At $8,882/yr net price, Brookdale Community College graduates earn $44,379/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,379/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,882 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $35,528 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,379/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,379/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,000/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,419/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,332/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,892/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,676/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $68,079 | $15,120 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $49,344 | $16,325 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $46,769 | |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $36,848 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $35,420 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $28,327 | $10,100 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $27,618 | $11,500 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $26,353 |
The Risk Factor
28.9% of students at Brookdale Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Brookdale Community College offers solid financial returns for specific career-focused programs, but your success depends entirely on choosing the right major. The nursing program delivers strong value with graduates earning $68,079 annually against just $15,120 in debt. Allied health programs also pay off well at $49,344 yearly, though debt loads run slightly higher at $16,325.
Your program choice makes or breaks the financial equation here. Computer technology and mechanical engineering programs provide moderate returns, while legal support services graduates earn only $35,420 annually. The 28.90% graduation rate signals significant completion risk, meaning many students invest time and money without finishing their credentials.
The low net price of $8,882 annually keeps your investment manageable, and median debt of $12,000 stays reasonable for a two-year school. However, only 23.39% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional grant support. You'll likely pay most costs out of pocket or through federal aid programs.
Brookdale works best for career-switchers targeting healthcare fields or working adults seeking specific technical skills in the New Jersey job market. The nursing program especially offers strong regional employment prospects. Avoid this school if you're planning to transfer to a four-year university, as the low graduation rate suggests weak academic support systems. Students without clear career goals in high-earning fields face poor financial outcomes given the completion challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brookdale Community College worth the cost?
Brookdale Community College offers decent value at $8,882 per year, especially for nursing programs where graduates earn $68,079 annually. However, the 29% graduation rate means most students don't finish, which significantly reduces the investment's value.
What are the best paying programs at Brookdale Community College?
Nursing programs at Brookdale Community College provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning $68,079 per year. Allied health and IT programs also offer solid returns at $49,344 and $46,769 respectively, while other programs like legal support services pay considerably less at $35,420.
How much debt do Brookdale Community College students graduate with?
Brookdale Community College graduates typically leave with $12,000 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. With nursing graduates earning $68,079 annually, the debt-to-income ratio is reasonable for healthcare programs but may be problematic for lower-paying fields.
What is the graduation rate at Brookdale Community College?
Only 29% of students graduate from Brookdale Community College, meaning 7 out of 10 students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate is a major risk factor that potential students should consider when weighing the college's value.