UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ: $5,280 Tuition

$5,280Tuition

7,760Students

35%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,595Earnings

#25 in New JerseyPublic2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ

Union County College serves 7,760 students in Cranford, focusing on career preparation and university transfer pathways. The college operates in a large suburban setting, drawing almost exclusively from New Jersey with 99.24% in-state enrollment. Students can choose from career-focused programs designed to lead directly to employment or complete general education requirements before transferring to four-year universities. The college emphasizes practical education that connects classroom learning to local workforce needs.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $6,147 after aid, while those from middle-income families ($48,000-$75,000) pay $8,090. Graduates typically leave with $15,091 in debt and earn a median salary of $41,595 ten years after starting college. The monthly loan payment averages $160, making the debt load reasonable compared to earnings potential. Only 43.77% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many can afford the $5,280 in-state tuition without significant borrowing.

The student body reflects Union County's diversity, with 46.95% Hispanic students and 28.40% Black students. Women make up 61.83% of enrollment. The college fields 14 varsity sports teams with 206 total athletes competing in NCCAA divisions, though athletic scholarships total just $108,856 across all sports.

Academics & Faculty

Union College focuses on career preparation and transfer pathways, serving as Union County's primary community college bridge to four-year universities. With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, students get reasonable access to professors despite the college's 7,760 enrollment. The 34.8% six-year graduation rate reflects the typical community college challenge where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. The college emphasizes practical programs in healthcare, business, and technology that prepare students for immediate employment. Strong partnerships with local four-year schools help students seamlessly transfer credits. Nearly all students are New Jersey residents, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere focused on local workforce development.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 34.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,595

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$70,456
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$56,776
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$55,512
Business/Commerce, General.	Associate	$45,696
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$43,575
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$25,580
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$23,980

View all 54 programs →

Campus Life

Union College sits in suburban Cranford, just 20 miles from Manhattan and 10 miles from Newark. Women make up 61.83% of the 7,760 students, creating a campus where you'll find more female voices in classrooms and study groups. Nearly all students (99.24%) come from New Jersey, so you'll hear familiar accents and regional references throughout your day.

The college operates as a commuter school with no campus housing, meaning weekends empty out as students head home or to part-time jobs. New Jersey winters require heavy coats and snow boots from December through February, while spring and fall offer comfortable weather for walking between buildings. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture halls for general education courses but smaller groups for specialized career programs. Students often grab lunch between classes at the campus center before rushing to work or family obligations. Many juggle school with employment since 43.77% receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need. The suburban setting provides parking and easy highway access, essential for a student body that drives to campus daily.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Domestic Violence	2	0	0	0
Burglary	1	0	0	0
Robbery	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 25°–40°F
July Avg: 67°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.4"
Annual Snowfall: 26.3"

Student Demographics

Union College draws heavily from the diverse communities across Union County, with nearly all students coming from New Jersey. The student body is 47% Hispanic and 28% Black, reflecting the demographics of the surrounding area and the college's mission to serve first-generation college students. Women make up 62% of enrollment, likely drawn to the school's strong nursing and health sciences programs. With 44% of students receiving Pell Grants, Union College fulfills its community college role of providing affordable education to working-class families seeking career training or transfer opportunities.

Men: 38.2%
Women: 61.8%
White: 13.6%
Black: 28.4%
Hispanic: 47.0%
Asian: 4.0%
In-State Students: 99.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 43.8%

Location

Union College sits in Cranford, New Jersey, roughly 20 miles southwest of Manhattan. The suburban setting serves a diverse student body where 47% are Hispanic and 28% are Black students. Nearly all students (99%) come from within New Jersey, reflecting the college's role as a local community resource. The area offers the advantages of suburban life with easy access to New York City's job market and cultural opportunities. Cranford provides a quieter alternative to urban campuses while maintaining connections to major employment centers. The location helps explain why 92% of graduates find employment after completing their programs. Students considering colleges in New Jersey may also compare Union College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Cranford, New Jersey 07016-1528

UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,595
Median Earnings (5 years): $53,618
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 40.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $160/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $15,091

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the enrollment and admissions process like at Union College of Union County, NJ?

Union College serves 7,760 students and operates with an open admissions policy typical of community colleges. The college primarily serves local residents, with 99.24% of students coming from in-state. Women make up 61.83% of the student body, and the campus reflects Union County's diversity with significant Hispanic (46.95%) and Black (28.40%) populations.

How much does Union College of Union County, NJ cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $7,251 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $6,147 after aid, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) pay $13,361. About 43.77% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating substantial financial need in the student population.

What are the academic programs and class sizes like at Union College of Union County, NJ?

The college operates on a semester system with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio. Union College focuses on career-oriented programs and transfer pathways to four-year universities. The institution serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable education before transferring or entering the workforce directly.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Union College of Union County, NJ?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 34.80%, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. However, the employment rate reaches 91.6%, and graduates earn a median of $41,595 ten years after enrollment. Monthly loan payments average just $160, reflecting the school's affordability mission.

Where is Union College of Union County, NJ located and what is the campus environment like?

The college sits in Cranford, a large suburban community in Union County. The campus serves as a commuter school primarily for local residents seeking accessible higher education. The setting provides a quieter alternative to urban campuses while maintaining proximity to the New York metropolitan area's job market.

Does Union College of Union County, NJ offer athletics and extracurricular activities?

The college competes in the NCCAA with 14 varsity sports programs. A total of 206 student-athletes participate across these teams, with $108,856 available in athletic scholarships. The athletics program provides opportunities for student engagement beyond academics at this primarily commuter-focused institution.