Best Community Colleges in New Jersey 2025
Best Community Colleges in New Jersey
- Camden County College
- Tuition: $4K
- Raritan Valley Community College
- Tuition: $7K
- Brookdale Community College
- Tuition: $9K
- Atlantic Cape Community College
- Tuition: $7K
- County College of Morris
- Tuition: $8K
- Mercer County Community College
- Tuition: $6K
- Essex County College
- Tuition: $9K
- Salem Community College
- Tuition: $7K
- Bergen Community College
- Tuition: $8K
Key Takeaways
- Eighteen schools in New Jersey meet our criteria for the best community colleges in the state.
- Community colleges offer more affordable tuition rates than a traditional four-year college.
- Graduates with an associate degree can often transfer their credits into an accredited bachelor’s degree program.
Best Community Colleges in New Jersey in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
The 4 spots in our 2025 ranking of the best community colleges in New Jersey remain unchanged this year.
Camden County College has expanded its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, supported by a $4 million grant from the state’s “Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act,” aimed at increasing capacity and modernizing facilities.
Additionally, Camden County College is participating in the statewide “Some College, No Degree” initiative, partnering with ReUp Education to reengage adult learners who have previously left college, providing personalized support to facilitate their return and completion of degrees.
Raritan Valley Community College has expanded its use of Open Educational Resources (OER), providing free instructional materials in a growing number of classes, resulting in significant cost savings for students. Since 2018, this initiative has saved RVCC students over $5.3 million, with more than $500,000 saved in the Fall 2024 semester alone.
The top-rated community colleges offer an accessible intro into higher education, with high-quality two-year degree programs in a wide range of disciplines. The best community colleges in New Jersey offer a broad selection of associate’s degrees, affordable tuition rates, and strong partnerships with public four-year schools so that students can easily transfer their credits into accredited bachelor’s degree programs.
Colleges and Universities in New Jersey
There are numerous excellent and highly respected community colleges in New Jersey. Many of these top New Jersey schools are noted for their affordability as well.
Students attending community colleges in New Jersey can earn an associate degree in popular subjects like business management, health services administration, health sciences, and criminal justice. New Jersey is also noted for an extensive technical college system, where students can pursue a wide range of on-campus and online degree programs. The average tuition for a year at one of New Jersey’s 18 community colleges is $6,000.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
What are New Jersey’s Colleges & Universities?
- 9 Research Universities
- 19 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 20 Graduate Schools
- 13 Public Colleges & Universities
- 15 Private Colleges & Universities
- 9 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 12 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 20 Community Colleges
- 13 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 9 Online Colleges
New Jersey’s Best Overall
We’ve identified 18 community colleges in New Jersey. The following list shows the best community colleges and primarily associate degree granting colleges in New Jersey.
Best Community Colleges in New Jersey
- #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in New Jersey 2024 #15 Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology & Informatics #17 Best Online Associate in Psychology #25 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
22%
Student body
16K
Career Outlook for degree at Camden County College
Cost of Degree: $4,056Starting Salary: $37,000What is Camden County College known for?
Camden County College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Camden County College has been an important resource for workforce training and transfer education since 1965.
What we love about CCC:
CCC provides quality postsecondary education to Camden County.
CCC is ideal for students who:
Want a school that offers over 100 degree and certificate programs.
CCC might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer a school that has an enrollment of less than 17,000 annually.
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
32%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for degree at Raritan Valley Community College
Cost of Degree: $7,440Starting Salary: $45,000What is Raritan Valley Community College known for?
Raritan Valley Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Raritan Valley Community College has earned a STARS Gold rating from the AASHE.
What we love about Raritan Valley Community College:
Students are encouraged to participate in clubs and organizations that interest them.
Raritan Valley Community College is ideal for students who:
Excel in a college that ranks high among community colleges in the nation.
Raritan Valley Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Don’t want to join clubs or groups that can distract them from their studies.
- #3 Best Online Associate in Political Science 2025 #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in New Jersey 2024 #8 Best Online Associate's in History Degrees 2025 #11 Best Online Associate in English 2025
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
29%
Student body
14K
Career Outlook for degree at Brookdale Community College
Cost of Degree: $9,056Starting Salary: $39,700What is Brookdale Community College known for?
