Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Eastwick College-Hackensack

Graduates from this program earn less than most New Jersey peers from the start, and the trajectory gets worse: median earnings drop 16% from $33,342 in year one to just $27,834 four years out. That means many graduates will be earning under $30,000 annually while still paying down nearly $18,300 in student loans—a concerning pattern for a credential that should lead to stable healthcare employment.

The state comparison is revealing. While Eastwick-Hackensack sits right at the New Jersey median for debt, its earnings fall below 60% of similar programs in the state. Essex County College graduates earn $54,592—64% more with the same degree. Even other Eastwick campuses in Ramsey and Nutley produce better outcomes. For a program serving primarily low-income students (76% receive Pell grants), these numbers suggest graduates may struggle more than necessary with loan repayment.

The earnings decline is the real red flag here. Most allied health programs provide stable or growing incomes as workers gain experience and certifications. This backward trajectory suggests graduates may be underemployed or leaving the field entirely. Before committing $18,000 to this program, families should investigate why outcomes lag behind both state averages and nearby community colleges that likely charge less for comparable training.