Essex County College
Out-of-state tuition
$9,523
$20,023 with room and board
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
7,026
Student-faculty ratio 26:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
20.8%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 27.7%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Essex County College, located in Newark, New Jersey, is a prominent community college known for its commitment to providing accessible and high-quality education to a diverse student population. Established in 1968, the college offers a wide range of programs and courses designed to meet the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students. With a focus on academic excellence, Essex County College provides students with the opportunity to earn associate degrees, certificates, and to transfer to four-year institutions. The college boasts an impressive selection of academic programs, particularly in fields such as health sciences, business, and liberal arts, making it an attractive choice for students seeking to advance their careers or continue their education.
The campus environment at Essex County College is vibrant and inclusive, fostering a sense of community among students, faculty, and staff. The college emphasizes student engagement through various extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations that cater to a wide array of interests. Moreover, the faculty at Essex County College are dedicated and experienced professionals who provide personalized support and guidance to students throughout their academic journeys. The college's strategic location in Newark allows for strong ties with local businesses and industries, enhancing internship and job placement opportunities for graduates. Additionally, Essex County College is committed to promoting student success and lifelong learning, encapsulated in its motto: "Education is the Key to Success." This guiding principle underscores the institution’s mission to empower individuals through education, thereby contributing to the overall development of the community.
Analysis of Essex County College Data Trends
The data from Essex County College reveals significant trends in tuition costs, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention rates over the years.
Firstly, the tuition fees for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students have shown a consistent upward trajectory. Starting from $5,988 in 2014, the tuition has climbed to $9,318 by 2024. This represents a substantial increase of approximately 55% over a decade, which raises concerns about affordability for prospective students. The rising costs of education are a nationwide trend, often leading students to incur significant debt.
In parallel, student enrollment has been on a decline, dropping from 12,175 in 2014 to 6,466 in 2023. This 47% decrease suggests that the increasing tuition could be a deterrent for potential students, reflecting a broader issue in higher education where rising costs are not met with proportional increases in enrollment.
Graduation rates also present a mixed picture. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students has varied, with a notable increase from 1.3% in 2013 to 3.7% in 2023. While this improvement is promising, it remains critically low, indicating that a significant number of students are struggling to complete their degrees within the standard timeframe.
Lastly, retention rates have fluctuated but show a slight recovery in recent years, rising from around 50% in 2013 to approximately 61% in 2022. This upward trend is encouraging, as it suggests that more students are choosing to stay at the college, possibly due to improved support services or academic programs.
In conclusion, while Essex County College has made some strides in retention and graduation rates, the stark increase in tuition and the decrease in enrollment raise important questions about accessibility and the overall sustainability of the institution's educational model. The college may need to explore strategies to enhance affordability and attract a larger student body while continuing to improve student outcomes.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- New York, about 15 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), about 3 mi
- Also known as
- Essex
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Augustine Boakye (President)
- Phone
- 9738773000
- City
- Newark, New Jersey
- Address
- 303 University Ave, Newark, NJ 07102
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Essex County College
The graduation data from Essex County College reveals some interesting trends in the distribution of degrees awarded across various fields. Notably, the Health Services and Health Sciences categories dominate the associate degree completions, with over 200 graduates, highlighting the strong demand for skilled professionals in the healthcare sector. This aligns with the ongoing growth in healthcare employment opportunities, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has further emphasized the importance of health-related professions.
In the field of Social Sciences, there were 81 associate degree graduates, with a noteworthy number of international students, indicating a global interest in this area of study. This trend can be associated with the increasing awareness of social issues and the need for professionals equipped to address them in diverse communities.
On the engineering front, while the numbers for associate degrees are relatively modest, the specialized nature of these programs suggests a targeted approach to education that may lead to high job placements in technical fields. Moreover, the lack of bachelor’s and master’s degree completions in most categories indicates a potential area for growth and development for the college, as expanding upper-level offerings could better serve the educational needs of students.
The data also underscores the importance of international students in certain disciplines, such as Health Services and Business Administration, which comprised a small but vital percentage of total graduates. This trend is crucial for the college, as attracting international students can enhance its diversity and broaden its educational impact.
