At $31,650/yr net price, Monmouth University graduates earn $67,991/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $33,991/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $31,650 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $126,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $67,991/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$33,991/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,945/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,532/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $29,142/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $36,327/yr |
| $110,001+ | $38,626/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 | $105,241 | $48,669 |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $81,702 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $62,211 | $27,684 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $61,516 | $26,747 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $58,092 | $27,381 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $57,318 | |
| Homeland Security. | Certificate | $55,964 | |
| Public Policy Analysis. | Master | $55,151 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $54,835 | $52,018 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $52,420 | $26,829 |
The Risk Factor
70.3% of students at Monmouth University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Monmouth University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice and career goals. The $31,650 annual net price positions this private school in competitive territory with state universities, but graduates earn a solid median of $67,991 after ten years.
Nursing stands out as Monmouth's financial winner, with graduates earning $105,241 annually despite carrying higher debt loads of $48,669. Computer engineering also pays off well at $81,702, though debt data wasn't available for comparison. Business and computer science majors see respectable returns around $62,000, with manageable debt under $28,000.
The school's 70% graduation rate creates financial risk for students who don't complete their degrees. With only 30% of students receiving financial aid, you'll likely pay close to the full net price unless you qualify for merit scholarships.
Monmouth works financially if you're pursuing nursing or computer-related fields, where the New Jersey job market supports higher wages. The school's location near New York City employment opportunities helps justify the private school premium for certain majors.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering lower-paying fields not represented in the top earnings data. The median debt of $27,000 remains reasonable, but without strong post-graduation earnings, you'll struggle to justify the cost difference compared to New Jersey's public alternatives.
Merit aid opportunities exist but aren't widespread given the low percentage receiving aid. Your best financial strategy involves targeting high-ROI programs like nursing or engineering while aggressively pursuing any available scholarships during the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monmouth University worth the cost compared to other colleges?
Monmouth University graduates earn $67,991 after 10 years, which is below the national average for four-year colleges. With a net price of $31,650 annually and typical debt of $27,000, the return on investment is modest unless you pursue nursing or computer engineering.
What are the highest paying majors at Monmouth University?
Nursing programs at Monmouth University offer the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning over $105,000 annually. Computer engineering also pays well at $81,702, while business and education majors earn significantly less at around $58,000-$62,000.
How much debt do Monmouth University students typically graduate with?
Monmouth University graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable for high-paying fields like nursing but could strain budgets for lower-earning majors. The 70% graduation rate means 30% of students leave without a degree but may still have debt.
Does Monmouth University provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
Monmouth University's net price of $31,650 suggests limited financial aid relative to the full cost of attendance. Students should carefully compare aid packages with similar schools, as the high acceptance rate of 91% indicates less competitive merit aid.