At $7,857/yr net price, Passaic County Community College graduates earn $36,972/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,972/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,857 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $31,428 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,972/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,972/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 15.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,536 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,164/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,829/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,716/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,678/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,274/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 | $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 |
The Risk Factor
15.2% of students at Passaic 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
Passaic County Community College delivers strong financial returns if you stick to the right programs, but the abysmal 15% graduation rate creates serious completion risk that undermines the value proposition for many students.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $73,949 annually. This program alone justifies the college's existence from an ROI perspective. The general business program also offers reasonable returns at $30,228 with only $3,800 in debt, making it a low-risk option.
Avoid graphic communications, which produces the lowest earnings at $25,194. Criminal justice and social work hover around $30,000, which barely justifies the time and cost investment when you factor in the high dropout risk.
The graduation rate presents the biggest financial hazard. With eight out of ten students failing to complete their programs, you face real odds of walking away with debt but no credential. This makes program selection critical at PCCC.
You're a good financial fit here if you can commit fully to nursing or have strong academic habits that make you likely to graduate. The $7,857 annual cost keeps financial exposure manageable even if things go wrong.
Look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support or struggle with self-motivation. The low graduation rate suggests insufficient student support systems. Also consider other options if you're interested in programs beyond nursing and business, since most other offerings deliver weak returns.
With 53% of students receiving aid, financial assistance is available but not guaranteed. Focus on completing quickly to minimize total costs, especially given the completion challenges other students face.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Passaic County Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $7,857 per year and median debt of only $7,536, Passaic County Community College offers affordable education. However, the extremely low graduation rate of 15% means most students don't finish their programs.
What is the ROI for Passaic County Community College graduates?
Graduates earn a median of $36,972 ten years after starting college. The nursing program stands out with earnings of $73,949, while most other programs lead to wages around $30,000.
Which programs at Passaic County Community College have the best job prospects?
Registered nursing offers the strongest return with median earnings of $73,949. Other programs like criminal justice, business, and social work cluster around $30,000 in earnings, which is modest for college graduates.
How much debt do Passaic County Community College students typically have?
Students graduate with a median debt of $7,536, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. The low cost helps keep debt reasonable, but the poor graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without earning a degree.