Essex County College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
With a 69% acceptance rate, Essex County College is broadly accessible, so your strategy should focus on starting strong once you enroll. Because freshman retention is 56%, use test prep to build the math and reading skills you will need for placement and first-year coursework, not just for admission.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Essex County College facts and stats
Essex County College enrolls about 7,026 undergraduate students in an urban campus setting. Essex County College has a freshman retention rate of 56%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 26:1.
Newark, NJ

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Key Essex County College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
September 3
Early Action
—
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
May 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because Essex County College is test-optional, use this timeline only if you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores. Take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year for a retake if needed; with the September 3 Regular Decision deadline, fall senior-year retakes are unlikely to arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
Essex County College lists in-state tuition at $6,573 and out-of-state tuition at $6,573. To be considered for financial aid on time, submit the FAFSA by the May 1 priority deadline.

Essex County College’s out-of-state tuition is $6,573. Students should plan for additional costs such as fees, books, transportation, and living expenses, which can affect the amount they actually pay. The final net price will depend on financial need, eligibility for grants, and any other aid a student receives.
Student life at Essex County College
Campus housing details coming soon.
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
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