Essex County College: $5,346 Tuition

$5,346Tuition

5,643Students

21%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$37,230Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Essex County College

Essex County College serves as Newark's primary community college pathway for students seeking affordable higher education and career training. The school enrolls 5,643 students in a large city setting. This institution has built its reputation on providing accessible education to first-generation college students and working adults looking to change careers or gain new skills.

Students pay an average net price of $4,622 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in New Jersey. Half of all students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve low-income families. Graduates earn a median of $37,230 ten years after starting college. The return on investment makes sense for students pursuing associate degrees or certificates in high-demand fields like nursing, automotive technology, and business administration.

Women make up 60% of the student body, while the campus reflects Newark's diversity with 45% Black students and 29% Hispanic students. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at four-year colleges. Nearly 90% of graduates find employment after completing their programs. The Wolverines compete in six NJCAA sports with 82 total athletes, though most students focus on academics and work rather than campus life.

Academics & Faculty

Essex County College focuses on career training and transfer preparation for Newark's diverse student body. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of community colleges, though instructors emphasize hands-on learning in vocational programs. The 20.80% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face balancing education with jobs and family responsibilities. The college is known for its nursing program, which feeds into regional hospitals, and strong partnerships with four-year universities like Rutgers for seamless transfers. Students can pursue everything from automotive technology to liberal arts, with most programs designed to either launch careers immediately or prepare for bachelor's degree completion elsewhere.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 20.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $37,230

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$76,460
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$59,922
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$54,661
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$44,971
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$32,925
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$31,762
Social Work.	Associate	$30,771
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$25,194
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs.	Associate	$24,659
Social Sciences, General.	Associate	$24,421

View all 49 programs →

Campus Life

Essex County College sits in the heart of Newark, where 99.64% of students come from New Jersey. You'll need a winter coat for snowy January mornings and light layers for humid August orientations. The campus serves as a commuter center where students balance classes with work and family responsibilities.

With 60.18% women and a student body that's 45.33% Black and 28.55% Hispanic, the college reflects Newark's diverse community. Most students don't live on campus since this is a commuter school. Instead, they grab coffee between classes in the student center or study in small groups before heading to jobs or family obligations. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get to know classmates in your program track.

Weekends often involve work shifts rather than campus parties. Many students use Saturday study sessions to prepare for transfer to nearby Rutgers or other four-year schools. The Wolverines compete in six NJCAA sports with 82 total athletes, though most students focus on completing their associate degrees and entering the workforce quickly.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Robbery	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 24°–38°F
July Avg: 68°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 46.3"
Annual Snowfall: 28.5"

Student Demographics

Essex County College draws students from Newark's diverse communities, with nearly half of the student body being Black and over a quarter Hispanic. The school serves predominantly working-class families, with half of students receiving Pell Grants and an average net price under $5,000. Women make up 60% of enrollment, reflecting the college's strength in nursing, education, and health sciences programs. Almost all students come from New Jersey, showing the college's deep roots in the local community. The Wolverines provide an affordable stepping stone for first-generation college students seeking career training or transfer opportunities.

Men: 39.8%
Women: 60.2%
White: 5.6%
Black: 45.3%
Hispanic: 28.6%
Asian: 2.7%
In-State Students: 99.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 50.9%

Location

Essex County College sits in Newark, New Jersey's largest city with over 311,000 residents. The campus operates in an urban environment just 8 miles west of Manhattan, making it easily accessible by public transit. Newark serves as a major transportation center with its international airport and extensive rail connections. The city has undergone significant revitalization in recent years, with new businesses and cultural venues opening downtown. Students experience the energy of a diverse metropolitan area while paying affordable tuition rates. The college draws 99.64% of its students from within New Jersey. Students considering colleges in New Jersey may also compare Essex County College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Newark, New Jersey 07102

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $37,230
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,636
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Essex County College?

Essex County College has open enrollment as a community college, meaning students don't need to worry about acceptance rates. Nearly all of the 5,643 students are from New Jersey, with 99.64% being in-state residents. This reflects the college's mission to serve the local Newark community with accessible higher education.

How much does Essex County College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,622 per year after financial aid. In-state tuition starts at $5,346, but over half of students receive some form of financial assistance. For families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to just $4,356 annually.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Essex County College?

The student-faculty ratio is 24:1, which is typical for community colleges focused on serving large numbers of students efficiently. Essex County College emphasizes career-focused programs and transfer pathways to four-year universities. The college operates on a semester calendar system to align with most transfer institutions.

What are the job prospects for Essex County College graduates?

Graduates have an 89.3% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market preparation. The median earnings one year after graduation are $30,419, rising to $37,230 ten years out. This reflects the college's focus on practical, career-oriented training that meets local workforce needs in the Newark area.

Where is Essex County College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Newark, New Jersey's largest city, providing an urban learning environment. With 82 total athletes competing in 6 varsity sports as the Wolverines, there are limited but focused athletic opportunities. The student body is predominantly female at 60.18% and reflects Newark's diversity with significant Black and Hispanic populations.

Does Essex County College have a good graduation rate?

The six-year graduation rate is 20.80%, which is lower than four-year institutions but reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time or transfer before completing their degree. Essex County College serves as a stepping stone, with many students using it for transfer preparation or specific career training rather than degree completion.