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Best Value Business Administration Colleges in New Jersey

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

Pillar College delivers an unexpected surprise in New Jersey's business education market with a net cost of just $5,804 annually, making it the state's most affordable option by a wide margin. This price advantage matters significantly in a state where business graduates face post-graduation debt ranging from $19,000 to $25,990 across the 15 schools analyzed. The earnings potential tells an equally compelling story, with The College of New Jersey graduates commanding $56,797 annually while Pillar College alumni earn $38,289. New Jersey's proximity to major financial centers creates unique opportunities for business graduates, as pharmaceutical giants like Johnson & Johnson and Merck maintain substantial operations throughout the state. Public institutions generally offer better value propositions, with Rutgers campuses providing strong earning potential around $52,858 while maintaining reasonable net costs between $18,803 and $23,519. The state's TAG grant program helps resident students access these opportunities at public schools, where graduation rates consistently exceed 60% at top-performing institutions.
28
Programs
$5,804 – $41,315
Net Price Range
$44,947
Avg. Program Earnings
61.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $5,804 $38,289 $24,820 34.1%
2 $11,732 $39,585 $13,971 38.7% 90.1%
3 $12,973 $42,682 $41,054 63.1% 88.8%
4 $12,168 $38,964 $13,426 43.4% 82.6%
5 $14,159 $41,798 $14,766 64.3% 91.3%
6 $18,803 $52,858 $17,079 66.4% 76.5%
7 $16,496 $46,321 $19,022 73.1% 66.0%
8 $15,266 $42,682 $35,822 61.7% 84.1%
9 $19,407 $52,858 $16,586 67.6% 73.9%
10 $19,037 $42,979 $37,732 56.6% 96.5%
11 $23,519 $52,858 $17,239 85.0% 66.3%
12 $25,458 $56,797 $18,685 85.2% 64.4%
13 $17,949 $39,909 $35,942 40.2% 71.9%
14 $20,360 $44,979 $15,978 71.9% 70.5%
15 $19,634 $43,172 $15,532 72.0% 85.5%
16 $22,185 $46,321 $15,700 68.3% 76.9%
17 $17,764 $36,941 $15,150 47.7% 91.5%
18 $25,287 $51,899 $38,900 63.3% 84.1%
19 $20,549 $38,195 $28,600 44.8%
20 $20,218 $37,568 $37,110 55.1% 75.8%
21 $25,644 $47,260 $45,360 72.4% 72.7%
22 $40,468 $73,635 $60,952 89.9% 46.2%
23 $18,778 $33,993 $30,680 31.1% 78.2%
24 $21,188 $37,568 $39,450 58.7% 66.4%
25 $24,415 $42,682 $35,822 72.3% 89.1%
26 $31,650 $47,544 $44,850 70.3% 90.9%
27 $41,315 $43,240 $37,830 49.7% 89.2%
28 $28,921 $51,370 71.5% 75.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Pillar College stand out among New Jersey business programs?

Pillar College offers the lowest net cost at $5,804 annually, nearly half the price of the next cheapest option. Despite this affordability, graduates earn $38,289 annually, providing solid return on investment. The school maintains a 34.10% graduation rate, which reflects its smaller scale and specialized focus. This combination makes it particularly attractive for students prioritizing minimal debt over premium earning potential.

How do public universities compare to private schools for business value?

Public universities dominate the value equation in New Jersey, with Rutgers campuses offering some of the highest graduate earnings at $52,858 annually. The College of New Jersey leads all schools with $56,797 in graduate earnings while maintaining a net cost of $25,458. Private schools like Saint Peter's University charge $41,054 in tuition but offer comparable graduate outcomes to mid-tier public options. Public school graduates typically carry $19,000 to $24,990 in debt compared to $23,548 to $25,000 at private institutions.

Does location within New Jersey affect business graduate earnings?

Geographic positioning plays a significant role, with schools near major employment centers showing stronger outcomes. Rutgers campuses in Camden, Newark, and New Brunswick all produce graduates earning $52,858 annually, benefiting from proximity to Philadelphia and New York City markets. Schools in northern New Jersey like Montclair State and Ramapo College report solid earnings of $41,798 and $44,979 respectively. The pharmaceutical corridor and financial services concentration in central New Jersey create additional opportunities for business graduates.

What graduation rates should students expect from these programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically across New Jersey business programs, from 34.10% at Pillar College to 85.20% at The College of New Jersey. Rutgers-New Brunswick achieves an 85% graduation rate, matching top performers in the state. Most public universities maintain rates between 60% and 75%, while private schools show more variation. New Jersey Institute of Technology reaches 73.10% despite its technical focus, demonstrating strong student support systems.

How does New Jersey's job market benefit business administration graduates?

New Jersey's strategic location between New York City and Philadelphia creates abundant opportunities for business graduates across multiple sectors. The state hosts headquarters for major corporations like Johnson & Johnson and Merck, providing management training programs and career advancement paths. Financial services firms maintain significant operations throughout northern New Jersey, while the pharmaceutical industry offers specialized business roles in operations and project management. This varied economic base helps explain why top-performing schools report graduate earnings exceeding $50,000 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.