Overall, the graduation data from Essex County College reflects not only current educational trends but also the changing demands of the job market, particularly in healthcare and social sciences. The college's ability to adapt and expand its offerings in response to these trends will be critical for future success.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | - | |
| Physical Therapy Assistant. | $62,924 | |
| Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist. | $69,428 | |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other. | $34,552 | |
| Opticianry/Ophthalmic Dispensing Optician. | - | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $91,233 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $36,401 | |
| Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management. | $36,401 | |
| Accounting. | $31,000 | |
| Finance, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $24,028 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences, General. | $33,051 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | - | |
| Computer Programming/Programmer, General. | - | |
| Network and System Administration/Administrator. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Educational/Instructional Technology. | - | |
| Teacher Education, Multiple Levels. | $33,377 | |
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Police Science. | $38,187 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Art/Art Studies, General. | - | |
| Music, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
Students
7,026 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 40:60 · Freshman retention 55.9%
- Continuing undergraduates 4,145
- First-year undergraduates 1,041
- Transfers and others 1,840
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (7,026)
Data insights
Student Demographics at Essex County College in 2023
In 2023, Essex County College showcases a diverse student body, with a total enrollment across various categories of students. The data reveals that undergraduate freshmen constitute the largest group, with 1,447 students, where 46% are male and 54% are female. This slight female majority is consistent with trends observed in many higher education institutions, where females tend to enroll in greater numbers than males.
The population of undergraduate juniors is significant as well, totaling 4,074. Here, the gender distribution shows a more pronounced female dominance, with 36.8% males and 63.2% females. This pattern suggests a potential challenge in retaining male students compared to their female counterparts, a concern echoed in national discussions regarding male enrollment in higher education.
In terms of diversity within these categories, the undergraduate transfer students represent a smaller portion, with 209 individuals, and maintain a similar gender ratio, with 40.7% male and 59.3% female. The overall number of students categorized as non-degree seeking stands at 736, which also reflects a higher female representation.
This demographic snapshot not only highlights the gender disparity in higher education enrollment but also underscores the need for targeted outreach strategies to enhance male participation. As colleges and universities continue to adapt and respond to demographic shifts, understanding these patterns will be crucial for developing inclusive programs that cater to all students.
Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Essex County College
The student age demographics at Essex County College in 2023 reveal significant insights into the composition of the student body. Notably, the largest age group is comprised of students aged 18-19, with 720 male undergraduates and 755 female undergraduates, indicating a strong representation of younger students. This aligns with national trends, as many institutions see a surge in enrollment among recent high school graduates.
The data shows that as age increases, the number of students decreases significantly, particularly among male undergraduates, where the numbers drop from 720 in the 18-19 age group to just 11 for those aged over 65. This trend points to the challenges faced by older individuals in pursuing higher education, potentially due to work and family commitments.
Interestingly, there are no graduate male students reported in any age category, suggesting that Essex County College may not offer graduate programs or that there is a significant gender imbalance in graduate enrollment. The absence of graduate female students further underscores this possibility.
Overall, the gender balance among undergraduates is noteworthy, with a higher number of females in almost every age category. For example, in the 25-29 age group, there are 494 female undergraduates compared to 276 male undergraduates, showcasing a trend of increasing female participation in higher education.
This demographic data can assist the college in tailoring its programs and support services to meet the needs of its diverse student population, ensuring that both young and older students feel included and supported in their educational journeys.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
804 in 2025 · 7.7% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Essex County College
The data on international students at Essex County College reveals significant fluctuations in enrollment from 2004 to 2023. Over these years, the total number of undergraduate students has varied, with a notable peak in 2009, reaching 12,318 students. Interestingly, the proportion of international students has shown an overall increasing trend, with a notable jump in 2011, where the percentage reached 14.22%. This spike could be attributed to the institution's efforts to enhance its global outreach and attract a more diverse student body.
However, the following years displayed volatility, particularly in 2010, where the number of international students significantly dropped to 638, resulting in a low percentage of 4.79%. This decline may reflect broader economic factors or changes in immigration policies affecting student mobility at the time.
