Your Future Starts Here.
Discover a place where ambition becomes possibility, and where every student is guided, supported, and inspired to achieve more. UCNJ is proud to be recognized among the nation’s top community colleges as an Aspen Prize–honored institution, reflecting our ongoing commitment to excellence, equity, and student success.
Your Future Starts Here.
Discover a place where ambition becomes possibility, and where every student is guided, supported, and inspired to achieve more. UCNJ is proud to be recognized among the nation’s top community colleges as an Aspen Prize–honored institution, reflecting our ongoing commitment to excellence, equity, and student success.
A College with a Purpose
A community’s college. A student’s home.
Since 1933, Union College of Union County, NJ has opened its doors to dreamers, doers, parents, first-generation students, career changers, and anyone determined to build a better future. As New Jersey’s first community college, our story is built on a simple belief: education transforms lives.
UCNJ continues to grow, evolve, and innovate—meeting students where they are, empowering them with opportunity, and creating pathways that lead to brighter futures.
Founded in 1933
New Jersey’s First Community College
Serving 35,000+ students and alumni every year
Aspen Prize–Honored Institution
A Message from the President
“Whether you are a current student who is already an important part of our community or looking for the perfect college to pursue your academic interests and occupational dreams, I am honored to welcome you to UCNJ. With a heritage as rich as ours, it is tempting to focus on the College’s unique role as the first of New Jersey’s eighteen community colleges. “
Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin
Your Journey, Your Way
Every student’s goals are unique — and at UCNJ, so is the path they choose. With 60+ degree and certificate programs, flexible learning formats, and career-focused pathways, you can design an academic experience that fits your life and leads to real opportunities.
Whether you’re planning to transfer to a four-year university or step directly into the workforce, UCNJ offers programs built to help you succeed in today’s fast-paced world.
Academic Catalog
Degrees & Classes
UCNJ has available over 60 degree and certificate programs and provides a wide range of services to support student success.
Experience Life at UCNJ
Every day at UCNJ brings new opportunities to connect, learn, lead, and grow. From campus events to workshops to inspiring stories from across our community, there’s always something happening.
Check out or latest events
Be a part of this story
Schedule your campus visit and see where your future begins.
Cranford Campus
1033 Springfield Avenue
Cranford, NJ 07016-1599
Elizabeth Campus
Lessner Building
12 West Jersey Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Plainfield Campus
232 East Second Street
Plainfield, NJ 07060-1308
Scotch Plains Campus
1776 Raritan Rd
Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
8K + Students
50+
Courses
900+
Staff
4
Campuses
A Community That Lifts You Up
You’re never alone at UCNJ.
Here, support isn’t just a service — it’s a promise. Our students thrive because they’re surrounded by people who believe in their potential and are dedicated to their success.
UCNJ offers comprehensive academic and personal support services:
- Personalized advising
- Tutoring and academic coaching
- Transfer support
- Disability support services
- Career counseling
- Financial aid guidance
- Student life, clubs, and activities
A College Recognized for Excellence
UCNJ is proud to be recognized as an Aspen Prize–honored institution, one of the most prestigious acknowledgments a community college can receive. This national recognition celebrates colleges that excel in teaching, equity, completion rates, and student success after graduation.
For us, the Aspen honor isn’t just an award — it’s a reflection of our commitment to supporting every student who walks through our doors.
Awards & Achievements Module (timeline or grid):
-
Aspen Prize Recognition
-
NJ First Community College
-
Nearly 100 years of community service
-
Partnerships with universities and employers
Celebrating UCNJ Top 10 Aspen Finalist
You have goals
You have dreams
And you have a place where they can become real.