Best Value Economics Colleges in New Jersey

Princeton University demonstrates how elite economics education can justify its costs with graduates earning $103,078 annually despite a net price of just $10,555 for qualified students. This earnings figure nearly triples the $33,993 starting salary at Montclair State, highlighting the dramatic range within New Jersey's 19 economics programs. The state's position between major financial centers creates strong demand for economics graduates, with pharmaceutical giants like Johnson & Johnson and Merck offering corporate roles alongside traditional Wall Street opportunities. Public options like Kean University deliver solid value at $12,168 net cost, while acceptance rates span from Princeton's selective 5.7% to William Paterson's accessible 91.5%. New Jersey's TAG grant program helps residents access quality economics education across price points from $10,555 to $28,921.

Programs

$10,555 – $28,921

Net Price Range

$49,254

Avg. Program Earnings

66.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Economics Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Princeton University Princeton, New Jersey	$10,555	$103,078	$59,710	97.1%	5.7%
2	Kean University Union, New Jersey	$12,168	$41,193	$13,426	43.4%	82.6%
3	Rutgers University-Camden Camden, New Jersey	$18,803	$47,153	$17,079	66.4%	76.5%
4	Rutgers University-Newark Newark, New Jersey	$19,407	$47,153	$16,586	67.6%	73.9%
5	Montclair State University Montclair, New Jersey	$14,159	$33,993	$14,766	64.3%	91.3%
6	Ramapo College of New Jersey Mahwah, New Jersey	$20,360	$47,260	$15,978	71.9%	70.5%
7	Stockton University Galloway, New Jersey	$19,634	$43,426	$15,532	72.0%	85.5%
8	Drew University Madison, New Jersey	$25,644	$55,512	$45,360	72.4%	72.7%
9	William Paterson University of New Jersey Wayne, New Jersey	$17,764	$37,568	$15,150	47.7%	91.5%
10	The College of New Jersey Ewing, New Jersey	$25,458	$52,107	$18,685	85.2%	64.4%
11	Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, New Jersey	$23,519	$47,153	$17,239	85.0%	66.3%
12	Rowan University Glassboro, New Jersey	$22,185	$39,729	$15,700	68.3%	76.9%
13	Seton Hall University South Orange, New Jersey	$28,921	$44,971	$51,370	71.5%	75.1%
14	New Jersey City University Jersey City, New Jersey	$11,732		$13,971	38.7%	90.1%
15	Rider University Lawrenceville, New Jersey	$25,287		$38,900	63.3%	84.1%
16	Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus Madison, New Jersey	$24,415		$35,822	72.3%	89.1%
17	Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus Teaneck, New Jersey	$15,266		$35,822	61.7%	84.1%
18	Saint Peter's University Jersey City, New Jersey	$12,973		$41,054	63.1%	88.8%
19	Caldwell University Caldwell, New Jersey	$21,188		$39,450	58.7%	66.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Princeton's extremely low net price for economics students?

Princeton's need-based financial aid reduces the $59,710 sticker price to just $10,555 net cost for many students. The university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans for families earning under certain thresholds. This generous aid policy makes Princeton more affordable than many public universities for qualifying students. The 97.1% graduation rate and $103,078 median earnings justify this investment in student success.

How do New Jersey's public economics programs compare on value?

Kean University offers the lowest public net price at $12,168 with graduates earning $41,193 annually. Rutgers campuses charge between $18,803-$23,519 net but deliver stronger earnings of $47,153. The College of New Jersey commands the highest public net price at $25,458 yet produces graduates earning $52,107. Each $1,000 increase in net cost typically correlates with $3,000-5,000 higher starting salaries.

Is economics job placement strong in New Jersey's market?

New Jersey's location between New York City and Philadelphia creates abundant opportunities for economics graduates. Major pharmaceutical companies like Merck and Johnson & Johnson employ economists for market analysis and policy research. The state's financial services sector and proximity to Wall Street provide traditional economics career paths. Regional employers value graduates from Rutgers' three campuses, which all report $47,153 median earnings reflecting strong local demand.

Does graduation rate affect economics program value in New Jersey?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from 38.7% at New Jersey City University to 97.1% at Princeton. Programs with 70%+ graduation rates like Stockton (72%) and Drew (72.4%) typically justify higher costs through better completion odds. Montclair State's 64.3% rate still delivers reasonable value given its $14,159 net cost. Schools below 50% graduation rates may indicate higher financial risk regardless of low upfront costs.

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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.