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
UCNJ Union College gives you a low-cost entry point with a payoff that depends almost entirely on which program you pick. At roughly $7,251 a year, your total cost stays modest, and median debt at graduation is about $15,000. But median earnings ten years out sit near $41,595, so the degree alone is not a fast track to a strong salary. The 34.8% graduation rate is the bigger risk here: most students who start do not finish, and an unfinished degree with debt is the worst outcome.
Nursing is the clear winner. The Registered Nursing associate degree pays about $70,456, nearly $25,000 more than the general business associate degree at $45,696. That gap tells you where the money is. The allied health associate programs both clear $55,000, making healthcare the reliable path at this school. General business pays the least among the associate options and carries low debt of around $9,200, so it is low-risk but low-reward. The practical nursing certificate lands near $43,575 with debt over $15,000, a weaker trade than the RN degree.
Your net price shifts hard by income. If your family earns under $48k, you pay in the low $6,000s. Over $110k, you pay about $13,361, more than double. Aid is doing real work at the low end, so this is a fit if you are cost-sensitive and headed into nursing or allied health.
Look elsewhere if you want a four-year degree in one place or a business path with strong pay, since the associate business outcome here is thin. Come here for the healthcare programs, use the low cost as a floor, and treat finishing the credential as the whole game.
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.