Social Sciences at Brookdale Community College

Brookdale Community College's Social Sciences associate degree produces graduates who earn exactly the national median one year out—$26,231—but outperforms 60% of New Jersey programs in the same field. That state-level edge matters because most community college students stay local, and Brookdale graduates earn roughly $6,000 more annually than the typical New Jersey social sciences associate earner.

The financial terms here are reasonable: $9,500 in debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, meaning graduates owe about 4 months' salary. While that's slightly above New Jersey's median debt for this program ($7,676), it's competitive nationally and manageable given the earnings trajectory. The 18% income growth from year one to year four suggests graduates successfully transition into better-paying roles or leverage the degree as a stepping stone.

The real question is whether this associate degree serves your child's ultimate goals. Social sciences programs typically prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions rather than immediate career entry, which explains why earnings hover around $30,000 even four years out. If your student plans to continue their education, Brookdale provides an affordable foundation with proven outcomes. If they're seeking career-ready training, consider whether a different field might offer stronger earning potential straight out of community college.