Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Bergen Community College
Associate's Degree
bergen.eduAnalysis
Bergen Community College's nursing program proves that a community college education can deliver strong financial returns—graduates earn $76,147 just one year out, ranking in the 81st percentile nationally while carrying relatively modest debt of $18,750. That's a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.25, meaning graduates earn their entire debt load back in about three months. The earnings trajectory looks even better four years out, with median pay reaching $91,465—a solid 20% increase that reflects how nursing experience translates directly into higher compensation.
The program sits comfortably in the 60th percentile among New Jersey nursing schools, which matters since most students will stay in-state where nursing pays exceptionally well. While top performers like Hudson County Community College ($92,941) edge ahead, Bergen's combination of strong earnings and manageable debt positions graduates well in one of the country's highest-paying nursing markets. The $18,750 debt load runs below both state and national medians, giving graduates financial flexibility early in their careers.
For families weighing community college nursing options in New Jersey, Bergen offers a straightforward value proposition: above-average national outcomes, competitive state performance, and debt that won't create financial stress on a new nurse's salary. The numbers suggest graduates enter the workforce earning well and continue building momentum.
Where Bergen Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Bergen Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bergen Community College | $76,147 | $91,465 | +20% |
| Eastern International College-Jersey City | $90,216 | $92,149 | +2% |
| UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey | $82,581 | $89,387 | +8% |
| Essex County College | $70,500 | $88,050 | +25% |
| Hudson County Community College | $92,941 | $87,803 | -6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (23 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Bergen Community CollegeParamus | $4,757 | $76,147 | $91,465 | $18,750 | 0.25 |
 Hudson County Community CollegeJersey City | $5,020 | $92,941 | $87,803 | $21,000 | 0.23 |
 Eastern International College-Jersey CityJersey City | $18,947 | $90,216 | $92,149 | $32,756 | 0.36 |
 Ocean County CollegeToms River | $4,690 | $82,925 | $73,281 | $22,418 | 0.27 |
 UCNJ Union College of Union County New JerseyCranford | $5,280 | $82,581 | $89,387 | $30,195 | 0.37 |
 Raritan Valley Community CollegeBranchburg | $5,520 | $82,020 | $81,224 | $19,145 | 0.23 |
| National Median | — | $68,409 | — | $20,751 | 0.30 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates
Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse Midwives
Nurse Practitioners
Medical and Health Services Managers
Registered Nurses
Acute Care Nurses
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Critical Care Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bergen Community College, approximately 34% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 43 graduates with reported earnings and 128 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.