Analysis
Passaic County Community College's business associate's degree costs just $5,500 in median debt—less than half what students typically borrow statewide and among the lowest in the nation. That's the headline here: you're getting into a business program with minimal financial risk, even if the initial earnings lag slightly behind New Jersey's median by about $1,200.
What makes this particularly interesting is the earnings trajectory. Graduates start at $35,905 but reach $47,475 by year four—a 32% jump that suggests the degree opens doors to advancement. While the program ranks in the 40th percentile among New Jersey business associate's programs initially, that strong growth rate narrows the gap considerably. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.15 means your child would owe less than two months' salary, giving them breathing room to focus on career development rather than loan payments.
The college serves a predominantly working-class population (53% receive Pell grants), which may explain both the conservative borrowing levels and the solid upward mobility in earnings. For families prioritizing affordability and a low-risk entry into business careers, this combination of minimal debt and strong earnings growth is hard to beat.
Where Passaic County Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Passaic County Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passaic County Community College | $35,905 | $47,475 | +32% |
| Thomas More University | $83,571 | $68,202 | -18% |
| Raritan Valley Community College | $38,387 | $51,934 | +35% |
| Strayer University-New Jersey | $44,154 | $47,516 | +8% |
| UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey | $27,225 | $46,445 | +71% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Business/Commerce associates's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Passaic County Community CollegePaterson | $5,580 | $35,905 | $47,475 | $5,500 | 0.15 |
 Strayer University-New JerseyPiscataway | $13,920 | $44,154 | $47,516 | $32,810 | 0.74 |
 Raritan Valley Community CollegeBranchburg | $5,520 | $38,387 | $51,934 | $8,287 | 0.22 |
 UCNJ Union College of Union County New JerseyCranford | $5,280 | $27,225 | $46,445 | $6,456 | 0.24 |
| National Median | — | $36,591 | — | $13,437 | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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 Passaic County Community College, approximately 53% 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 31 graduates with reported earnings and 35 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.