Best Community Colleges in New Jersey

Historically, New Jersey has had trouble keeping its college students in state. However, thanks to new and expanding Community College Opportunity Grants, this has become less of an issue. In 2020, the Golden State Guarantee added more than $50 million to the program to pay for up to two years of education at four-year colleges for eligible students.

To try and keep in-state students and expand the educational opportunities for out-of-state learners, New Jersey has developed some of the top online community colleges in the country.

Home to 18 community colleges and several four-year universities, New Jersey offers a lot of educational opportunities, along with several ways to pay for them. In addition to the Community College Opportunity Grants and the Golden State Guarantee, the New Jersey Scholar Program invites New Jersey residents attending universities outside the state to “come home” and attend an in-state college.

The program offers a seamless transition, in-state tuition rates, and additional benefits — regardless of how long the student has lived outside the state.

Due to high housing costs and widespread pandemic-related shutdowns, the state has suffered a great deal during the COVID-19 crisis. However, it is also positioned for many opportunities as restrictions are lifted and the state recovers.

The widespread trend toward greater urbanization means that many pundits are hopeful for a strong economic recovery for New Jersey in the coming years.

New Jersey is the ninth-most expensive state to live in, although wages also tend to be above average. One of the biggest obstacles for students may be finding the right kind of housing, which is more than 40% more expensive than the national average. In contrast, healthcare costs are nearly 12% below average in New Jersey.

The home of hundreds of art organizations, New Jersey features a variety of art, music, and dance, as well as other cultural events and exhibits throughout the state. Larger metropolitan areas maintain a rich nightlife with an abundance of restaurants, clubs, and other attractions.

Winters in New Jersey can be cold, with more snow in the northern part of the state. Bordered on one side by the Atlantic Ocean and by the Delaware River on the other, summers are warm and can be humid. Rainfall is relatively consistent throughout the year, except when it turns to snow in the winter.

Many residents consider New Jersey to be particularly beautiful in the fall, when changing leaves color the landscape and cooler temperatures provide relief from the summer heat.

Over the second half of 2021, New Jersey maintained a fairly consistent unemployment rate of around 7%, but that is improving. While construction is in decline, a lot of other industries are experiencing growth, including healthcare, technology, and leisure and hospitality.

As the economy continues to recover, New Jersey is projected to add jobs and population growth over the next decade. Occupations like physical therapists and health aides — along with many service industry jobs — can expect to see growth.

Physical therapists supervise physical therapist assistants to help patients regain movement and strength after illness, injury, or disease. Assistant positions usually require an associate of science in physical therapy — one of many degrees available from several community colleges in New Jersey.

A radiologic technician uses imaging equipment to examine patients who are ill or injured to determine what kind of treatment they need. Usually, they pass this information along to a physician who makes a final determination. Radiologic technicians generally work full time in doctors’ offices and hospitals.

You need an associate degree to land a job in this field. In New Jersey, you also need to pass a certification test.

A cardiovascular technician, much like a radiological technician, operates specialized equipment to produce images of the heart and cardiovascular system to assist physicians in the diagnostic process. They primarily work in hospitals, but some also work in private imaging clinics and doctors’ offices.

To qualify for these positions, you need an associate degree. In the state of New Jersey, you also need to be certified.

A medical assistant usually performs administrative and clinical duties in a physician’s office or hospital. To qualify for these jobs, you need an associate degree or a career certificate from a vocational school, some experience, and good customer service skills.

Feature Image: Howard Kingsnorth / Stone / Getty Images