Salem Community College: $6,150 Tuition

$6,150Tuition

908Students

37%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,020Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Salem Community College

Salem Community College has built a reputation as a practical stepping stone for southern New Jersey residents seeking career-focused education. With 908 students on its suburban campus near the Delaware border, the college specializes in workforce training programs that connect directly to regional job markets. Students can choose from hands-on programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades that emphasize real-world experience over theoretical study.

The financial picture works in students' favor for those targeting immediate employment. Students from families earning under $48,000 annually pay around $7,000-$8,500 after aid, while graduates typically earn $38,020 within ten years of starting. With median debt of just $9,500 and monthly loan payments averaging $101, the college delivers solid return on investment for career-focused programs. The 88.9% employment rate suggests most graduates find work quickly after completing their studies.

The student body reflects the surrounding community's diversity, with 46% White students, 26% Black students, and 13% Hispanic students. Women make up 68% of enrollment, typical for community colleges emphasizing healthcare and service programs. The Mighty Oaks compete in five varsity sports through the NCCAA, though athletics take a backseat to the college's primary mission of workforce preparation.

Academics & Faculty

Salem Community College focuses on career preparation and workforce training for southern New Jersey. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to instructors in hands-on programs. Students can choose from traditional transfer tracks or specialized career programs in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and business. The 37% graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. Salem serves as a regional workforce development center, partnering with local employers to design training programs. Most students pursue associate degrees or certificates that lead directly to employment. The college emphasizes practical skills over theoretical study, making it ideal for students seeking quick entry into the job market.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 37.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,020

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$65,332
Precision Production, Other.	Associate	$32,569

View all 37 programs →

Campus Life

Salem Community College sits in Carneys Point, a Delaware River town about 30 miles southwest of Philadelphia. The 908 students navigate New Jersey winters where snow is common and January temperatures often drop below freezing. As a commuter college with no residence halls, the campus empties after classes end each day. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classrooms where professors know your name.

Women make up 68% of the student body, and many are older learners balancing school with work or family responsibilities. The Mighty Oaks compete in five varsity sports with just 75 total athletes, creating intimate team actives. Weekends revolve around work, family, and study rather than campus activities. With 83% of students from New Jersey, many maintain local jobs while pursuing degrees. The suburban setting offers practical amenities like shopping centers and restaurants, but social life happens off campus. Students often drive to nearby Wilmington, Delaware, or cross the river to Pennsylvania for entertainment. The semester system allows for steady progress through career-focused programs designed for the regional workforce.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1958

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–37°F
July Avg: 67°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.3"
Annual Snowfall: 12.0"

Student Demographics

Salem Community College draws students from across southern New Jersey, with 83% coming from in-state. The student body is two-thirds women, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's nursing and health science programs. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. The diverse student mix includes 45% white students, 26% Black students, and 13% Hispanic students. Most students are older adults returning to school or recent high school graduates choosing practical career preparation over traditional four-year degrees.

Men: 32.3%
Women: 67.7%
White: 44.6%
Black: 25.9%
Hispanic: 12.7%
Asian: 1.0%
In-State Students: 83.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 34.4%

Location

Salem Community College sits in Carneys Point, New Jersey, about 25 miles south of Philadelphia across the Delaware River. The campus serves the rural communities of Salem County, an agricultural region known for its farmland and small towns. With 83% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from southern New Jersey's working-class communities. The area offers a quiet, small-town atmosphere far removed from urban distractions. Salem County's economy revolves around agriculture, manufacturing, and Delaware River port activities. The college's workforce training programs align with regional employers' needs. Students considering colleges in New Jersey may also compare Salem Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Carneys Point, New Jersey 08069-2799

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,020
Median Earnings (5 years): $47,752
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 43.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $101/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Salem Community College?

Salem Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. With 908 students enrolled, the college focuses on providing accessible higher education to southern New Jersey residents. The small size allows for personalized attention with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio.

How much does Salem Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,837 annually, though costs vary by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay around $8,552, while those earning $30,000-$48,000 pay just $7,057. Only 34% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the college's already affordable tuition structure.

What academic programs is Salem Community College known for?

Salem Community College specializes in career-focused programs and workforce training designed to prepare students for immediate employment. The college serves as a practical stepping stone for students seeking technical skills and certifications. With 83% of students coming from in-state, it primarily serves the local southern New Jersey workforce needs.

What job prospects do Salem Community College graduates have?

Graduates achieve an 88.9% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market success. The median earnings one year after graduation are $36,523, rising to $47,752 after five years. However, the 37% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face in completing their programs.

Where is Salem Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Carneys Point, New Jersey, in a large suburban setting that provides a quiet environment for study. With just 75 student athletes competing in 5 varsity sports as the Mighty Oaks, campus life remains low-key and focused on academics. The student body is 68% female and diverse, with 46% white, 26% Black, and 13% Hispanic students.

How affordable is student debt at Salem Community College?

Students graduate with a manageable median debt of $9,500, leading to monthly loan payments of just $101. The loan repayment rate of 44% suggests some graduates struggle with repayment despite the low debt amounts. Only 14% of students take federal loans, indicating many can afford the education without borrowing.