At $24,415/yr net price, Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus graduates earn $57,273/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,273/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,415 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $97,660 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,273/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,273/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 72.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,308/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,253/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,146/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,164/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,996/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $99,832 | $198,813 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $74,953 | $27,332 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $61,681 | $41,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,690 | $25,510 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $58,673 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $56,641 | $25,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $53,775 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $51,019 | $20,500 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $49,683 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $48,823 | $42,425 |
The Risk Factor
72.3% of students at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 28% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The pharmacy program stands out as the clear winner with nearly $100,000 in median earnings, though you'll carry substantial debt of nearly $200,000 to get there.
Business administration graduates earn $75,000 annually with manageable debt of $27,000, making it the most balanced option for strong returns without crushing loan payments. Accounting and computer science both hover around $59,000 in earnings with reasonable debt loads, positioning graduates well in the competitive New York metro job market.
The school's 72% graduation rate presents a significant risk. Nearly three out of ten students don't finish their degrees, meaning you could end up with debt but no credential. The 77% retention rate suggests first-year students struggle with the academic or financial demands.
Your best financial bet here involves targeting the business or pharmacy programs if you can handle the academic rigor. Liberal arts majors face tougher prospects given the high net price of $24,000 annually. The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid (35%) suggests limited need-based assistance, so merit scholarships become critical for middle-income families.
Skip this school if you're considering lower-earning majors or uncertain about your ability to complete the program. The combination of high costs and moderate completion rates makes FDU-Florham a risky choice for undecided students. You'll find better value at state universities or community colleges for general education before transferring to complete a targeted degree program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus worth the cost?
The school's value depends heavily on your major. Pharmacy graduates earn nearly $100,000 annually, making the $24,415 yearly cost worthwhile, but many other programs lead to modest salaries around $57,000 that may not justify the expense.
What are the best ROI programs at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus?
Pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences offer the strongest return with $99,832 average earnings. Business administration ($74,953) and public administration ($61,681) also provide decent returns, while other programs often underperform relative to cost.
How much debt do Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus graduates have?
The median debt is $25,000, which is manageable for high-earning pharmacy graduates but creates financial strain for graduates in lower-paying fields earning around $57,000 annually.
Does Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus have good financial aid?
With a net price of $24,415 per year, the school offers moderate financial aid but still costs significantly more than state schools. The 89% acceptance rate suggests less competitive merit aid compared to more selective institutions.