From 2017 onwards, we observe a resurgence in the percentage of international students, peaking again in 2019 at 10.11% and maintaining a steady percentage of around 10% in subsequent years. This stability could indicate that the college has established a more consistent framework for attracting and retaining international students, despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic in 2020.
Overall, while the total undergraduate enrollment has seen ups and downs, the increasing percentage of international students suggests a growing recognition of the value that diversity brings to the academic environment at Essex County College. Moving forward, it will be essential for the college to continue fostering an inclusive atmosphere that supports international students, ensuring a rich cultural exchange that benefits all.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$20,023
- Undergraduate tuition
- $9,523
- Room and board
- $10,500
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 29% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose -5%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$112M
Expenses$91.8M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
| NJCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 25 | 17 |
| Soccer | 21 | 16 |
| Basketball | 13 | 9 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 30 | 11 |
| Soccer | 24 | 14 |
| Basketball | 15 | 6 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 34 | 15 |
| Soccer | 23 | 14 |
| Basketball | 13 | 13 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Stevens Institute of TechnologyHoboken · 8.0 mi
U.S. News #59
-
New York UniversityNew York · 9.5 mi
U.S. News #31
-
Barnard CollegeNew York · 12.3 mi
Liberal Arts #19
-
Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York · 12.3 mi
U.S. News #12
-
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick · 21.7 mi
U.S. News #44
-
Princeton UniversityPrinceton · 36.9 mi
U.S. News #2
-
The United States Military Academy at West PointWest Point · 46.4 mi
Liberal Arts #9
-
Lafayette CollegeEaston · 54.1 mi
Liberal Arts #30
-
Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook · 56.6 mi
U.S. News #59
Data insights
Here are some notable universities near Essex County College:
-
Rutgers University-Newark - Ranked 82nd in the 2024 US News, Rutgers University-Newark is part of the Rutgers system and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
New Jersey Institute of Technology - With a rank of 86, NJIT is known for its strong emphasis on engineering, technology, and the sciences.
-
Stevens Institute of Technology - Ranked 76th, Stevens is recognized for its engineering and business programs, and is located in Hoboken, NJ.
-
New York University - A prestigious institution ranked 35th, NYU is renowned for its diverse academic offerings and vibrant campus life in the heart of New York City.
-
Columbia University in the City of New York - Ranked 12th in the nation, Columbia is an Ivy League university known for its rigorous academics and distinguished faculty.
-
Princeton University - As the top-ranked university (1st), Princeton is an Ivy League institution famous for its strong liberal arts education and research programs.
These universities provide a range of academic opportunities and are highly regarded in their respective fields.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Essex County College
The crime statistics at Essex County College over the years reveal a significant downward trend in criminal incidents, particularly in the last few years. The average crimes per 1,000 students sharply decreased from 1.34 in 2013 to a mere 0.15 in 2023. This reduction indicates a notable improvement in campus safety and possibly the effectiveness of crime prevention strategies implemented by the college.
In 2017, the college witnessed a peak in crime rates with an average of 1.77 incidents per 1,000 students, predominantly due to gun-related arrests. However, subsequent years show a drastic decline, culminating in 2021 where no crimes were recorded. Such a drop can be attributed to various factors, including increased campus security measures, community engagement programs, and perhaps broader societal trends towards reduced crime rates in educational institutions.
Moreover, the data suggests that while gun-related incidents have historically been a concern, the absence of such events in recent years may reflect not only successful interventions at the college level but also a broader decline in violent crime rates across the nation.
Despite the overall positive trend, the presence of even minor incidents, such as a couple of drug-related arrests in 2022 and 2023, highlights the importance of ongoing vigilance and proactive measures to ensure student safety. Continuous monitoring and adaptation of safety protocols will be crucial as the college moves forward.
For further understanding of crime rate calculations, refer to the following link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Essex County College include Adèle Mafogang (Cameroonian athletics competitor), Jerry Gant (Visual and performance artist and poet) and Ronald Rice (New Jersey state senator).
-
Adèle Mafogang 1998–
Cameroonian athletics competitor
-
Jerry Gant 1963–2018
Visual and performance artist and poet
-
Ronald Rice 1945–2023
New Jersey state senator
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.