At $28,490/yr net price, Jersey College graduates earn $66,087/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $32,087/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,490 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $113,960 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $66,087/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$32,087/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $28,188/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,016/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,254/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,393/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,423/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 | $69,736 | $26,042 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $45,408 | $16,010 |
The Risk Factor
33.9% of students at Jersey 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
Jersey College delivers strong financial returns for nursing students but carries significant completion risks that could derail your investment. With median earnings of $66,087 after ten years, graduates earn nearly $38,000 more annually than the typical community college graduate, making the $28,490 yearly cost manageable for those who finish.
Your program choice determines everything here. Registered nursing students earn $69,736 annually with $26,042 in debt, creating a debt-to-income ratio under 40 percent that signals solid financial footing. Practical nursing graduates face tougher math at $45,408 in earnings, though their lower $16,010 debt load keeps payments reasonable.
The 34 percent graduation rate represents Jersey College's biggest financial hazard. Two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This completion challenge makes Jersey College risky for students without strong academic preparation or clear career commitment.
You should consider Jersey College if you need accelerated nursing training in the New Jersey market and can handle intensive coursework. The school works best for career changers with previous college experience or healthcare workers seeking advancement. Skip this option if you struggle with fast-paced learning or lack certainty about nursing as your career path.
Financial aid reaches 58 percent of students, though as a for-profit institution, Jersey College offers limited merit scholarships compared to nonprofit schools. Your best cost strategy involves completing the program quickly and leveraging New Jersey's strong healthcare job market, where nursing salaries support loan repayment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jersey College worth the cost for nursing programs?
Jersey College's registered nursing graduates earn $69,736 annually, which provides solid returns on the $21,000 median debt load. However, the 34% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, making this a high-risk investment despite decent earning potential for those who finish.
What is the ROI for Jersey College compared to other nursing schools?
Jersey College graduates earn $66,087 ten years after enrollment with relatively low debt of $21,000, creating manageable debt-to-income ratios. The major concern is the extremely low 34% graduation rate, which significantly increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a degree.
How much debt do Jersey College students typically have?
Jersey College students graduate with a median debt of $21,000, which is lower than many private colleges. This debt level is manageable for nursing graduates who complete their programs, but the 34% graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without finishing their degrees.
Are Jersey College practical nursing programs worth it financially?
Practical nursing graduates from Jersey College earn around $45,408, which provides modest returns relative to program costs and debt. The low graduation rate makes this program particularly risky since incomplete credentials offer little earning potential.