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Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in New Jersey

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2023 Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in New Jersey

18 Schools Ranked
$9,872 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$14,340 Avg Student Debt

Today's trade school students have lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Trade College Search has created the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in New Jersey to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 18 schools in New Jersey to see which ones offered the best associate degree programs for trade school students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Trade Associate Degree Schools in New Jersey

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Union County College

Cranford, New Jersey
1,519 Total Awards
$11,937 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Union County College the best school in New Jersey for trade school students working on their associate degree. This medium-sized public school is located in Cranford, New Jersey, and it awarded 1,519 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Associate Degree recipients from Union County College accumulate an average of $11,937 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Union County College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2020-2021 about 73% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Union County College

#2

County College of Morris

Randolph, New Jersey
1,107 Total Awards
$10,260 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,222 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend County College of Morris. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in New Jersey list. County College of Morris is a public institution located in Randolph, New Jersey. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,107 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $10,260 in tuition and fees if they attend County College of Morris full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $14,040. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,222 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at County College of Morris. During the 2020-2021 year, about 43% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#3

Middlesex County College

Edison, New Jersey
1,616 Total Awards
$6,876 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,350 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Middlesex County College is a great place for trade school students working on their associate degree. Middlesex County College is a public institution located in Edison, New Jersey. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,616 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Middlesex County College does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $6,876. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Middlesex County College accumulate an average of $9,350 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Middlesex County College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2020-2021 year, about 79% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Middlesex County College

#4

Thomas Edison State University

Trenton, New Jersey
430 Total Awards
$15,208 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 18 schools in New Jersey that were part of this year’s ranking, Thomas Edison State University landed the # 4 spot on the list. Trenton, New Jersey is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 430 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,208 in student loans.

TESU is one of the schools on our list that is primarily online. Each undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Read full report on Thomas Edison State University

#5

Raritan Valley Community College

Branchburg, New Jersey
1,068 Total Awards
$7,296 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,194 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at Raritan Valley Community College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best trade school schools in New Jersey. RVCC is a public institution located in Branchburg, New Jersey. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,068 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend RVCC, expect to pay an average of $7,296 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from RVCC accumulate an average of $11,194 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at RVCC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 32% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#6

Bergen Community College

Paramus, New Jersey
2,011 Total Awards
$8,438 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,518 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Bergen Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Located in Paramus, New Jersey, the fairly large public school handed out 2,011 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

Students from New Jersey who attend Bergen Community College full time pay an average of $8,438 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,822. Associate Degree recipients from Bergen Community College accumulate an average of $14,518 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Bergen Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 87% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Bergen Community College

#7

Salem Community College

Carneys Point, New Jersey
212 Total Awards
$12,695 Avg Student Debt

Salem Community College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in New Jersey ranking. Salem County College is located in Carneys Point, New Jersey and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 212 associate degrees to qualified students.

On average, associate degree students take out $12,695 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Salem County College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 64% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Salem Community College Report

#8

Brookdale Community College

Lincroft, New Jersey
1,611 Total Awards
$8,948 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,160 Avg Student Debt

Brookdale Community College came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in New Jersey ranking. Brookdale Community College is located in Lincroft, New Jersey and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,611 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Brookdale Community College is $8,948. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,698. Associate Degree recipients from Brookdale Community College accumulate an average of $13,160 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Brookdale Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 32% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Brookdale Community College Report

#9

Eastwick College - Nutley

Nutley, New Jersey
120 Total Awards
$15,327 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,711 Avg Student Debt

Eastwick College - Nutley did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #9 on the list. Eastwick College - Nutley is a very small private for-profit school located in Nutley, New Jersey that handed out 120 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Eastwick College - Nutley, expect to pay an average of $15,327 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,711 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Eastwick College - Nutley does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 93% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Eastwick College - Nutley Report

#10

Berkeley College - Woodland Park

Woodland Park, New Jersey
251 Total Awards
$27,138 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,035 Avg Student Debt

Berkeley College - Woodland Park landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. This small private for-profit school is located in Woodland Park, New Jersey, and it awarded 251 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Berkeley College - Woodland Park is $27,138. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $20,035 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Berkeley College - Woodland Park does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 80% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#11

Rowan College at Burlington County

Mount Laurel, New Jersey
1,619 Total Awards
$5,268 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,402 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Rowan College at Burlington County did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. RCBC is located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,619 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at RCBC is $5,268. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,828. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,402 in student loans.

One thing to take note of is that RCBC does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 77% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#12

Essex County College

Newark, New Jersey
1,102 Total Awards
$9,141 Average Tuition & Fees

Essex County College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in New Jersey ranking. Newark, New Jersey is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 1,102 students in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Essex is $9,141. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid.

One thing to take note of is that Essex does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 22% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Essex County College Report

#13

Camden County College

Blackwood, New Jersey
1,132 Total Awards
$3,744 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,672 Avg Student Debt

Camden County College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #13 on the list. Camden County College is a public institution located in Blackwood, New Jersey. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,132 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $3,744 to cover tuition and fees at Camden County College. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,672 in student loans.

Camden County College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 65% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Camden County College

1,016 Total Awards
$5,640 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,420 Avg Student Debt

Rowan College of South Jersey Gloucester Campus did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #14 on the list. RCSJ is a public institution located in Sewell, New Jersey. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,016 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at RCSJ is $5,640. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,420 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at RCSJ. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 78% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Rowan College of South Jersey Gloucester Campus

#15

Hudson County Community College

Jersey City, New Jersey
1,186 Total Awards
$8,390 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,945 Avg Student Debt

Hudson County Community College landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. HCCC is a medium-sized public school situated in Jersey City, New Jersey. It awarded 1,186 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from New Jersey who attend HCCC full time pay an average of $8,390 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $11,798. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,945 in student loans.

Online courses are available at HCCC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 71% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Hudson County Community College

#16

Atlantic Cape Community College

Mays Landing, New Jersey
808 Total Awards
$6,840 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,591 Avg Student Debt

Atlantic Cape Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #16 on the list. Atlantic Cape Community College is a small public school located in Mays Landing, New Jersey that handed out 808 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from New Jersey who attend Atlantic Cape Community College full time pay an average of $6,840 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,340. On average, associate degree students take out $14,591 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Atlantic Cape Community College. In 2020-2021 about 77% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#17

Eastwick College - Hackensack

Hackensack, New Jersey
216 Total Awards
$17,424 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,483 Avg Student Debt

Eastwick College - Hackensack ranked #17 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in New Jersey list. Eastwick College - Hackensack is located in Hackensack, New Jersey and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 216 associate degrees to qualified students.

If you want to attend Eastwick College - Hackensack, expect to pay an average of $17,424 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Eastwick College - Hackensack accumulate an average of $22,483 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, Eastwick College - Hackensack is an excellent choice, since the school is online.

Full Eastwick College - Hackensack Report

#18

Passaic County Community College

Paterson, New Jersey
554 Total Awards
$7,350 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,578 Avg Student Debt

Passaic County Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #18 on the list. PCCC is a medium-sized public school situated in Paterson, New Jersey. It awarded 554 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from New Jersey pay an average of $7,350 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend PCCC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,390. On average, associate degree students take out $10,578 in loans while pursuing their degree.

PCCC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 64% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

Best Trade Associate Degree Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 18 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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