CCM grads are N.J.’s top earners among community college students for 3rd straight year

County College of Morris has been ranked No. 1 in New Jersey for associate degree holders who earn the highest salaries for the third straight year, according to PayScale.

PayScale’s 2018-19 “Best Community Colleges in New Jersey by Salary Potential” placed CCM first among 24 institutions of higher education in New Jersey. The 2018-19 report noted that CCM alumni by midcareer, with more than 10 years of work experience, earn an average of $70,700. The PayScale report looked only at those who possess an associate degree and no higher degree.

CCM was followed in the Top 5 by Bergen Community College, Union County College, Mercer County College and Rowan College at Gloucester County.

Raritan Valley Community College, Brookdale Community College, Salem County College, Middlesex County College and Passaic County Community College rounded out the Top 10.

The report also showed that CCM associate degree holders, with five years’ work experience or less, earn an average early career salary of $45,600, which is comparable to salaries of graduates with a bachelor’s degree from mid-level colleges in New Jersey.

In the 2018-19 report, CCM nationally ranks 28 out of 1,120 public community and technical colleges.

“We’re proud to once again earn this recognition of the value of a CCM education,” CCM President Anthony Iacono said.

“Ranking No. 1 for three years in a row is additional confirmation that CCM offers students the high-quality programs and services to achieve their dreams, earn good salaries and make an impact on the world around them.”