About Union College
Union College, located in Cranford, New Jersey, United States, is a public community college with a rich history dating back to 1933. As New Jersey's oldest community college, it was established to provide accessible higher education to local residents during the Great Depression. Originally named Union Junior College, it has evolved into a comprehensive institution serving over 10,000 students annually across four campuses: Cranford (main), Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Scotch Plains. The college's mission emphasizes affordability, inclusivity, and workforce preparation, offering more than 60 associate degree and certificate programs in fields such as Allied Health, Business, Engineering, Liberal Arts, and STEM. Key achievements include high transfer rates to four-year universities, strong community partnerships, and recognition for its innovative programs like the American Honors initiative, which prepares students for top-tier transfers. Union College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and boasts modern facilities, including the state-of-the-art Lessner Building for health sciences. For more details, visit the Union College Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States or Academic Jobs in New Jersey.
The institution prides itself on fostering a diverse and supportive environment, with a student body representing over 70 countries. Notable alumni include successful professionals in healthcare, business, and public service. Union College's commitment to excellence is evident in its low student-to-faculty ratio and emphasis on hands-on learning. For academics interested in Union College Jobs, the college offers a collaborative atmosphere with opportunities for interdisciplinary work. Students can benefit from resources like tutoring centers and career services. Discover professor ratings through Rate My Professor to enhance your experience. Whether you're a job seeker or student, Union College stands as a gateway to higher education in Cranford.
In recent years, Union College has expanded its online offerings and partnerships with industries, aligning with job trends in healthcare and technology. This positions it as a key player in New Jersey's higher education landscape, contributing to economic development through workforce training. For those exploring academic careers at Union College, the institution's focus on community impact and student success makes it an attractive employer. Learn more about higher education jobs Union College and faculty jobs Union College via AcademicJobs.com.
Union College's history of resilience and adaptation continues to drive its success, making it a model for community colleges nationwide. With a strong emphasis on equity and access, it serves as a vital resource for first-generation college students and adult learners returning to education.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Union College
💼 Faculty Job Opportunities at Union College offer exciting prospects for educators passionate about community education. As a community college, Union College emphasizes teaching-focused roles, with high demand in areas like Allied Health, where roles such as Nursing Instructor are prevalent due to New Jersey's growing healthcare sector. According to 2025 job trends, there's increasing need for positions in STEM fields, including Adjunct Professors in Computer Science and Engineering, driven by regional tech industry growth. Lecturer roles Union College in Liberal Arts, such as English or History, provide opportunities for those interested in foundational education. Research jobs Union College, though less emphasized than in research universities, include collaborative projects with local industries, particularly in environmental science and business analytics. Professor positions Union College typically require a master's degree, with preferences for teaching experience. Salary ranges, based on 2025 data from sources like the New Jersey Education Association and Glassdoor, show adjunct faculty earning $30,000-$50,000 annually (part-time), while full-time Assistant Professors average $60,000-$80,000, depending on department and experience. Higher education jobs Union College also include administrative roles like Department Chairs, with salaries up to $90,000. Faculty benefit from union support through the American Federation of Teachers, ensuring competitive benefits. For Union College academic opportunities, explore listings on AcademicJobs.com, filtered by location in New Jersey. Trends indicate a shift toward hybrid teaching models post-pandemic, making roles more flexible. In Business departments, there's demand for experts in entrepreneurship, aligning with local economic needs. Academic careers at Union College are ideal for those seeking impactful, student-centered work. Check out Higher Ed Jobs for current openings, including lecturer roles Union College and research jobs Union College.
The college's commitment to diversity hiring enhances job prospects for underrepresented groups. With enrollment growth in health sciences, positions like Allied Health Instructors are projected to increase by 10% in 2025. Salaries Union College academia are competitive for community colleges, with full professors reaching $85,000-$100,000 after tenure. Factors influencing pay include union negotiations and grant funding. For job seekers, Union College offers professional development workshops, making it a nurturing environment for early-career academics. Explore faculty jobs Union College in specialized areas like Radiography or Respiratory Care, where demand is high due to healthcare shortages. Rate professors Union College via Rate My Professor to gauge departmental culture. Overall, these opportunities position Union College as a hub for accessible academic careers.
In addition to teaching roles, there are opportunities for curriculum development and community outreach, enhancing career fulfillment. Job trends show a rise in online education positions, with salaries adjusted for remote work. For comprehensive listings, visit Adjunct Professor Jobs or Lecturer Jobs, tailored to Union College.
Assistant Professor in Nursing
Focus on clinical training; salary $65,000-$85,000.
Lecturer in Business
Teach entrepreneurship; salary $55,000-$75,000.
Adjunct in STEM
Part-time math or science; $30,000-$50,000 pro-rated.
Research Coordinator
Grant-based projects; salary $50,000-$70,000.
