Bergen Community College has announced the institution will be wiping out $5 million in student debt.

The school will use some of the COVID-19 pandemic relief funding to waive past-due tuition bills for over 2,000 students enrolled during the pandemic.

The school recognizes that financial barriers can prevent community college students from finishing their program.

“We're here to promote student success, so the financial hold that prevents a student from being able to register that doesn't help any students move toward graduation and realizing their goals and entering their career paths,” says President Eric M. Friedman says. “If we can be a model for other colleges, yes, I hope they come along, support their students the same way."

Students won't have to request relief. Balances will be wiped from their accounts automatically.

Students will find out if they are eligible this month.