At $5,902/yr net price, Hudson County Community College graduates earn $34,333/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $333/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,902 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,608 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,333/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$333/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 70.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,536/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,638/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,586/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,403/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,740/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 | $68,858 | $18,325 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Associate | $31,314 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $25,967 | $11,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,096 | $8,096 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Associate | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
22.8% of students at Hudson County 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
Hudson County Community College offers a mixed financial picture with one clear winner and several programs that struggle to justify their costs. The nursing program delivers strong returns with graduates earning $68,858 annually, making the $18,325 debt load manageable despite being higher than other programs at the school.
Your choice of major makes or breaks the financial equation here. Health services graduates earn $31,314, which provides decent value given the low overall cost structure. However, fine arts graduates earn just $20,140 annually while liberal arts majors make $24,096, both falling well below living wages for the expensive New Jersey market.
The 22.8% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. Most students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This low completion rate suggests academic support systems may be insufficient for many students.
You should consider Hudson County Community College if you can commit to the nursing program or need an affordable stepping stone to transfer to a four-year school. The $5,902 annual net price makes it one of the cheaper options in expensive New Jersey. With 56% of students receiving financial aid, support is available for those who qualify.
Avoid this school if you plan to study fine arts or enter liberal arts without a clear transfer plan. The combination of low earnings potential and high regional living costs creates a poor financial outcome for these majors. The culinary program falls into a gray area with graduates earning $25,967, which may work if you have specific industry connections but offers limited financial upside otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hudson County Community College worth the money?
Hudson County Community College offers good value for nursing students who can expect $68,858 median earnings, but most other programs lead to below-average pay at $24,000-31,000. The low $5,902 annual cost helps offset weak earning potential for non-healthcare majors.
What is the job outlook for Hudson County Community College graduates?
Only 23% of students graduate within three years, which creates significant risk of attending without earning a degree. Nursing graduates do well financially, but other programs often lead to earnings below $30,000 annually.
How much debt do Hudson County Community College students graduate with?
Students typically graduate with $10,500 in debt, which is manageable for nursing majors earning $68,858 but represents a poor return for liberal arts or fine arts graduates earning around $20,000-24,000.
Which programs at Hudson County Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs provide the strongest return on investment with median earnings of $68,858, while culinary arts, liberal arts, and fine arts programs typically lead to earnings below $26,000. Healthcare tracks are the clear winners financially.