Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 15.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $36,972
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $7,536
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 42.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $80/mo
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 | $73,949 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Social Work. | Associate | $30,228 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $30,228 | $3,800 |
| Graphic Communications. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $22,999 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,329 | $9,992 |
Outcomes Overview
Graduates earn a median of $36,972 ten years after starting, while carrying typical debt of $7,536. Monthly loan payments of $80 represent about 2.6% of gross income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.2 compares favorably to many four-year institutions. Many graduates enter healthcare support, manufacturing, and service industries that anchor Paterson's economy. The 84.3% employment rate reflects strong local job placement. However, the 15.2% six-year completion rate means many students never reach graduation. The low debt load and practical career training create decent earning potential for those who finish their programs. This represents an average return on investment for community college standards.