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$5,544Tuition
2,055Students
44%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$44,664Earnings
#16 in New JerseyPublic2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Sussex County Community College

Sussex County Community College serves 2,055 students in the rolling hills of northwestern New Jersey, about an hour from New York City. The college focuses on career training and transfer preparation, with strong programs in nursing, business, and the trades. Many students use it as an affordable stepping stone to four-year universities, while others complete two-year degrees in high-demand fields like healthcare and technology. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means you won't get lost in huge lecture halls.

The financial picture looks solid for a community college. Students pay an average net price of $7,054 after aid, with low-income families paying just $4,235. Graduates earn a median of $44,664 ten years after starting, which easily covers the typical $11,000 in student debt. Monthly loan payments average just $117, making this one of the more affordable paths to career training in New Jersey. About 35% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families well.

The student body is 57% male and draws heavily from New Jersey, with 88% of students staying in-state for this education. The Skylanders compete in nine varsity sports through the NCCAA, creating some campus spirit despite the commuter-heavy environment. The 44% graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students work while attending school.

Academics & Faculty

Sussex County Community College serves students across northwestern New Jersey with practical career-focused programs that prepare graduates for immediate employment or transfer to four-year schools. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay small enough for professors to know students by name and provide individual help when needed. With a 44.30% six-year graduation rate, about half of students complete their programs, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time while working. The school offers programs in nursing, business, criminal justice, and automotive technology, plus liberal arts courses for students planning to transfer. Most students come from nearby counties and appreciate the local focus on skills that employers in the region actually want.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
44.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$44,664

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $32,925
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $22,192
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $22,094
Design and Applied Arts. Associate $13,239

View all 36 programs →

Campus Life

Sussex County Community College sits in Newton, New Jersey, about 60 miles west of New York City in the state's rural northwest corner. You'll need a good winter coat here, as the area gets real snow and temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through March. The 2,055 students commute to campus since there are no dorms, and 87.69% come from within New Jersey.

The campus feels more like a regional center than a traditional college. With 57.03% male students, the school draws many people looking to learn trades or transfer to four-year schools later. Students often work part-time jobs while taking classes, since only 34.52% receive financial aid. The Skylanders compete in nine varsity sports through the NCCAA, giving the school some athletic spirit despite its commuter nature. Weekends tend to be quiet on campus as most students head home or to jobs. The rural setting means students often drive to nearby towns for entertainment, though some find community in study groups or the athletic programs with 236 total athletes.
Setting
Rural-Fringe
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1981

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 1
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
17°–35°F
July Avg
61°–83°F
Annual Precipitation
94.7"
Annual Snowfall
38.9"

Student Demographics

Sussex County Community College draws mostly local students, with 88% coming from New Jersey. The student body is 57% male, which reflects the school's strong programs in trades and technical fields that traditionally attract more men. About one in three students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families in rural northwestern New Jersey who need affordable education. The school has built a solid reputation in Sussex County as the place where local high school graduates can start college close to home or learn job skills without taking on heavy debt.
Men
57.0%
Women
43.0%
White
63.3%
Black
9.7%
Hispanic
18.8%
Asian
1.9%
In-State Students
87.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
34.5%

Location

Sussex County Community College sits in Newton, New Jersey, about 60 miles northwest of New York City in the state's rural northwestern corner. The campus serves the scenic Skylands region, where rolling hills meet the Delaware Water Gap and Appalachian foothills. Newton itself is a small town of about 8,000 people that serves as the Sussex County seat. With 87.69% of students coming from in-state, most draw from the surrounding rural and suburban communities rather than major metropolitan areas. The setting offers outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking and fishing, but students seeking big-city internships or nightlife will need to travel. Students considering colleges in New Jersey may also compare Sussex County Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Newton, New Jersey 07860
Sussex County Community College Newton NJ Main Building
Sussex County Community College Newton NJ Main Building
Horton Mansion Sussex County Community College Newton NJ
Horton Mansion Sussex County Community College Newton NJ
Courtyard at Sussex County Community College Newton NJ
Courtyard at Sussex County Community College Newton NJ

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$44,664
Median Earnings (5 years)
$42,385
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$29,000
Loan Repayment Rate
51.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$117/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Sussex County Community College?

Sussex County Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. The school serves 2,055 students with 87.69% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular stepping stone for students beginning their college journey in northern New Jersey.

How much does Sussex County Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,054 annually, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,235 while those earning over $110,000 pay $13,460. Only 34.52% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the already affordable tuition structure.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Sussex County Community College?

The college maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors for a community college. Founded in 1981, SCCC has built a reputation for career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate workforce entry. The semester calendar system allows for traditional pacing through coursework.

What are the employment outcomes for Sussex County Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve an 84.9% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market preparation. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings reach $44,664, while recent graduates start at $26,001 in their first year. The relatively low median debt of $11,000 with monthly payments of $117 makes the investment manageable for most students.

Where is Sussex County Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Newton, New Jersey, in a rural-fringe setting that offers a quiet learning environment. With 57.03% male and 42.97% female students, the college has developed a close-knit community atmosphere. The student body is 63.31% white, 18.83% Hispanic, and 9.68% Black, reflecting the regional demographics of northwestern New Jersey.

Does Sussex County Community College offer athletic programs?

The Skylanders compete in the NCCAA with 9 varsity sports programs supporting 236 total athletes. The college invests $251,500 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating commitment to student-athlete development. These programs provide opportunities for continued competition while students pursue their associate degrees in the scenic northwestern New Jersey setting.