Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Essex County College

Essex County College manages to deliver below-average national earnings while keeping debt remarkably low—just $7,302 compared to the national median of nearly $11,000. That 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio is the real story here: graduates owe less than three months' salary, making this one of the more affordable paths to an associate degree in New Jersey. The 60th percentile state ranking is also meaningful—this program outperforms most New Jersey community colleges in liberal arts, even if it trails specialized institutions like Thomas Edison State by a wide margin.

The trajectory deserves attention. Earnings jump 21% from year one to year four, reaching $31,238, which suggests this associate degree functions as intended—a stepping stone rather than a terminal credential. That pattern is typical for liberal arts programs and makes sense given Essex serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population where many students likely transfer to four-year schools or gradually advance in their careers.

The major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. Still, for families prioritizing minimal debt while their student figures out next steps, Essex County College offers a low-risk entry point. The modest earnings are offset by the minimal financial burden, and the program's above-median performance among New Jersey options suggests it's executing its community college mission reasonably well.