Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey

Union College's liberal arts associate program starts modestly but shows something that matters more: trajectory. While first-year earnings of $26,000 trail the national average by about $1,200, graduates see a 27% income boost by year four, reaching nearly $33,000. That growth rate suggests students are successfully using this degree as intended—as a stepping stone to better opportunities or bachelor's programs. With debt under $9,500, the financial risk stays manageable even during those initial lower-earning years.

The New Jersey context adds an interesting dimension. This program lands at the 60th percentile among state competitors, outperforming the state median despite falling slightly below national figures. New Jersey's higher cost of living makes those early earnings stretch less far, but Union College keeps debt lower than most state alternatives. Nearly half of students receive Pell grants, and the program appears to serve that population without saddling them with crushing debt loads.

For families considering this path, the key question is whether your student plans to transfer to a four-year school or enter the workforce directly. The earnings growth suggests that graduates who leverage this degree actively see real returns, but starting at $26,000 in New Jersey means tight budgets initially. The modest debt makes this a reasonable launching pad, not a financial trap.