At $10,576/yr net price, Ocean County College graduates earn $45,210/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,210/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,576 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $42,304 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,210/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,210/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,150 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,184/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,398/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,121/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,818/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,019/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 | $62,856 | $18,843 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $25,484 | $10,980 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,440 | $11,000 |
The Risk Factor
39.1% of students at Ocean 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
Ocean County College delivers solid returns for nursing students but weak outcomes for most other programs. With a net price of $10,576 annually and median post-graduation earnings of $45,210, your investment breaks even faster than many four-year options.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $62,856 in median earnings despite higher debt loads of $18,843. This program justifies its costs in New Jersey's strong healthcare job market. Criminal justice and liberal arts graduates face much bleaker prospects, earning around $23,000 to $25,000 annually with similar debt burdens.
The 39% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. You could easily spend money and time without completing your degree. Low aid participation at 27% suggests most students pay close to full price, though the modest $11,150 median debt load keeps financial damage contained for those who finish.
Ocean County College works best if you plan to enter nursing or need affordable prerequisite courses before transferring to a four-year school. The location serves central New Jersey's job market reasonably well for healthcare roles. Avoid this school if you want criminal justice or liberal arts credentials that lead directly to well-paying work.
Your best financial strategy involves completing your degree quickly in a high-demand program or using Ocean County as a stepping stone to transfer elsewhere. The low costs help, but only if you actually graduate and choose your program carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ocean County College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Ocean County College costs $10,576 per year and graduates earn $45,210 after 10 years, making it a reasonable value for a community college. However, the 39% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
Which Ocean County College programs have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Ocean County College lead to median earnings of $62,856, making them the clear financial winner. Criminal justice graduates earn $25,484 and liberal arts graduates earn $23,440, both below the national average for college graduates.
How much debt do Ocean County College students graduate with?
Ocean County College graduates have a median debt of $11,150, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low debt load helps offset the modest earnings for most programs.
Does Ocean County College prepare students for good-paying careers?
Ocean County College works well for nursing students who earn above-average salaries. For other programs, graduates typically earn in the $23,000-$25,000 range, which may not justify even the low cost depending on your career goals.