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 keeps your upfront cost low, but the payoff depends almost entirely on which program you pick. At $4,622 a year, this is one of the cheaper entry points into higher education in the Newark area, and the low sticker price is the main thing working in your favor here. The problem is the exit: only about one in five students finishes, and the typical graduate earns just over $37,000 a decade after enrolling.
The nursing associate program is the clear winner. It pays roughly double the school-wide median and lands you near $76,000, which makes sense given the hospital demand around Newark and northern New Jersey. The allied health tracks , medical assisting, diagnostic and treatment professions, ophthalmic support , all clear $44,000 and give you a real reason to enroll. These health credentials are where the money is.
Business administration is where it falls apart. That associate degree comes in below $33,000, under the overall median, and it competes against far cheaper or free alternatives with weak differentiation. If health care isn't your path, the financial case for coming here gets thin fast.
The biggest risk is the 20.8% graduation rate. Your low tuition only pays off if you actually finish, and four out of five students here don't cross that line. Money spent without a credential is money lost.
Net price barely moves with income , you'll pay around $4,400 under $30k and about $6,500 in the $75-110k band , so this stays affordable across the board. Come here if you're targeting nursing or an allied health license and you're confident you'll finish. Look elsewhere if you want a general business degree or you're unsure about completing.
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.