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$5,020Tuition
6,386Students
23%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$34,333Earnings
Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Hudson County Community College

Hudson County Community College serves as the primary pathway to higher education for working-class families across Jersey City and surrounding areas. The college enrolls 6,386 students and operates in one of New Jersey's most densely populated urban centers. Nearly all students (99.58%) come from in-state, reflecting the school's deep community roots since its founding in 1974. The college has built a reputation for strong transfer programs that help students continue to four-year universities while keeping costs manageable.

Students pay an average net price of $5,902 after financial aid, making this one of New Jersey's most affordable college options. More than half of students (56.16%) receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many low-income families. Graduates earn a median of $34,333 ten years after starting, while carrying relatively low debt loads of $10,500. The monthly loan payment of just $111 makes this debt very manageable for working graduates.

The student body reflects Hudson County's diversity, with 55.15% Hispanic students and 13.28% Black students making up the majority. Women comprise nearly 60% of enrollment. The college maintains an 85.7% employment rate for graduates, showing strong connections to local job markets. Classes average 22 students per faculty member, typical for community colleges but still allowing for personal attention.

Academics & Faculty

Hudson County Community College serves as an affordable gateway to higher education, with 99.58% of its students coming from in-state. The college specializes in transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities, particularly benefiting the 55.15% Hispanic student population it serves. With a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive moderate personal attention in their coursework. The 22.80% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face balancing education with employment. Strong programs include nursing, criminal justice, and liberal arts transfer pathways. The college's semester system allows flexibility for the diverse student body, many of whom are first-generation college students seeking career advancement or university preparation.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
22:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
22.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$34,333

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $68,858
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. Associate $31,314
Culinary Arts and Related Services. Associate $25,967
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $24,096
Fine and Studio Arts. Associate $20,140

View all 49 programs →

Campus Life

Hudson County Community College sits in the heart of Jersey City, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan. Students can see the New York skyline from campus and reach Times Square in under 30 minutes by PATH train. The urban campus blends into the city's residential neighborhoods, where 55% of students are Hispanic and the college serves as a cultural bridge for immigrant families.

Nearly 100% of students commute to the 6,386-enrollment campus. Winter coats are essential from December through March, when temperatures regularly drop below freezing. Students grab coffee between classes at nearby bodegas and use the college's study spaces during breaks. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means classes feel intimate despite the urban setting.

Weekends often involve students working part-time jobs or spending time with family, reflecting the college's role as a stepping stone for working adults. Many students transfer to four-year universities after completing their associate degrees. The campus stays quiet on weekends, but Jersey City's diverse food scene and proximity to New York give motivated students plenty of cultural opportunities within reach.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1974

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 0 0 0 2

Climate & Weather

January Avg
24°–39°F
July Avg
68°–86°F
Annual Precipitation
50.4"
Annual Snowfall
28.2"

Student Demographics

Hudson County Community College draws overwhelmingly from its own backyard, with nearly 100% of students coming from New Jersey. The student body is 55% Hispanic, reflecting Jersey City's diverse population and the college's role as an educational gateway for immigrant families. Women make up 60% of enrollment, typical for community colleges where many students pursue healthcare, education, and social services programs. Over half receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable career training and university transfer options.
Men
40.1%
Women
59.9%
White
9.3%
Black
13.3%
Hispanic
55.2%
Asian
6.8%
In-State Students
99.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
56.2%

Location

Hudson County Community College sits in Jersey City, New Jersey, directly across the Hudson River from Manhattan. The campus is less than 10 miles from midtown New York City, making it one of the most urban community colleges in the country. Jersey City has transformed into a major tech and finance center, with waterfront high-rises and multinational corporations creating abundant internship opportunities. The college's 99.58% in-state enrollment reflects its role serving local Hudson County residents who want affordable higher education with easy access to New York's job market. The urban setting offers students real-world experience in one of America's most diverse metropolitan areas. Students considering colleges in New Jersey may also compare Hudson County Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Jersey City, New Jersey 07306
HCCC25Sip
HCCC25Sip
12.1.11HCCCollegeNorthByLuigiNovi2
12.1.11HCCCollegeNorthByLuigiNovi2

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$34,333
Median Earnings (5 years)
$46,503
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$26,200
Loan Repayment Rate
41.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$111/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Hudson County Community College?

Hudson County Community College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. With 99.58% of students coming from in-state, the college primarily serves local Hudson County residents seeking accessible higher education opportunities.

How much does Hudson County Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $5,902 annually, making it highly affordable for most families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $5,536 net price, while 56.16% of students receive Pell Grants to help cover costs.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Hudson County Community College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 22:1 across the college's 6,386 enrolled students. Classes operate on a semester system, and the college is known for strong transfer programs that help students continue to four-year universities.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Hudson County Community College?

The six-year graduation rate is 22.80%, which reflects the diverse paths community college students take. However, 85.7% of graduates find employment, earning a median salary of $34,333 ten years after starting college.

Where is Hudson County Community College located and what is the campus environment like?

The college sits in Jersey City, providing students with access to a large urban environment and proximity to New York City opportunities. The diverse student body is 55.15% Hispanic, 13.28% Black, and 59.93% female, reflecting the demographics of Hudson County.

Does Hudson County Community College offer good value for students with debt concerns?

Students graduate with a median debt of just $10,500, resulting in manageable monthly loan payments of $111. Only 2.74% of students take federal loans, and the college's 41.83% loan repayment rate reflects its role as an affordable pathway to career advancement.