BC3’s ranking as the No. 1 community college in Pennsylvania by Niche.com for 2025 reaffirms its academic excellence and its affordability, said directors of the college’s locations in Mercer and Lawrence counties who will introduce prospective students to BC3’s advantages at upcoming open houses.
Niche.com, Pittsburgh, researched and analyzed U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Census Bureau information, and weighed student and alumni reviews in recognizing BC3 on Aug. 29 as its top selection.
The online company publishes its findings about academics, financial aid, safety, student life and value to assist high school students reviewing colleges or universities.
“I hope (prospective) students will take the No. 1 rankings to mean that we are student-centered and have their best interests at heart.”
Lauren Buchanan, director, BC3 @ LindenPointe
“When we say we offer affordable, accessible, quality education, that’s backed up (by Niche.com). It’s not just us saying that.”
Sean Carroll, director, BC3 @ Lawrence Crossing
The top honor is the 10th for BC3 since 2015. BC3 was also ranked No. 1 by Niche for 2023 and for 2022; by BestColleges.com for 2023, for 2022, for 2020 and for 2017; and by Schools.com in 2019, in 2017 and in 2015.
“I hope (prospective) students will take the No. 1 rankings to mean that we are student-centered and have their best interests at heart,” said Lauren Buchanan, director of BC3 @ LindenPointe in Hermitage. “They may explore ‘Well, why did you receive that?’ and ‘How is it going to benefit me?’”
Sean Carroll is director of BC3 @ Lawrence Crossing in New Castle.
“When we say we offer affordable, accessible, quality education, that’s backed up (by Niche.com),” Carroll said. “It’s not just us saying that. There are quantitative numbers to show that we are the best value and that we are obviously a great choice.”
BC3 @ LindenPointe’s open house is scheduled for Oct. 30 at 3182 Innovation Way, Hermitage; and BC3 @ Lawrence Crossing’s, for Nov. 6 at 2849 W. State St., New Castle.
The college will waive its $25 application fee at the open houses, which are set for 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Prospective students can RSVP at bc3.edu/open-house
Sixty-eight percent of BC3’s Class of 2024 graduated debt-free.
“I wasn’t ready for a big four-year university”
Naziah Grace, of Mercer, and Michael Intzes, of New Castle, expect to graduate debt-free after receiving scholarships this fall from the BC3 Education Foundation.
Grace, 22, is a Sharpsville High School graduate and social work student at BC3 @ LindenPointe who works 40 hours weekly. Grace was awarded the $775 Brandi L. Tabisz Memorial Scholarship and intends to become a licensed clinical social worker.
Intzes, 19, is a New Castle High graduate and general studies student at BC3 @ Lawrence Crossing who works 30 hours weekly. He was awarded the $500 Ricky J. and Diane M. DeCarbo Scholarship and may pursue a career in music.
“BC3 @ LindenPointe,” Grace said, “is affordable. There are a lot of resources there such as free tutoring. The classes are small and not intimidating. BC3 is a great stepping stone and gets you ready to go to a big university.”
Intzes said he also benefits from BC3’s 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
“I wasn’t ready for a big four-year university,” Intzes said. “I wanted something smaller at first. I love BC3 @ Lawrence Crossing. It’s smaller. It’s more affordable. It gives you good opportunities. And the people are super-nice.”