Computer and Information Sciences at Hudson County Community College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
The $25,735 first-year salary from Hudson County Community College's computer science program falls significantly below what similar programs deliver—both nationally ($35,760 median) and across New Jersey ($28,540). That said, ranking at the 40th percentile statewide means this program sits squarely in the middle pack among Garden State options, not at the bottom. Nearby Brookdale and Passaic County community colleges see graduates earning $6,000+ more, which is substantial when you're talking about entry-level tech salaries.
The debt load of $16,697 is relatively manageable given the low earnings, creating a debt-to-income ratio of 0.65—below the concerning 1.0 threshold where annual earnings equal total debt. Still, this isn't the financial launchpad most parents expect from a computer science degree. With more than half of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on immediate employment gains.
The critical caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so one cohort with unusual outcomes could skew everything. If your child is set on this program, insist on understanding job placement specifics—where graduates actually land and in what roles. At these earning levels, they're likely getting help desk or support positions rather than developer jobs. For computer science, the community college you choose in New Jersey clearly matters.
Where Hudson County Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Hudson County Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Hudson County Community College graduates earn $26k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all computer and information sciences associates programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Computer and Information Sciences associates's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (17 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hudson County Community College | $25,735 | — | $16,697 | 0.65 |
| Brookdale Community College | $31,827 | $60,992 | $11,286 | 0.35 |
| Passaic County Community College | $31,346 | $34,678 | $13,575 | 0.43 |
| UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey | $18,160 | $46,806 | $11,000 | 0.61 |
| National Median | $35,760 | — | $14,932 | 0.42 |
Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in New Jersey
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookdale Community College Lincroft | $5,921 | $31,827 | $11,286 |
| Passaic County Community College Paterson | $5,580 | $31,346 | $13,575 |
| UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey Cranford | $5,280 | $18,160 | $11,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Hudson County Community College, approximately 56% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 18 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.