Butler County Community College vs Atlantic Cape Community College

Butler County Community College and Atlantic Cape Community College, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer diverse educational opportunities to students seeking a solid foundation for their academic and professional pursuits. While they share the common goal of empowering learners, these colleges exhibit distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and aspirations. Butler County Community College boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a broader range of students, while Atlantic Cape Community College maintains a more selective admissions process. In terms of student demographics, Butler County Community College hosts a larger and more diverse student body, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity. As for academic offerings, both colleges provide a comprehensive selection of programs, with Butler County Community College excelling in the fields of Business, Health Professions, and Engineering, and Atlantic Cape Community College shining in the areas of Liberal Arts, Education, and Hospitality Management. To help you make an informed decision about your educational journey, we have compiled a detailed comparison table that delves into these aspects and more, enabling you to contrast the two colleges side
Atlantic Cape Community College logo

Atlantic Cape Community College

Butler County Community College logo

Butler County Community College

Overview

Location Mays Landing, New Jersey Butler, Pennsylvania
Campus setting Rural: Fringe Town: Fringe
College type 2 year 2 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate Undergraduate
Students retention rate 63.0% 61.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate Open Admission Open Admission
Application fees $25
SAT range N/A N/A
ACT range N/A N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT) Not required
High school GPA N/A N/A
Recommendation letters N/A N/A
High school transcript N/A N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) N/A N/A

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $33,040

Out of state: $34,540
In state: $15,350

Out of state: $18,350
Average net price $10,285 $5,572
Tuition
In state: $5,883

Out of state: $7,383
In state: $6,890

Out of state: $9,890
Room & board
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

92.0%
Average amount $5,361
82.0%
Average amount $3,638
Students receiving federal student loan 9.0%
Average amount $4,660
32.0%
Average amount $4,270
Students taking out private loans 0.0%
Average amount $2,518
3.0%
Average amount $4,249

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 4,373
Men 35.7% Women 64.3%
2,529
Men 38.4% Women 61.6%
Graduate students N/A N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Very Low
Out-of-state students 0.6% 0.7%
International students 0.4% 0.2%
Campus local/setting Rural: Fringe Town: Fringe
Dormitory capacity N/A N/A
First year students are required to live on campus? N/A N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from New Jersey Pennsylvania South Carolina New York Pennsylvania Florida New Jersey Ohio

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Liberal Arts
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Liberal Arts
  • Psychology
  • Education
Students to faculty ratio 18:1 13:1
Institutional accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 21.2% 24.6%
Dropout rate 51.4% 30.5%
Transferred out 12.8% 28.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $34,003
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $30,214
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $20,812
  • Year 2: $19,455
  • Year 3: $24,443
Culinary Arts and Related Services (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $26,352
  • Year 2: $28,236
  • Year 3: N/A
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,015
  • Year 2: $22,578
  • Year 3: N/A
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,746
  • Year 2: $58,673
  • Year 3: N/A
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
  • Year 1: $52,886
  • Year 2: $56,641
  • Year 3: $58,225
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $34,704
  • Year 3: $35,743
Business/Commerce, General (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $28,598
  • Year 3: $35,194
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
  • Year 1: $27,356
  • Year 2: $27,874
  • Year 3: $27,606
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
  • Year 1: $34,780
  • Year 2: $26,933
  • Year 3: $26,196
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
  • Year 1: $29,455
  • Year 2: $18,309
  • Year 3: $24,049
Computer Software and Media Applications (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $17,282
  • Year 3: N/A
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,320
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary differences in location between Butler County Community College (BC3) and Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC)?

    BC3 is located in Butler County, Pennsylvania, serving students primarily in Western Pennsylvania. ACCC is situated in Southern New Jersey, with campuses in Atlantic and Cape May counties, serving students in that region. Consider which location best suits your geographic preferences and accessibility needs.

  • How do the tuition and fees compare at BC3 and ACCC?

    Tuition and fees can vary between the two colleges. While both are community colleges and generally more affordable than four-year universities, it's essential to check the most current tuition rates on each college's official website. These rates can fluctuate, so direct comparison at the time of your application is recommended.

  • What academic programs are offered at BC3 and ACCC?

    Both colleges offer a wide range of associate degrees and certificate programs. BC3 provides programs in areas like business, healthcare, and technology, while ACCC offers programs in similar fields, including hospitality and culinary arts, reflecting the local industry needs of Southern New Jersey. Review the program catalogs of each college to see which aligns with your academic and career goals.

  • What are the student support services like at BC3 and ACCC?

    Both BC3 and ACCC provide essential student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career services, and disability services. The specific resources and their availability may vary. It's a good idea to explore the websites of both colleges to understand the scope and nature of their support services to determine which college offers the best fit for your needs.

  • How do the transfer opportunities differ between BC3 and ACCC?

    Both colleges have established transfer agreements with four-year universities. BC3 typically has strong transfer partnerships with Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) schools and other regional universities. ACCC has transfer agreements with universities in New Jersey and surrounding states. Research the specific transfer agreements each college has with the four-year institutions you are interested in attending after completing your associate degree.

  • What is the campus environment like at BC3 and ACCC?

    The campus environment can vary. BC3 has multiple locations, including a main campus, and offers a traditional college experience. ACCC also has multiple campuses, and the environment may be influenced by its location in a more coastal and tourist-oriented region. Consider the campus culture, size, and available facilities when making your decision.

  • Are there any specific programs or specializations that one college excels in compared to the other?

    While both colleges offer a broad range of programs, some may have particular strengths. For example, ACCC might have a stronger focus on hospitality and tourism due to its location. BC3 may have a stronger emphasis on programs that align with the industries prevalent in Western Pennsylvania. Research the specific programs you are interested in and see which college offers a more robust or specialized curriculum in that area.

  • How do the extracurricular activities and student life compare at BC3 and ACCC?

    Both colleges offer extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations to enhance the student experience. The specific offerings will vary. BC3 might have activities that reflect the interests of students in Western Pennsylvania, while ACCC's activities may be influenced by its coastal location. Check the student life sections of each college's website to see which offers the activities and social environment that best suits your interests.

  • What is the application process like for BC3 and ACCC?

    The application process for both colleges is generally straightforward. You will typically need to complete an application form, submit transcripts, and potentially take placement tests. Check the admissions websites of both colleges for specific requirements, deadlines, and any application fees. The process is designed to be accessible to all prospective students.

  • How can I get more information about BC3 and ACCC?

    The best way to get more information is to visit the official websites of both colleges. You can also contact their admissions offices directly. Consider scheduling a campus visit or attending an information session to get a firsthand look at the campus and learn more about the programs and services offered.