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 is a nursing school, and its financial return depends almost entirely on which nursing credential you finish. The associate degree in registered nursing pays about $69,736 a year and sits at the core of what makes this school work financially. That number lands well above the roughly $21,000 in median debt you would carry, which is a rare and healthy ratio for a for-profit two-year school.
The gap between the two programs is the whole story. The associate RN track pays roughly $24,000 more per year than the practical nursing certificate, and both are worth weighing against their own debt loads before you enroll. If you finish the RN associate degree, the math is strong. The certificate pays off too, just on a smaller scale, and you take on less debt to get there.
The real risk here is finishing at all. Only about a third of students graduate, so the good earnings numbers apply to you only if you get through the program. If you drop out, you keep the debt and lose the credential that justifies it. Before enrolling, be honest about whether you can complete a demanding clinical program.
Net price is the other warning sign. You pay roughly $28,000 a year regardless of family income, and lower-income families are not charged meaningfully less than wealthier ones. If your family earns under $30k, that price is the same steep bill as everyone else pays. This school makes financial sense if you are set on nursing, confident you will finish, and headed for the RN credential in New Jersey's strong healthcare job market. If you are unsure about nursing or worried about completing, the flat, high price and low graduation rate make this a risky bet.
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.