At $15,266/yr net price, Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan 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) | $15,266 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $61,064 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,273/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,273/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.7% |
| 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 | $12,150/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,213/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,926/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,511/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,494/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $114,382 | $40,432 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $99,832 | $198,813 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $92,632 | $69,076 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $76,146 | $23,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $74,953 | $27,332 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $62,887 | |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
61.7% of students at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus offers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your chosen field. The school's proximity to New York City creates strong earning potential for certain programs, but graduation rates below 62% pose real financial risks.
Nursing programs dominate the earnings rankings, with registered nursing graduates earning over $114,000 annually. This makes nursing one of the strongest financial bets at FDU-Metro, especially given the high demand in the tri-state healthcare market. Business administration also performs well at nearly $75,000 in median earnings, benefiting from the school's location near major financial centers.
Pharmacy presents a complex picture. While graduates earn nearly $100,000, they carry nearly $200,000 in debt, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio that requires careful financial planning. Psychology graduates face similar debt burdens at $69,000 but with lower starting salaries.
Your biggest financial risk comes from the graduation rate. Nearly 40% of students don't finish, leaving them with debt but no degree. The 76% retention rate suggests many students struggle in their second year, making your first-year performance critical.
FDU-Metro works financially if you pursue nursing or business and can complete your degree within four years. The relatively low net price of $15,266 helps keep total costs manageable. However, students considering liberal arts or programs not listed among the top earners should carefully evaluate alternatives, as the debt burden may not justify the outcomes in those fields.
Only 22% of students receive aid, suggesting limited need-based assistance. Your ability to pay the full cost upfront becomes a significant factor in your financial success at this institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus worth the cost?
FDU-Metropolitan has mixed ROI depending on your major. Nursing and pharmacy programs show strong earning potential ($76,000-$114,000), but other programs may not justify the cost given the 61.7% graduation rate.
What are the best paying majors at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus?
Nursing leads with graduates earning $76,000-$114,000 annually, followed by pharmacy at $99,832. Business administration graduates earn around $75,000, which is decent but not exceptional for the tuition cost.
How much debt do Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus students graduate with?
The median debt is $25,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with 10-year earnings averaging $57,273, debt-to-income ratios could be tight for lower-paying majors.
Does Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus have good financial aid?
The net price of $15,266 per year suggests decent financial aid for many students. This makes the school more affordable than sticker price, though outcomes still depend heavily on your chosen program.