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

Sussex County Community College graduates start well behind their New Jersey peers—$22,293 in the first year versus a state median of $25,541—but they catch up fast. By year four, earnings jump 58% to $35,174, significantly outpacing both the state and national medians for this program. Among New Jersey's 29 schools offering this associate degree, Sussex County lands right at the 40th percentile, a middle-of-the-pack position that looks more promising when you consider how dramatically earnings improve over time.

The debt load of $11,375 is slightly above the state median but still manageable, especially given the strong earnings trajectory. That 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio based on first-year income looks less concerning once you factor in where graduates are four years out. The real story here is the earnings acceleration—whether that reflects career advancement, additional credentials, or the local job market working in graduates' favor, something shifts meaningfully between years one and four.

For families weighing this program, understand you're accepting a slower start than at comparable New Jersey community colleges. Camden County and Mercer County graduates, for instance, earn $5,000-6,000 more right out of the gate. But Sussex County's trajectory suggests patience pays off. If your student can weather those first few lean years—perhaps with family support or part-time work—the four-year outlook becomes competitive with programs that start stronger.