Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Brookdale Community College

Brookdale's liberal arts associate's program starts rough—graduates earn just $20,077 in their first year, well below both the state median ($25,541) and national average ($27,248). At the 25th percentile among New Jersey's 29 similar programs, this means three-quarters of comparable programs deliver better immediate outcomes. However, the 55% earnings jump to $31,150 by year four suggests graduates are finding their footing, eventually surpassing both state and national benchmarks.

The $8,500 debt load is relatively manageable, coming in below both state ($9,644) and national ($10,950) medians. That initial debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 looks concerning, but the strong earnings trajectory means graduates should be able to handle the payments within a few years. Still, the first year presents real financial pressure—earning barely above minimum wage with student loans to repay requires careful budgeting or continued family support.

For New Jersey families, this program represents a gamble on delayed returns. Other community colleges like Rowan-Burlington County and Camden County deliver substantially better first-year earnings (above $27,000), giving graduates more financial breathing room from day one. Unless your child has a clear plan for that difficult first year or is using this as a transfer pathway to a bachelor's program, the stronger-performing community colleges nearby offer better value for a general studies degree.