Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Hudson County Community College

Hudson County Community College's Liberal Arts associate program catches graduates at a challenging starting point—$25,541 in year one—but the trajectory tells a more optimistic story. Earnings jump 37% by year four to nearly $35,000, suggesting graduates either continue their education or find their footing in the workforce. While below the national median initially, this program actually outperforms 60% of similar New Jersey programs, which matters significantly for a local community college where most students stay in-state.

The $10,000 debt load is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.39—well below concerning levels. For a student body where 56% receive Pell grants, keeping debt under five figures while establishing a foundation for future growth represents a reasonable tradeoff. The gap between HCCC and New Jersey's top performers like Thomas Edison State ($50,524) or Burlington County ($28,376) is substantial, but those comparisons may reflect different student populations and transfer patterns rather than program quality alone.

For families considering this program, the key question is what comes next. If your child plans to transfer to a four-year school, this provides an affordable entry point with decent relative performance among New Jersey community colleges. If they're entering the workforce directly, understand that year-one earnings will be tight, though the strong growth rate suggests opportunities emerge with experience.