At $4,622/yr net price, Essex County College graduates earn $37,230/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,230/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,622 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,488 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,230/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,230/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 20.8% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,356/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,600/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,059/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,453/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 | $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 |
The Risk Factor
20.8% of students at Essex County 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
Essex County College delivers strong returns for career-focused students despite its low graduation rate. At $4,622 per year, this Newark community college costs less than half what most students pay at New Jersey's public universities, making it one of the state's most affordable pathways to middle-class careers.
Your program choice determines everything here. Nursing graduates earn $76,460 annually, providing strong ROI that rivals four-year degrees at a fraction of the cost. Allied health programs also deliver solid returns, with medical assisting graduates earning nearly $60,000. These healthcare tracks align perfectly with North Jersey's hospital-heavy job market.
Business administration graduates face tougher prospects, earning just $32,925 despite completing the same two-year commitment. This program struggles to compete with four-year business degrees in the competitive New York metropolitan area job market.
The 21% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. Most students who start here never finish, wasting time and tuition money. If you lack strong study habits or clear career goals, you face high odds of dropping out with debt but no degree.
Essex County College works best for motivated students targeting specific healthcare careers who need affordable training close to home. The college serves Newark's working population well, with evening and weekend classes accommodating job schedules. Over half of students receive financial aid, and in-county residents get additional tuition breaks.
Avoid this school if you want a traditional college experience or plan to transfer to a competitive four-year program. The low graduation rate reflects academic preparation challenges that could derail your progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Essex County College worth the cost?
Essex County College offers strong value for specific programs, particularly nursing which leads to $76,460 annual earnings. However, the overall 10-year earnings average of $37,230 and low 21% graduation rate mean many students don't see strong returns on their investment.
What are the best paying programs at Essex County College?
Nursing programs at Essex County College provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $76,460 annually. Allied health programs also perform well at $59,922, while business administration graduates earn significantly less at $32,925.
How much debt do Essex County College students graduate with?
With a net price of $4,622 per year, Essex County College is relatively affordable for a two-year degree. However, the 21% graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without completing their programs.
Does Essex County College have good job placement rates?
Essex County College doesn't publish specific job placement data, but nursing and allied health graduates typically find employment given regional healthcare demand. The low overall graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete programs and enter their chosen fields.