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

The standout story here is earnings growth: graduates who start at $25,000 reach $37,000 by year four—a 48% jump that's unusually strong for an associate's degree in liberal arts. This suggests students are using the credential as a stepping stone, likely transferring to four-year programs or moving into better-paying roles after gaining experience.

The trade-off is that first-year earnings lag behind both state and national medians, sitting at the 40th percentile among New Jersey community colleges. At $8,625, debt is manageable and below the state median, but it's higher than you'd find at some peer institutions. For a program serving a majority low-income population (53% receive Pell grants), that initial $25,000 salary may feel tight, even with relatively modest debt payments.

The key question is what happens after graduation. If your child plans to transfer and complete a bachelor's degree, that trajectory looks promising based on the four-year earnings bump. If they're planning to enter the workforce immediately after two years, stronger options exist at other New Jersey community colleges—several deliver $27,000+ right out of the gate. This program works best as part of a longer-term educational plan, not as a terminal degree.