Business Administration, Management and Operations at Brookdale Community College

Brookdale's business administration graduates start modestly but see impressive momentum, with earnings jumping 35% from $33,473 to $45,172 over four years. That trajectory matters more than the middling starting salary—while first-year earnings land near national and state medians, by year four graduates are pulling ahead of most peers and approaching what top-performer Thomas Edison State University delivers right out of the gate. Among New Jersey's 26 community colleges offering this degree, Brookdale ranks in the 60th percentile, suggesting competent if not exceptional outcomes.

The $10,000 median debt load is the real strength here—matching the state median but well below the national figure of nearly $14,000. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30, graduates typically earn enough in their first year to make manageable monthly payments. The combination of below-average debt and accelerating earnings creates a solid foundation, particularly for students staying in New Jersey's robust job market where these skills translate to real wage growth.

For families weighing community college options in New Jersey, Brookdale offers a practical path: manageable debt, earnings that grow substantially with experience, and outcomes that hold their own against state peers. It's not flashy, but the four-year earnings picture suggests graduates are building real careers, not just landing entry-level jobs.