When it comes to higher education, students have a few options to choose from.
And one option is on the rise.
Over the last few years, community college undergraduate enrollment has grown 1.2%, according to the American Association of Community Colleges. This is the first increase since the COVID-19 pandemic.
In fact, in 2023 community colleges saw a 2.6% increase or gained 118,000 students, the highest growth of any sector in higher education, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
Some students enjoy the flexibility a community college offers by obtaining an associates degree in less time than it takes to complete a bachelor’s degree and also being the affordable option, according to SmartAsset's latest report.
In the study to determine the Best Community Colleges in the U.S ., the financial advice website compared data on two-year schools across the U.S. that offer associate degrees, have at least 500 full-time enrollees and against retention rates, student-to-faculty ratio, and tuition and fees.
New Jersey has 17 community colleges across the state.
Salem Community College, in Carneys Point, was ranked as the Best Community College in New Jersey.
And here's why:
- Full-time retention rate: 73%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 15
- In-state tuition & fees: $6,930
Best community colleges in New Jersey
The ranking are based on the following metrics from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System for the 2022-2023 school year, according to SmartAsset.
Atlantic Cape Community College in Mays Landing: No. 114
- Full-time retention rate: 68%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 14
- In-state tuition & fees: $6,840
Passaic County Community College in Paterson: No. 161
- Full-time retention rate: 67%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 15
- In-state tuition & fees: $7,350
Mercer County Community College West Windsor: No. 185
- Full-time retention rate: 66%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 16
- In-state tuition & fees: $6,150
Rowan College at Burlington County in Mount Laurel: No. 214
- Full-time retention rate: 68%
- Student-to-faculty ratio:18
- In-state tuition & fees: $5,268
County College of Morris in Randolph: No. 295
- Full-time retention rate: 70%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 17
- In-state tuition & fees: $10,260
Ocean County College in Toms River: No. 313
- Full-time retention rate: 64%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 18
- In-state tuition & fees: $5,320
Warren County Community College in Washington: No. 321
- Full-time retention rate: 64%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 18
- In-state tuition & fees: $5,490
Brookdale Community College in Lincroft: No. 344
- Full-time retention rate: 68%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 18
- In-state tuition & fees: $8,948
Camden County College in Blackwood: No. 358
- Full-time retention rate: 72%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 23
- In-state tuition & fees: $3,744
Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg: No. 370
- Full-time retention rate: 67%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 19
- In-state tuition & fees: $7,296
Bergen Community College in Paramus: No. 454
- Full-time retention rate: 63%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 19
- In-state tuition & fees: $8,438
Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus in Sewell: No. 473
- Full-time retention rate: 70%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 24
- In-state tuition & fees: $5,640
Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus in Vineland: No. 477
- Full-time retention rate: 67%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 23
- In-state tuition & fees: $5,640
Hudson County Community College in Jersey City: No. 511
- Full-time retention rate: 65%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 22
- In-state tuition & fees: $8,390
Union County College in Cranford: No. 523
- Full-time retention rate: 67%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 22
- In-state tuition & fees: $10,562
Essex County College in Newark: No. 560
- Full-time retention rate: 61%
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 24
- In-state tuition & fees: $9,141
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Affordable higher education: Discover NJ's top community colleges (list)
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