What is Berkeley College?
Berkeley College is a special for-profit institution where your dreams become career opportunities. With a focus on fields like business and health, students enjoy a faster path to success. An Associate’s degree might take just 16 months, while a Bachelor’s could be earned in three years. And for those who aim a bit higher, a combination of a Bachelor’s and an MBA is possible in only four years.
As a diverse community, this vocational school bridges connections with over 3,500 students, including 290 international students from 57 countries. By joining Berkeley, you will find not only a variety of courses designed for your goals but also friends and inspirations from across the globe.
Is Berkeley College (NY & NJ) Legit?
Yes, absolutely. Berkeley College’s legitimacy is affirmed by its Middle States Commission on Higher Education accreditation. This stamp of approval from a widely recognized accrediting agency attests to the quality and integrity of Berkeley’s educational programs.
In addition to the regional accreditation, Berkeley College’s specific courses and programs also receive accreditation from notable authorities, including
- The Secretary of Higher Education of the State of New Jersey
- York State Board of Regents
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- And More!
For anyone wanting proof or reassurance of the school’s accreditations, Berkeley College maintains an open policy whereby approval documents are available for review through the Provost’s Office.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
According to information available from Berkeley College’s website, the cost of tuition varies based on the type of program:
- The tuition for undergraduate degree programs is priced at $26,900 per academic year.
- For the MBA program, the tuition and fees for the academic year 2023/2024, assuming 12 credits (or six credits per semester), total to $13,200.
- Additionally, the tuition and fees for certificate programs for the academic year 2023/2024 can range anywhere from $17,900 to $37,000, depending on the specific program and course.
It’s important to note that tuition and fees can change, and exact costs may differ depending on various factors, including the specific program and enrollment status.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Human Resources
- International Business
- Marketing
Communications and Media
- Communications
Computer and Information Technology
- Computer Programming
- Computer Systems Technician
- Networking
- Web Development
Criminal Justice and Law
- Criminal Justice
- Paralegal
Graphics, Design, and Arts
- Digital Arts
- Film
- Graphic Design
- Interior Design
Healthcare Administration and Services
- Healthcare Management
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Public Health
Healthcare and Nursing
- Medical Assistant
- Nursing
- Surgical Technologist
Sports Management
- Fitness Trainer
Campus Locations
New York City Midtown Campus - Admissions Office 3 East 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017
New York City Midtown Campus 12 East 41st Street, New York, NY 10017
Brooklyn Campus 255 Duffield Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
White Plains Campus 99 Church Street, White Plains, NY 10601
Newark Campus 536 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Paramus Campus 64 East Midland Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07102
Woodland Park Campus 44 Rifle Camp Road, Woodland Park, NJ 07424
Woodbridge Campus 430 Rahway Avenue, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Financial Aid Services
The school’s website includes a helpful guide to applying for student aid. The Financial Aid Department offers merit and need-based scholarships through the FAFSA program. Students can apply for assistance on the U.S. Department of Education site or the myStudentAid mobile app.
Student Services
Berkeley College offers several resources to make it easy for students to achieve their goals. Advisors are hands-on and personally help students plan their coursework and career paths. The Center for Academic Success provides tutoring, feedback on research papers, and advice for improvement. In addition, the tech helpline is available for those taking online classes.
Career Services
During their first semester, students work with a team of specialists to plan their professional path. Career Services also assists with resume building and interview preparation. At its campuses, the school hosts regular career fairs with companies looking for new hires and interns.
Veteran and Military Services
Service members who attend Berkeley College can qualify for special scholarships and financial aid. Advisors with military experience often assist veterans with their application and enrollment. Several locations have Veteran Resource Centers for study space and exclusive networking events.
Alumni Services
Alumni continue to be part of the Berkeley community after graduation. Former students have access to a unique job board for graduates. The Alumni Career Services staff also offers help with resumes, job hunting, and interviewing. Finally, the school regularly sends an alumni e-newsletter full of helpful information.
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Berkeley College’s New York City Midtown Campus has a highly polarized reputation. While many reviewers praise the supportive staff and quality of instruction, a significant number of others express deep regret over the high cost, questionable financial aid practices, and lack of job prospects after graduation. The overall score of 3.7 reflects this sharp division in opinion.
Overall Score: 3.7/5 Stars
Common Praises
Supportive and Knowledgeable Staff: Positive reviews consistently mention the helpfulness of professors and staff. They are described as professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring about students’ success. Many students feel they have a personal relationship with instructors and are not just a number.
Flexible and Convenient Learning: The school is praised for its flexible scheduling and small class sizes, which facilitate a strong student-teacher connection. Its Midtown Manhattan location is also a major plus for many students, providing easy access and a vibrant city environment.
Valuable Education: Some graduates, even from years ago, express that the education they received was a life-changing experience. They believe the curriculum effectively prepared them for their careers and that the knowledge gained was worth the investment.
Common Criticisms
High Cost and Financial Aid Issues: This is the most prevalent and serious complaint. Multiple reviewers call the school a “scam” and a “rip off,” stating that they were loaded with debt and that the education was not worth the price. Students report being misled about tuition and loans, with many feeling like the school is “money hungry.”
Lack of Career Assistance: Many former students report being unable to find a job in their field after graduation despite being promised job placement assistance. They express frustration that they are stuck with significant debt and no career to show for it.
Questionable Business Practices: Several reviews mention feeling “trapped” by the admissions process and the financial aid department. Some students feel they were given false information to get them to enroll, and others recount issues with personal information being mishandled.
Inconsistent Quality: While some reviewers praise the professors, others state that the quality of instruction varies greatly, with some professors being unhelpful or focusing more on their personal lives than the curriculum. The school’s graduation rate for a four-year bachelor’s degree is 44%, while the six-year graduation rate is 35%, which is notably lower than the national average for four-year colleges.
Momentum
Based on reviews in Google, the momentum for Berkeley College is mixed. While there are a few recent positive reviews praising specific staff and the supportive environment, a significant portion of the negative feedback also comes from the past year, with students continuing to raise serious concerns about the cost and value of their education. This indicates that the long-standing criticisms of the school’s financial and administrative practices are ongoing issues that have not been resolved.