Est. Earnings (1yr)
$54,852
Est. from national median (49 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$12,063
Est. from national median (24 programs)

Analysis

Hudson County Community College serves a predominantly working-class student population, with over half receiving Pell grants, and based on comparable electrical engineering technology programs nationally, this associate's degree appears positioned to deliver reasonable returns. The estimated debt load of around $12,000 falls well below both the national median ($14,710) and the New Jersey average ($18,991) for this field, while projected first-year earnings of roughly $55,000 align closely with what similar programs produce across the state.

That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 suggests graduates would need less than three months of gross income to cover their educational debtβ€”a manageable burden that should allow for financial breathing room early in their careers. New Jersey's robust electrical and industrial infrastructure provides strong employment opportunities for technicians, and the associate's credential offers a faster path to earning than a four-year degree. However, the estimates here are drawn from peer programs rather than this specific school's outcomes, so there's inherent uncertainty about how Hudson County's particular curriculum and industry connections translate to graduate success.

For families weighing this option, the combination of relatively low debt and solid earning potential in a field with consistent demand makes this program worth serious consideration, particularly for students seeking quicker entry into the workforce. The key question is whether Hudson County's specific program maintains the quality and industry relationships that drive the stronger outcomes seen at nearby institutions.

Where Hudson County Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (12 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Hudson County Community CollegeJersey City$5,020$54,852*β€”$12,063*β€”
DeVry University-New JerseyIselin$17,488$58,056*$52,465$28,782*0.50
Thomas Edison State UniversityTrenton$6,638$52,977*$66,751$9,200*0.17
National Medianβ€”$54,852*β€”$14,710*0.27
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.

$65,040/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:
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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 49 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.