Essex County College

Date: Jun 15 2010
Major: Math (This Major's Salary over time)
If you have no choice, then this isn't the worst place in the world to get started. Nor is it the best. Not because of the faculty, but because of the students. I realize it's community college, but as an adult returning to school after 20 years to get my degree, I expected a higher level of intellect from the students. Instead, the student body is filled with morons, malcontents, criminals, psychopaths, and the just plain lazy. This describes almost every male attendee in the 18 - 22 age range.

The faculty, and the academic rigor, is surprisingly good. I found most of my courses, especially the science/math/economics classes, rather challenging. There were a few classes that are a waste of time (art appreciation, for example, where we had to build a shoebox project. A shoebox project in college!! Why not macaroni glued to a paper plate as well!)
It's in a decent section of Newark, and I take mostly night classes, and I've never felt threatened or endangered. Cops are always present.
Put in your two years to save money, then go to a 4-year; avoid the gang-bangers and the future ex-cons; and you should be alright.