Essex County College is a public 2-year college in Newark, New Jersey with 5,855 undergraduates. It has open admission, costs an average of $6,242 a year after grants and graduates 18% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Essex County College acceptance rate and admissions
Essex County College has open admission: it admits students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs, such as nursing or other health fields, can have their own entry requirements.
Essex County College tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26) | $5,631 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, out-of-state (2025-26) | $9,821 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $14,939 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $6,242 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $6,242 a year after grants and scholarships, $8,697 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Essex County College's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Essex County College graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 18% of first-time, full-time students finished within three years (students who started in 2022).
- Former students earned a median of $43,365 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
Earnings compared
Trade and career programs at Essex County College
Certificate and associate programs in the trades we track. One-year earnings are for graduates of 2020-21 and 2021-22, four-year earnings for graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, both in 2024 dollars.
| Program | Credential | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN and CNA | Certificate | 38 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Associate degree | 15 | $62,924 | $61,635 | n/a |
| Paralegal | Associate degree | 14 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Associate degree | 12 | $69,428 | n/a | n/a |
| Paralegal | Certificate | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Massage therapy | Certificate | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 5,855 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 60% women, 40% men
- 26 students for every faculty member
- Setting: large city
- Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to get into Essex County College?
No. Essex County College has open admission for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may have extra requirements.
How much does Essex County College cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $5,631 for in-state students and $9,821 for out-of-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $6,242 a year in 2024-25.
What is the graduation rate at Essex County College?
18% of first-time, full-time students finished within three years.
How much do Essex County College graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $43,365 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in New Jersey · colleges in Newark · Essex County College on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.