Bunker Hill Community College: Courses, Tuition Fees & Rankings 2026

Looking for an affordable way to start your higher education in Boston without sacrificing quality? Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) is one of the largest and most diverse community colleges in Massachusetts, known for low tuition, strong transfer pathways, and career-focused programs. Whether you want to enter the workforce quickly or move on to a four-year degree, BHCC gives you the support, resources, and opportunities to achieve your academic and professional goals.

About Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC)

Established in 1973, BHCC serves as many as 16,000 students each year across its Charlestown campus, Chelsea campus, and several satellite locations. The college is also committed to inclusion - students come from 100+ countries and speak 75+ languages. Almost 65% of BHCC's students self-identify as people of color, making BHCC one of the most culturally diverse colleges in New England.

Highlights:

• Average class size: 18-22
• Flexible schedules: day, evening, weekend, hybrid, and online
• Transfer agreements with 75+ universities, to UMass Boston, Northeastern, and Boston University
• Affordability and social mobility were recognized as a good start for first-generation students when completing a 2-year college.

BHCC Programs & Degrees

BHCC offers more than 100 academic programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment or seamless transfer to bachelor’s degree programs.

BHCC Undergraduate Programs

• Degrees offered: Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
• Popular tracks: Business Administration, Computer Science, Nursing, Liberal Arts, Criminal Justice, and Early Childhood Education
• Many programs include internships and cooperative education for real-world experience.

BHCC Certificate and Short-Term Programs

• Career-focused certificates (1–2 years) in IT, Culinary Arts, Healthcare, Early Education, and Hospitality.
• Designed for students looking to upskill quickly or enter the workforce directly.
• Flexible class timings accommodate working professionals and part-time learners.

Popular BHCC Courses

• Nursing and Allied Health - Demonstrated strong clinical partnerships and high-quality workforce outcomes signify tremendous demand for the program.
• Computer Science & IT - The components of networking, programming, and cybersecurity make this a highly valuable program.
• Business Administration - Popular transfer program.
• Criminal Justice - Great opportunity for careers in law enforcement or legal support and counsel.
• Visual & Media Arts - Creative practical courses and portfolio development.

BHCC Admissions 2025: How to Apply

BHCC has an open admissions policy, which means that if a student meets the required criteria, the student will likely qualify for admission. Some programs, such as Nursing and Allied Health, use a competitive admissions process to evaluate student requirements. Here is a step-by-step admissions process: 

1. Complete the free online application
2. Submit all academic transcripts (high school diploma or equivalent completion through GED)
3. Complete placement tests in Math and English (if required)
4. Meet with an academic advisor to finalize the student's program
5. The student should register for classes as early as possible to maximize the course selection, and the student will be eligible for financial aid

Acceptance Rate is open for most programs, other than more competitive health care programs, with the meeting of the entrance criteria.

Eligibility Criteria for BHCC

• High school diploma or GED, usually with a minimum GPA of 2.0; some programs, like Nursing, may have additional GPA and prerequisite requirements.
• English proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo) for international applicants
• Certain programs, especially in healthcare, may require prerequisite coursework or background checks

Scholarships & Financial Aid 2025

Nearly 60% of BHCC students receive some form of financial aid, which includes:

1. Federal Pell Grants and MASSGrant for Massachusetts residents

2. Merit awards to those students who have academic merit

3. Need-based grants for students based on their financial needs

4. Work-study jobs to work on campus

5. Average award range: $1,000 – $6,000 per year.

If you are looking for another exciting scholarship opportunity amberscholar provides up to $12,000 for students pursuing higher education in the U.S. or abroad, perfect for both international and domestic students attending Bunker Hill Community College. Tip: Apply early to have the greatest possibility of receiving maximum funding.

BHCC Tuition & Cost of Living in Boston

BHCC offers some of the lowest tuition rates in Massachusetts, making it a cost-effective choice for both domestic and international students.

Tuition Fees for In-State and Out-of-State Students

Housing, Internet, and Living Expenses

Since BHCC is a commuter school, students rent in nearby neighborhoods:

1. Shared apartments: $900 – $1,500/month
2. Private apartments: $1,800 – $2,500/month
3. Internet and utilities: $100 – $150/month

The estimated total annual cost of living in Boston is approximately $15,000 – $20,000.

Bunker Hill Community College Reviews

Students compliment BHCC for:

1.Low tuition rates compared to Boston's other four-year colleges

2. Personalized attention from supportive faculty and small classes

3. Multicultural and active student life with students from all over the world

4. Smooth transferability to Massachusetts' elite colleges like UMass Boston, Northeastern, and Boston University

5. Flexibility of online and evening courses for working students

International students particularly appreciate BHCC's open-campus environment and social mobility programs.

Career Opportunities and Placements

BHCC truly values hands-on experience and preparing students for the workforce. Did you know that over 80% of graduates from its career programs land jobs within just six months?

When it comes to the most sought-after career paths, fields like healthcare, IT, business, education, and public service are leading the way.

Its Career Development Center is there to help with job fairs, resume-building workshops, and great networking opportunities with local employers.

Thanks to its strong connections with Boston's top hospitals, innovative software start-ups, and major corporations, students get direct access to exciting job opportunities.

Notable Alumni of BHCC

BHCC has produced graduates who’ve achieved significant impact in politics, law, arts, and community development:

1. Ayanna Pressley (Class of 1994, Political Science) – U.S. Representative, Massachusetts 7th District
2. Stephen F. Lynch (Class of 1984, Law Enforcement) – U.S. Congressman representing Massachusetts’s 8th District
3. Maria Lopez (Class of 1981, Legal Studies) – First Latina judge in Massachusetts
4. Jeffrey Sánchez (Class of 1988, Public Health Administration) – Former Massachusetts House of Representatives member and public health advocate
5. Fadia Z. Naqvi (Class of 2003, Visual Arts) – Award-winning visual artist and community educator

Campus Life at BHCC

The campus community is about collaboration, cultural exchange, and finding new growth opportunities at Bunker Hill Community College.

• Over 50 student clubs/organizations, which include cultural organizations, academic organizations, and interest-based organizations.
• Access to fitness and recreation centers. 
• Countless workshops, cultural events, and guest lectures. 
• Immediate access to museums, rich history, and vibrant arts and culture in Boston.
• Hybrid and fully online classes that offer flexibility. 

With the diversity of BHCC, it is easy for international and domestic students to fit in.

Off-Campus Housing near Bunker Hill Community College

While there are on-campus student housing options available, students usually opt for off-campus student apartments as they offer flexibility, comfort, and modern amenities, all while being located close to their university, promoting hassle-free travel. With amber, you can book apartments at the best price with utmost ease. A few of the best apartments in Boston, Massachusetts, near the Bunker Hill Community College are mentioned below:

1. 315 Allston Street, Boston - Pet-friendly apartments in Allston with quick access to universities, cafés, and parks.

2. June Homes 02124, Boston - Furnished apartments in Dorchester with flexible leases and easy transit access.

3. Mission Main, Boston - Modern Mission Hill apartments with private balconies and essential amenities.

4. June Homes 02143, Boston - Stylish Somerville apartments close to universities and vibrant city spots.

5. The Tremont, Boston - Safe, furnished student housing near transit, dining, and Boston’s city life.

While choosing the right apartment, students usually get confused between the variety of different apartments available, and to prevent that, you should first select from the best neighborhoods in Boston and then filter your student housing accordingly.

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