Head-to-head · 2026
Essex County College vs UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for Essex County College, 2 for UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey — even split.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Essex County College | UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 20.98 ✓ | 12.59 |
| Avg net price | $4,436 ✓ | $8,257 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $37,230 | $41,595 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 19.9% | 35.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | — | $15,091 |
| Enrollment | 5,855 | 7,939 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Wins | 2 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey costs $3,821 more per year than Essex County College ($8,257 vs $4,436). UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey graduates report $4,365 higher median earnings after ten years ($41,595 vs $37,230). On EduGradify's model that puts Essex County College ahead on projected ROI (20.98 vs 12.59, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Essex County College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, neither school reports a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data, so this matchup should lean on price, outcomes and fit instead.
Frequently asked
Essex County College vs UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Essex County College or UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey the better value?
Essex County College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (20.98 vs 12.59), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Essex County College is cheaper — average net price $4,436 per year vs $8,257 at UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey. The annual difference of $3,821 adds up to about $15,284 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $41,595 vs $37,230 at Essex County College. The annual gap in the federal data is $4,365.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Essex County College reports a A+ value grade; UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey reports A.