Brookdale Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Social Work
- Communications
- Nursing
- Computer Science
- Medical
- Sociology
- Business
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
Brookdale Community College offers noncredit classes to over 20,000 students annually.
What we love about Brookdale Community College:
BCC is dedicated to providing everyone equal opportunity.
Brookdale Community College is ideal for students who:
Seek a school that has various events, clubs, and programs for everyone.
Brookdale Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Like a school with fewer campuses.
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
23%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Atlantic Cape Community College
Cost of Degree: $6,913Starting Salary: $32,100What is Atlantic Cape Community College known for?
Atlantic Cape Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Atlantic Cape Community College has over 40 degree programs in nursing, criminal justice, and more.
What we love about Atlantic Cape Community College:
ACCC has transfer agreements with other colleges nationwide to help students finish their bachelor’s degrees.
Atlantic Cape Community College is ideal for students who:
Seek a college that offers career and transfer degree programs.
Atlantic Cape Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
We are looking for a college with a student-faculty ratio of lower than 19:1.
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
33%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for degree at County College of Morris
Cost of Degree: $10,530Starting Salary: $43,200What is County College of Morris known for?
County College of Morris’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Engineering
- Medical
- Political Science
- Nursing
- Business
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
County College of Morris offers industry-aligned programs, including education, computers, and sciences.
What we love about County College of Morris:
CCM helps its students make their marks, network, and engage with potential employers.
County College of Morris is ideal for students who:
Want a college that helps them level up their professional credentials.
County College of Morris might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer a college with a gender-balanced student population.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
17%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for degree at Mercer County Community College
Cost of Degree: $6,433Starting Salary: $38,500What is Mercer County Community College known for?
Mercer County Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Mercer County Community College provides educational opportunities through an open-door admission policy.
What we love about Mercer County Community College:
MCCC has been making a huge impact on Mercer County’s economy since 1966.
Mercer County Community College is ideal for students who:
Want a college that accepts part-time students.
Mercer County Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer a larger university with over 10,000 enrolled students.
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
17%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for degree at Essex County College
Cost of Degree: $9,318Starting Salary: $34,300What is Essex County College known for?
Essex County College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Essex County College has been enriching lives for over 50 years now.
What we love about Essex County College:
ECC offers academic programs that support the needs of its local community.
Essex County College is ideal for students who:
Are searching for a college that offers continuing education for lifelong learners.
Essex County College might not be the best fit for students who:
Favor a college that offers four-year bachelor’s degrees.
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
40%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Salem Community College
Cost of Degree: $7,140Starting Salary: $34,500What is Salem Community College known for?
Salem Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Salem Community College is the epicenter for personalized, affordable, and quality education for transfer or workforce.
What we love about Salem Community College:
SCC is committed to enhancing the lives of Salem residents.
Salem Community College is ideal for students who:
Thrives in a school that respects and accepts everyone.
Salem Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Favor a college in an urban setting.
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
25%
Student body
15K
Career Outlook for degree at Bergen Community College
Cost of Degree: $8,613Starting Salary: $42,500What is Bergen Community College known for?
Bergen Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Bergen Community College is the biggest community college in New Jersey.
What we love about Bergen Community College:
BCC prioritizes accessible, affordable, and quality education for all.
Bergen Community College is ideal for students who:
Prefer the number one college in the state.
Bergen Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Are not interested in connected learning.
- #8 Best Online Associate Degrees in New Jersey 2024 #8 Best Online Certificate in Liberal Arts and Humanities Ranked for Students 2025 #14 Best Online Associate in Health Science Degree Programs #14 Best Online Associate in Political Science 2025
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
29%
Student body
11K
Career Outlook for degree at Rowan College at Burlington County
Cost of Degree: $5,376Starting Salary: $39,700What is Rowan College at Burlington County known for?
Rowan College at Burlington County’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Rowan College at Burlington County transforms lives through quality and affordable education.
What we love about Rowan College at Burlington County:
RCBC offers a 3+1 program that helps students solve their debt problems.
Rowan College at Burlington County is ideal for students who:
Value a college that helps them explore external funding for their education.
Rowan College at Burlington County might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer larger classroom settings with more peers to engage with.
- #6 Best Online Associate Degrees in New Jersey 2024 #15 Best Online Associate in Health Science Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
17%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at Hudson County Community College
Cost of Degree: $8,740Starting Salary: $34,500What is Hudson County Community College known for?
