- Union College is a public community college in Union County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. It was founded in 1933 as the first of New Jersey's public community colleges. The college has four campuses: Cranford, Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Scotch Plains.
School Highlights
UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ serves 10,973 students (41% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is lower than the state community college average of 19:1.
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 65%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 10,973 students
- In-state tuition: $8,400
- Out-state tuition: $8,400
- Student:teacher ratio: 17:1
- Minority enrollment: 83%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 643 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ
(NJ) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Traditional
Baccalaureate Colleges: Diverse Fields
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Private not-for-profit
Total Faculty
643 staff
445 staff

School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ has grown by 19% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 has increased from 13:1 over five years.
The UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ diversity score of 0.71 is less than the state average of 0.77. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
10,973 students
2,085 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
19:1

# Full-Time Students
4,523 students
766 students

# Part-Time Students
6,450 students
1,319 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
109 students
334 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
4,523 students
766 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
50 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
6,450 students
1,213 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
6 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
20 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a

% Asian
4%
8%

% Hispanic
42%
26%

% Black
28%
15%

% White
17%
35%

% Hawaiian
n/a
1%

% Two or more races
2%
3%

% Non Resident races
1%
2%

% Unknown races
5%
10%


Diversity Score
0.71
0.77

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.3512%
0.3963%

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4413%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$36,100
$36,100

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $8,400 is more than the state average of $5,470. The in-state tuition has declined by 20% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $8,400 is more than the state average of $7,575. The out-state tuition has declined by 20% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$8,400
$5,470

Out-State Tuition Fees
$8,400
$7,575

Tuition Notes
higher tuition for o
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
74%
86%

Median Debt for Graduates
$14,250
$11,000

Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,000
$5,500

Acceptance Rate
n/a
76%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- As the oldest community college in New Jersey, UCC has been serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College has maintained its commitment to scholarship by providing a solid liberal arts foundation while, at the same time, developing new programs and courses that meet the challenges of a rapidly developing society. Union County College offers more than 75 programs of study taught by outstanding faculty on four convenient campuses. UCC also offers the opportunity to earn college credits through various distance learning modes, including blended courses, which combine in person and online class meetings. At UCC, career-minded students can prepare for entry into rewarding careers immediately upon graduation. Students who seek to continue their education after graduation will find a sure path through the several dual admissions and more than fifty transfer and articulation agreements UCC currently has with 4-year institutions throughout the nation. UCC has a reputation for providing its diverse student body with a nurturing and supportive environment. Student services from counseling and financial aid to the tutoring provided by the Academic Learning Centers on each campus are in place to ensure student success. The College also provides customized training and retraining for business and industry, workforce education programs for persons displaced from their jobs or unemployed, continuing and community education programs and courses in varied schedules, at varied locations, and with varied modes of instruction for credit or non-credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ cost?
UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ's tuition is approximately $8,400 for In-State students and $8,400 for Out-State students.
What is UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ's ranking?
UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ ranks among the top 20% of community college in New Jersey for: Largest student body.
Recent Articles

Is Contraception the Answer for College Completion Rates?
This article discusses the "Make it Personal: College Completion" campaign launched by the American Association of Community Colleges. The initiative aims to reduce unplanned pregnancies among community college students to improve completion rates. It explores the campaign's approaches, including curriculum integration and student services, and presents statistics on the impact of unplanned pregnancies on college success.

How a Community College Apprenticeship Improves Your Resume
Learn about the benefits of an apprenticeship during your time at community college and how it can benefit your resume and future career.

Careers: Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Logistics
Explore the dynamic world of customs brokerage and freight forwarding, where precision meets strategy in global logistics. This article delves into the critical role of customs brokers and freight forwarders, who navigate complex regulations and ensure the smooth transit of goods across international borders. Discover the skills and expertise required to excel in this field, from understanding tariff codes to managing documentation and customs clearance. Learn about the impact of these professionals on supply chain efficiency and the opportunities available in this growing industry.