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Best Value Accounting and Related Services Colleges in New Jersey

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

New Jersey City University delivers the state's most affordable accounting education at just $11,732 net cost, while graduates from The College of New Jersey command the highest salaries at $64,581 annually. This $52,849 gap in net costs across New Jersey's accounting programs reflects a competitive market where public universities consistently outperform private institutions on value metrics. The state's proximity to major financial centers creates strong demand for accounting professionals, with firms like Johnson & Johnson and Merck requiring extensive financial oversight for their pharmaceutical operations. Public institutions dominate the best value rankings, with seven of the top eight spots going to state schools that leverage New Jersey's TAG grant program to keep costs manageable. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Bloomfield College's 31.1% to The College of New Jersey's impressive 85.2%, suggesting that institutional support systems play a major role in student success beyond just affordability.
21
Programs
$11,732 – $41,315
Net Price Range
$53,135
Avg. Program Earnings
60.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,973 $57,318 $41,054 63.1% 88.8%
2 $11,732 $44,666 $13,971 38.7% 90.1%
3 $15,266 $56,641 $35,822 61.7% 84.1%
4 $12,168 $42,012 $13,426 43.4% 82.6%
5 $14,159 $46,869 $14,766 64.3% 91.3%
6 $18,803 $58,382 $17,079 66.4% 76.5%
7 $19,407 $58,382 $16,586 67.6% 73.9%
8 $20,360 $59,666 $15,978 71.9% 70.5%
9 $19,037 $50,856 $37,732 56.6% 96.5%
10 $18,778 $48,432 $30,680 31.1% 78.2%
11 $25,458 $64,581 $18,685 85.2% 64.4%
12 $23,519 $58,382 $17,239 85.0% 66.3%
13 $17,764 $42,402 $15,150 47.7% 91.5%
14 $24,415 $56,641 $35,822 72.3% 89.1%
15 $22,185 $51,412 $15,700 68.3% 76.9%
16 $28,921 $64,791 $51,370 71.5% 75.1%
17 $20,549 $42,884 $28,600 44.8%
18 $25,287 $52,107 $38,900 63.3% 84.1%
19 $20,218 $37,110 55.1% 75.8%
20 $41,315 $37,830 49.7% 89.2%
21 $21,188 $39,450 58.7% 66.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes New Jersey's public accounting programs such strong values compared to private options?

Public universities in New Jersey offer accounting programs at net costs between $11,732 and $25,458, while private institutions range from $12,973 to $24,415. The state's TAG grant program significantly reduces costs for in-state students at public schools. Public programs also demonstrate strong employment outcomes, with Rutgers campuses producing graduates earning $58,382 annually while maintaining reasonable debt levels around $21,500.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in New Jersey accounting schools?

Higher-cost programs generally show better graduation rates, with The College of New Jersey leading at 85.2% despite a $25,458 net cost. However, several affordable options like Montclair State University achieve solid 64.3% graduation rates at just $14,159 net cost. Bloomfield College represents the concerning end of this spectrum, with only 31.1% of students graduating despite moderate costs.

Where do New Jersey accounting graduates find the best earning potential?

The College of New Jersey produces the highest-earning graduates at $64,581 annually, followed closely by Ramapo College at $59,666. Rutgers University campuses across Camden, Newark, and New Brunswick all report identical $58,382 earnings figures. Even the most affordable option, New Jersey City University, still delivers respectable $44,666 starting salaries for its graduates.

Does proximity to New York City and Philadelphia impact accounting job prospects for New Jersey graduates?

New Jersey's strategic location between two major financial centers significantly expands career opportunities for accounting graduates. The state hosts major corporations like Johnson & Johnson and Merck that require extensive financial services. This regional advantage helps explain why even graduates from lower-cost programs like Kean University earning $42,012 can build successful careers. The pharmaceutical and finance sectors provide varied pathways beyond traditional public accounting.

What debt levels should students expect from New Jersey accounting programs?

Student debt varies considerably across programs, ranging from $19,375 at New Jersey City University to $25,000 at both Fairleigh Dickinson campuses. Most public universities maintain debt levels between $19,500 and $24,000, making them financially manageable given typical starting salaries. The College of New Jersey justifies its $23,894 average debt with significantly higher graduate earnings of $64,581 annually.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.