At $7,251/yr net price, UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ graduates earn $41,595/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,595/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,251 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,004 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,595/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,595/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,091 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,147/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,526/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,090/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,385/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,361/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 | $70,456 | $21,000 |
| 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 | $9,229 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $43,575 | $15,250 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $25,580 | $11,861 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,980 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
34.8% of students at UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ 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
Union College of Union County delivers solid financial returns for career-focused programs, but outcomes vary dramatically by major choice. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $70,456 annually, making the $21,000 debt load manageable with strong job prospects in New Jersey's healthcare sector.
Your best financial bet lies in the health sciences track. Allied health programs produce median earnings above $55,000, well worth the relatively low community college costs. The registered nursing program offers the strongest ROI despite higher debt, while practical nursing provides a faster entry point at $43,575 with moderate debt.
Business majors face mixed prospects. General business graduates earn $45,696 with minimal debt of $9,229, but this represents modest returns in New Jersey's competitive job market. Other programs show weaker earning potential relative to the time invested.
The 34.8% graduation rate signals completion challenges that could derail your investment. If you struggle with academic consistency or lack clear career direction, you risk joining the majority who leave without credentials. The low median debt of $15,091 limits downside risk, but incomplete programs offer no returns.
Union College works best if you want healthcare training without four-year college costs and can commit to program completion. The nursing pathway justifies the investment for motivated students. Skip this school if you seek broad liberal arts education or lack specific career goals, as the completion rates and general program earnings suggest limited value for unfocused students.
At $7,251 annually with 44% receiving aid, costs remain manageable for New Jersey residents seeking practical training, but only if you finish what you start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Union College of Union County NJ worth the cost?
Union College offers strong value with a low net price of $7,251 per year and relatively low debt of $15,091. However, the 35% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, which significantly hurts ROI for those who drop out.
What are the best paying programs at UCNJ Union College?
Nursing programs at Union College provide the strongest returns, with registered nursing graduates earning around $70,456 annually. Allied health programs also perform well at $55,000-56,000, while general business graduates earn about $45,696.
How much debt do Union College of Union County graduates have?
Union College graduates carry a median debt of $15,091, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low cost of attendance helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
What is the job market like for UCNJ Union College graduates?
Union College graduates earn a median of $41,595 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable for a community college. Nursing and healthcare program graduates significantly outperform this average, while other programs may struggle to reach even the median.