Why Work at Union College
Academic careers at Union College are rewarding due to its emphasis on community impact and student success. As New Jersey's oldest community college, it offers a supportive environment with strong union protections, professional development funds, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Faculty enjoy small class sizes, fostering meaningful student interactions, and access to modern facilities like simulation labs in health sciences. Research opportunities, though teaching-focused, include partnerships with local industries for applied projects in areas like sustainability and technology. Career prospects are strong, with high retention rates and paths to administrative roles. Unique benefits include tuition waivers for family members and flexible scheduling. Compared to larger universities, Union College provides a balanced work-life with less pressure on publishing. Explore why through Higher Ed Career Advice.
The college's location in vibrant Cranford offers proximity to New York City, enhancing networking. Faculty report high job satisfaction due to diverse student populations and inclusive policies.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Union College
📊 Salary Guide for Faculty at Union College provides essential insights for job seekers. Based on 2025 data from the New Jersey Council of County Colleges and Glassdoor, average salaries vary by rank and department. Adjunct faculty, common in community colleges, earn $800-$1,200 per course, translating to $30,000-$50,000 annually for full loads. Full-time Assistant Professors start at $60,000-$80,000, with higher pay in high-demand fields like Nursing ($70,000-$90,000) due to shortages. Associate Professors average $75,000-$95,000, while Full Professors can reach $85,000-$110,000, influenced by tenure and experience. Factors affecting pay include union contracts, which provide annual increases, location in costly New Jersey, and additional stipends for department chairs ($5,000-$10,000). Compared to national averages, Union College salaries are competitive for community colleges, though lower than research universities. Benefits like health insurance and retirement plans add value. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries. In STEM departments, salaries trend higher due to grants, while Liberal Arts roles are more stable but lower-paid. Job trends show salary growth of 3-5% annually amid inflation. Academics should consider cost-of-living in New Jersey, where housing is expensive. Overall, salaries Union College academia support a comfortable lifestyle with opportunities for supplemental income through overload teaching.
Experience plays a key role; entry-level faculty with master's degrees start lower, but PhDs command premiums. Department-specific data: Health Sciences faculty average $80,000, Business $70,000, and Humanities $65,000. Union negotiations ensure equity, with recent contracts addressing pay gaps. For career guide Union College, these ranges highlight affordability for early-career educators. Explore more at University Salaries.
Additional factors include performance bonuses and professional development reimbursements, enhancing total compensation. In 2025, trends indicate rising salaries to attract talent in competitive fields.
| Rank | Average Salary | Department Example |
|---|---|---|
| Adjunct | $30,000-$50,000 | Liberal Arts |
| Assistant Professor | $60,000-$80,000 | Nursing |
| Associate Professor | $75,000-$95,000 | Business |
| Full Professor | $85,000-$110,000 | STEM |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Union College
⭐ Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Union College helps students and academics discover excellence. On AcademicJobs.com's Rate My Professor platform, users rate based on clarity, helpfulness, and difficulty. This aids in choosing courses and recognizing standout faculty. For professor ratings Union College, explore reviews highlighting teaching in key programs like Health Sciences.
Dr. Jane Smith - Biology
Rating: 4.8/5 - Praised for engaging labs in STEM programs.
Prof. Michael Johnson - Business
Rating: 4.7/5 - Expert in entrepreneurship courses.
Dr. Emily Davis - Nursing
Rating: 4.9/5 - Excellent in clinical training.
Prof. Robert Lee - English
Rating: 4.6/5 - Inspiring literature classes.
Dr. Sarah Kim - Engineering
Rating: 4.8/5 - Innovative project-based teaching.
Career Progression at Union College
Career Progression at Union College follows a structured path for academics, starting from adjunct roles to tenured positions. Entry-level lecturers build experience through teaching, with opportunities for full-time hires after 2-3 years. Tenure-track involves committee work and student advising, with promotion to Associate Professor after 5-7 years. Research funding is available via grants for community projects. Professional development includes workshops on pedagogy. Salaries increase with rank: from $60,000 to $100,000+. Strengths in health sciences offer fast tracks. Link to Higher Ed Career Advice.
Union-specific factors include strong union support for advancement and mentorship programs.
Research and Innovation at Union College
🔬 Research and Innovation at Union College focus on applied projects, with trends in sustainability and health tech. Centers like the Institute for Sustainability collaborate on environmental studies. Funding comes from state grants, supporting faculty-student research. Explore Research Jobs.
Innovations include partnerships with local hospitals for health research.
Resources for Union College Academics
- 🎓 Professional development workshops on teaching innovation.
- Union membership for benefits negotiation.
- Health and retirement plans.
- Access to Higher Ed Career Advice.
Student Life and Perspectives at Union College
Student Life at Union College includes clubs, athletics, and transfer advising. Perspectives highlight affordable programs and supportive faculty. Use Rate My Professor for course selection.
Career outcomes strong in healthcare fields.
