A Story of Growth and Diversity

Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) was born from a 1994 Desegregation Settlement Agreement between Louisiana and the U.S. Department of Justice in an effort to eliminate remnants of a dual-race system in the state’s post-secondary educational structure. The college officially opened its doors on August 20, 1998, expecting an estimated enrollment of 700 students. Instead, faculty and staff were shocked to find almost triple that number – 1,866 enrollees – waiting.

Since its inception, BRCC has experienced incredible growth. By 1999, the college was "bursting at the seams" as described by the Baton Rouge Advocate. BRCC was on a mission to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student population, including traditional, non-traditional, special-needs, first-generation, and continuing-education students from the eight-parish area it served. The college's success enabled it to secure alternative financing, allowing for the rapid construction of additional facilities to accommodate the growing demand.

 BRCC Fast Facts
2023-2028 Strategic Plan 

Strong Academic Foundation

BRCC established a strong academic foundation by offering degree programs in Liberal Arts, General Studies, and Science, including two Applied Sciences programs. To better serve students' career needs, the college introduced various concentrations. This robust academic curriculum helped BRCC achieve full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in 2004. In 2007, BRCC added an associate-degree nursing program and continued to expand its offerings in fields such as Allied Health, construction management, and biotechnology.

Embracing Innovation

BRCC's flexibility and willingness to adapt have allowed it to explore unique opportunities in fields like film and animation, video-game design, studio arts, and entertainment technology. The college continually adopts cutting-edge equipment and processes to enhance teaching practices and improve learning outcomes.

Looking to the Future

By fall 2012, BRCC's enrollment exceeded 8,200 students. The college is planning for the future with new building projects to accommodate an ever-growing student body. Originally serving the local eight-parish area, BRCC has evolved into a major educational center with students from across the state, nation, and even internationally. BRCC's mission is clear: to be the preferred provider of talent for a global marketplace. This mission guides the college as it continues to expand and evolve to meet the educational and workforce needs of the 21st century.

Commitment to Inclusivity

BRCC offers educational opportunities without regard to race, color, age, national origin, religion, gender, or disability. The Director of Counseling & Accessibility Services is the college’s 504/ADA Compliance Officer and can be contacted at (225) 216-8503 or visited at the Magnolia Building, Office 126 for assistance.

BRCC does not discriminate based on gender in admissions or employment. The Title IX Coordinator, Terrie Cunningham, can be reached at (225) 216-8206 or by mail at Baton Rouge Community College, C/O Terrie Cunningham, 201 Community College Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.

Privacy and Compliance

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) governs the privacy of student records and the obligations of institutions regarding access to these records. BRCC complies with FERPA requirements to ensure the protection of student information.

BRCC is a proud member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) and is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer.