Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey

Union College's nursing program commands a premium price—30% more debt than the New Jersey median—but the returns justify the investment. First-year graduates earn $82,581, placing them squarely in the middle of New Jersey's competitive nursing market (60th percentile statewide) while dramatically outperforming the national median by over $14,000. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 means graduates can expect to recover their investment relatively quickly, even with above-average borrowing.

The state comparison reveals interesting nuances: while Union College can't match the extraordinary earnings at Hudson County ($93K) or Eastern International ($90K), its graduates earn comparably to those from Ocean County and Raritan Valley, the state's other well-regarded community college programs. Four-year earnings climb to $89,387, showing continued growth and suggesting these nurses are advancing into higher-paying positions. With 44% of students receiving Pell grants, the program successfully serves lower-income students while delivering strong economic outcomes.

The higher debt is the trade-off here—this isn't the bargain-basement option. But for a nursing associate's degree that places graduates firmly in the upper half of New Jersey's market and far above national norms, the $30,000 investment looks defensible. Parents should verify that in-state community college tuition applies to their situation, as those borrowing significantly more might find better value elsewhere.