Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Jersey College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Jersey College's nursing program delivers strong earnings that outpace national averages, but comes with a significant premium that raises questions about value. Graduates earn nearly $80,000 in their first year—placing this program in the 90th percentile nationally and well above the national median of $68,409. However, at $37,010 in median debt, students pay nearly double what's typical for nursing programs nationally ($20,751) and in New Jersey ($21,000).
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 means graduates carry manageable debt relative to their income, but the concern is stagnant wage growth—earnings actually decrease slightly from year one to year four. More troubling is the program's middling performance within New Jersey, ranking only in the 60th percentile among state nursing programs despite the premium cost. Several community colleges in the state achieve comparable or better earnings outcomes (Hudson County CC at $92,941, Ocean County at $82,925) likely with much lower debt burdens.
While nursing remains a solid career choice with strong starting salaries, this particular program appears overpriced for what it delivers. The high debt burden isn't justified by superior earnings growth or standout performance relative to New Jersey alternatives. Your child would likely achieve similar career outcomes at a fraction of the cost through a community college nursing program in the state.
Where Jersey College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing 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 Jersey College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Jersey College graduates earn $80k, placing them in the 90th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (23 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jersey College | $79,852 | $79,614 | $37,010 | 0.46 |
| Hudson County Community College | $92,941 | $87,803 | $21,000 | 0.23 |
| Eastern International College-Jersey City | $90,216 | $92,149 | $32,756 | 0.36 |
| Ocean County College | $82,925 | $73,281 | $22,418 | 0.27 |
| UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey | $82,581 | $89,387 | $30,195 | 0.37 |
| Raritan Valley Community College | $82,020 | $81,224 | $19,145 | 0.23 |
| National Median | $68,409 | — | $20,751 | 0.30 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in New Jersey
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hudson County Community College Jersey City | $5,020 | $92,941 | $21,000 |
| Eastern International College-Jersey City Jersey City | $18,947 | $90,216 | $32,756 |
| Ocean County College Toms River | $4,690 | $82,925 | $22,418 |
| UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey Cranford | $5,280 | $82,581 | $30,195 |
| Raritan Valley Community College Branchburg | $5,520 | $82,020 | $19,145 |
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 Jersey College, approximately 58% 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 773 graduates with reported earnings and 1241 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.