At $11,732/yr net price, New Jersey City University graduates earn $52,745/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,745/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,732 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $46,928 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,745/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,745/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,254/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,051/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,160/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,986/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,431/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. | Bachelor | $77,087 | $12,500 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $75,204 | |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Master | $71,015 | $36,746 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $68,079 | $28,404 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $65,320 | $41,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,749 | $34,962 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $58,479 | $25,465 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $57,318 | $41,971 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $57,318 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $56,776 | $33,271 |
The Risk Factor
38.7% of students at New Jersey City University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
New Jersey City University offers weak to mixed financial returns, with most graduates earning less than what they could achieve at other public universities in the region. The low 39% graduation rate means your odds of finishing are poor, and even if you do graduate, median earnings of $53,000 after 10 years lag behind regional averages.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $77,000 annually while carrying just $13,000 in debt. Finance majors also perform well at $75,000. However, most other programs deliver disappointing outcomes. Health Sciences graduates carry $37,000 in debt for $71,000 in earnings, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio. Education majors face similar problems with debt loads exceeding $28,000.
The biggest risk at NJCU is not finishing your degree. With a 67% retention rate, one in three students leaves after freshman year. Even those who stay face a less than 40% chance of graduating within six years. This creates significant financial risk if you accumulate debt without earning a degree.
NJCU works financially if you plan to study nursing or can secure substantial financial aid to minimize borrowing. The $11,700 net price is reasonable for families with limited resources. However, if you have other affordable options with higher graduation rates, those represent better financial bets.
Given the location in expensive Jersey City, you need to factor in high living costs that extend beyond tuition. The school's proximity to New York job markets helps nursing and finance graduates but provides limited benefit for other majors where earnings remain modest despite the high-cost location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Jersey City University worth the cost?
With a net price of $11,732 and median earnings of $52,745 ten years after graduation, NJCU offers reasonable value for the cost. However, the 39% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI.
What are the best paying programs at New Jersey City University?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning $77,087, followed by finance at $75,204. These programs justify the investment, while other majors may struggle to provide strong returns given the school's overall graduate earnings.
How much debt do New Jersey City University graduates have?
The median debt is $18,500, which is manageable compared to national averages. With typical graduate earnings around $52,745, most students can handle this debt load if they actually graduate.
Does New Jersey City University have a good graduation rate?
No, only 39% of students graduate, which is well below national averages. This low completion rate is the biggest risk factor for ROI, as students who don't finish get debt without the degree.