helping students identify colleges that best align with their goals, values, and preferences.

"Being recognized as the best community college in New Jersey for four years in a row is a testament to the exceptional work of our faculty, staff, and students," said David M. Stout, Ph.D., president of Brookdale Community College. "Brookdale's commitment to academic excellence, student success, affordability, and community impact remains at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to offer an environment where all students can thrive, achieve their goals, and launch meaningful futures."

Niche's 2026 rankings are based on a rigorous analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Education, National Science Foundation, and over one million reviews from real students and alumni. Colleges are evaluated on various factors, including academics, faculty quality, diversity, campus life, value, safety, athletics, and post-graduation outcomes.

Brookdale excelled across the board, receiving particularly high marks for its supportive faculty, affordability, academic resources, and commitment to student success:

• 81% of students agree that professors put significant effort into teaching their classes.
• 76% say it's easy to get the classes they need.
• 92% feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.
• A 17:1 student-faculty ratio ensures individualized support and mentorship.
• Median earnings five years after graduation reach $50,836, well above the national average.

Students consistently praise Brookdale for its high-quality instruction, welcoming campus, and comprehensive support services. "Brookdale has been a great place for me to start my college career," shared one student. "It's affordable, has incredible professors, and provides countless resources to help students succeed. Whether you're coming straight from high school or returning to school later in life, Brookdale will support you every step of the way."

Brookdale offers more than 60 degree and certificate programs, flexible course formats (in-person, hybrid, and online), and seamless transfer pathways with four-year universities, including on-site bachelor's degree programs with Rutgers University, Georgian Court University, and Kean University. Students also benefit from strong workforce partnerships, career services, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare them for in-demand careers.

Brookdale's academic programs are widely recognized for their quality, relevance, and impact, preparing graduates to succeed in a rapidly changing workforce. From high-demand fields like nursing, business, engineering, and information technology to criminal justice, liberal arts, and the social sciences, Brookdale offers rigorous curricula, hands-on learning experiences, and dedicated faculty that equip students with the skills and confidence to excel in their chosen careers. Additionally, the college's extensive transfer partnerships facilitate seamless transitions for students, allowing them to continue their education at four-year institutions with significant cost savings and streamlined pathways toward a bachelor's degree.

Niche's rankings combine trusted data with authentic student reviews to provide a comprehensive view of the college experience. The 2026 methodology includes updated metrics to ensure equitable evaluations, such as adjustments to safety factors and expanded validation for user-generated content. The result is a holistic ranking system that reflects both the data and the lived experiences of students nationwide.

"Our rankings are designed to reflect not just numbers, but the real voices of students across the country," said Luke Skurman, founder and CEO of Niche. "This blend of data and firsthand experience is what makes Niche unique and what helps families make confident, informed decisions about college."

About Brookdale Community College

Brookdale Community College empowers students from all backgrounds to achieve academic success and career readiness through affordable, high-quality education and a supportive, inclusive environment. Serving more than 20,000 students annually across degree, certificate, workforce, and continuing education programs, Brookdale is a recognized leader in innovation, workforce development, and community partnership. To learn more, visit www.brookdalecc.edu.

About Niche

Niche is modernizing the way students and families choose their best-fit schools and colleges. The company's mission is to make that process easy, transparent, and free of charge. More than 70 million people each year rely on Niche's comprehensive school profiles, student and alumni reviews, data-driven rankings, and intuitive search tools to make informed decisions about education. Niche is also transforming the college admissions landscape with its nationally recognized Direct Admissions program, which allows colleges to accept students based on their Niche Profile, offering real-time acceptance decisions and scholarship opportunities.

SOURCE Brookdale Community College