Essex County College (ECC, ) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Essex County College, also known as ECC, is a two-year community college with open access to allow students of various backgrounds and abilities to receive an education.

The school’s main campus is located in the University Heights neighborhood of Newark, New Jersey, near Rutgers’ Newark campus and NJIT. Classes are also offered at the West Essex campus in nearby West Caldwell and satellite centers throughout the county, as well as the Police Academy program in the town of Cedar Grove.

Information Summary

Ranks 67th in New Jersey and 3646th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	38.9
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$20,255
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	38 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	52% / 32%
Enrollment Total (all students)	7,514

Academics

ECC students may pursue Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees; professional and technical certificates, and take numerous non-degree and continuing education courses.

The college offers nearly 550 courses and more than 70 different majors. Popular programs of study include architectural science, biotechnology, business administration, legal studies, chemical technology, computer aided drafting technology, African studies, mathematics, radiography, respiratory care, and technical studies.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Gallery

Unique Programs

The Urban Issues Institute at ECC explores urban problems and seeks objective solutions to promote lasting change. The Institute studies issues such as urban education, homelessness, health care, crime, and unemployment.

The college’s Zeta Tau Chapter of the Chi Alpha Epsilon (CAE) National Honor Society honors students who demonstrate academic excellence with a GPA of at least 3.0 for two semesters in a row.

Admissions

The college has an open admissions policy, allowing most applicants to enroll in their chosen course of study. The typical application process includes submitting a completed application and application fee along with proof of high school graduation or GED equivalency, and the completion of placement tests (if applicable).

ECC recommends completion of a core high school curriculum prior to admission, but this is not required in all cases. Several of the school’s programs have their own unique admissions policies.

Students are also required to provide proof of current immunization, in keeping with New Jersey law, prior to enrolling in classes. After enrollment, new students are required to complete orientation sessions.

Financial Aid

A large percentage of the ECC student body benefits from financial aid, and the administration has initiated a number of assistance programs to facilitate and expedite the financial aid process. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed each year for financial aid eligibility to be determined and awarded.

Some common types of financial aid that Essex students receive include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, work-study jobs, student loans, Tuition Aid Grants, Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) grants, The Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished & Urban Scholars Award, and the New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 5637th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in New Jersey.

Students

The student population at Essex County College is drawn from a diverse cross-section of age and demographic categories. While many students enroll soon after finishing high school, there is also a sizeable population of adult, returning, and non-traditional students.

Student life is active thanks to a variety of clubs and organizations to join and school-sponsored events to attend. Popular campus activities include student government, cultural groups, honor societies, service clubs, pre-professional associations, and faith-based organizations . Campus publications include the LIFELINE student handbook, the ECCO student newspaper, the ECCOLOG yearbook, and other special publications.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

The Essex County College Wolverines and Lady Wolverines are a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the Garden State Athletic Conference.

The Wolverines have achieved All-American rankings in cross country, soccer, track, and basketball.

Intramurals are offered for students who wish to stay healthy and active by participating in both team and individual sports. Intramural games include flag football, chess, table tennis, bowling, and special events in various competitions as well as more traditional sports like basketball and volleyball.

Accreditation

Essex County College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Essex County College