Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Berkeley College-Woodland Park

Berkeley College-Woodland Park graduates earn notably more than typical New Jersey health sciences associate's programs—about $7,000 above the state median initially—and carry manageable debt at just $16,909. Among the 13 New Jersey schools offering this program, it ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings while keeping debt well below both state and national medians. That's a solid combination for students who need to start working quickly after a two-year degree.

The concerning pattern here is the earnings trajectory: graduates see income drop from $39,059 to $34,811 between years one and four. This backward movement is unusual and worth investigating—it could reflect the small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked), or it might indicate graduates taking entry-level positions that don't lead to advancement. With 60% of students receiving Pell grants, many are likely counting on steady career progression after graduation.

The debt load itself won't crush anyone at 0.43 times first-year earnings, and Berkeley College starts students at a higher income than most competitors. But before committing, understand why earnings decline rather than grow. If graduates are entering roles without clear advancement paths, the initial salary advantage may matter less than it appears. Ask the school directly about job placement patterns and whether recent graduates are advancing within their first employers.