Hudson County Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Hudson County Community College offers over 90 credit and noncredit programs that can lead to bachelor’s degrees.
What we love about Hudson County Community College:
HCCC is committed to addressing students’ holistic needs.
Hudson County Community College is ideal for students who:
Prioritize a college that offers classes in the days, evenings, and weekends.
Hudson County Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Believe that small class sizes tend to be an invasion of their privacy.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
32%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Rowan College of South Jersey
Cost of Degree: $5,820Starting Salary: $38,900What is Rowan College of South Jersey known for?
Rowan College of South Jersey’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Rowan College of South Jersey offers 100+ degree and certificate programs to help students build experience at low costs.
What we love about Rowan College of South Jersey:
RCSJ has been recognized for its commitment to excellence and equity.
Rowan College of South Jersey is ideal for students who:
Desire a college that allows them to complete three years of coursework plus one year at an accredited university to earn a bachelor’s degree.
RCSJ might not be the best fit for students who:
Find joy in a college in an urban location.
- #11 Best Online Associate Degrees in New Jersey 2024 #25 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies #25 Best Online Associate in Computer Science Degree Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
40%
Student body
13K
Career Outlook for degree at Ocean County College
Cost of Degree: $5,122Starting Salary: $39,600What is Ocean County College known for?
Ocean County College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Ocean County College provides certificate, credit, noncredit, career, licensing, and workforce training programs.
What we love about Ocean County College:
OCCC offers classes at 19 off-campus sites through Ocean County.
Ocean County College is ideal for students who:
Seek a college that holds classes in the evenings and weekends.
Ocean County College might not be the best fit for students who:
Want a college that has a student-faculty ratio of lower than 18:1.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
100%
Student body
<1K
What is Assumption College for Sisters known for?
Assumption College for Sisters offers a two-year, integrated liberal arts and theological study program.
What we love about Assumption College for Sisters:
ACS offers full scholarships to Sisters from developing nations.
Assumption College for Sisters is ideal for students who:
Prefer a college that is dedicated to educating women.
Assumption College for Sisters might not be the best fit for students who:
Are male and want to pursue a college education.
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
13%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Passaic County Community College
Cost of Degree: $7,590Starting Salary: $32,200What is Passaic County Community College known for?
Passaic County Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Passaic County Community College offers 80+ career and transfer programs to prepare students in high-demand fields.
What we love about Passaic County Community College:
Passaic County Community College professors are engaging and provide one-on-one support.
Passaic County Community College is ideal for students who:
Prefer a college with a vibrant campus life.
Passaic County Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Would opt for a college with just one or two campuses.
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
33%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Sussex County Community College
Cost of Degree: $7,272Starting Salary: $37,700What is Sussex County Community College known for?
Sussex County Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Sussex County Community College offers transfer, career, and technical degrees to cater to different career goals.
What we love about Sussex County Community College:
SCCC has a beautiful location with 12 academic buildings and three ponds.
Sussex County Community College is ideal for students who:
Value a college that has programs for transfer to four-year degrees.
Sussex County Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Favor a private college with a larger student population.
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
31%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Warren County Community College
Cost of Degree: $5,610Starting Salary: $36,500What is Warren County Community College known for?
Warren County Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Warren County Community College provides quality and accessible learning opportunities to enhance students’ success.
What we love about Warren County Community College:
WCCC offers degree and certificate programs available on-campus and online.
Warren County Community College is ideal for students who:
Want a college that offers transfer programs in liberal arts and sciences.
Warren County Community College might not be the best fit for students who:
Would opt for a college with a religious community.
- #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in New Jersey 2024 #6 Best Online Associate in Health Science Degree Programs #11 Best Online Certificate in Liberal Arts and Humanities Ranked for Students 2025 #24 Best Online Associate in Sociology
Tuition + fees
$11K
Graduation
35%
Student body
11K
Career Outlook for degree at Union College
Cost of Degree: $9,500Starting Salary: $37,100What is Union College known for?
Union College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Union College is a union of bright-minded and courageous people.
What we love about Union College:
UC has a comprehensive financial aid program with over $80 million in aid.
Union College is ideal for students who:
Value a school that is among the top 50 private colleges with the highest ROI.
Union College might not be the best fit for students who:
Don’t want a school with lots of clubs, organizations, and activities that can distract them.
