At $22,185/yr net price, Rowan University graduates earn $59,988/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,988/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,185 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,740 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,988/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,988/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,180/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,598/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,644/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,596/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,933/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,742 | $23,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $71,015 | $12,500 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $67,899 | $27,892 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,486 | $41,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $63,005 | |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,516 | $19,875 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $60,358 | $21,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $58,823 | $19,619 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,673 | $22,500 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $58,402 | $24,176 |
The Risk Factor
68.3% of students at Rowan University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Rowan University delivers solid financial returns for a New Jersey public institution, with median earnings of nearly $60,000 and manageable debt loads under $21,000. The school's engineering and nursing programs produce the strongest outcomes, with electrical engineering graduates earning over $72,000 annually while nursing students graduate with just $12,500 in debt.
Your major choice matters significantly at Rowan. Engineering and nursing graduates enter high-demand regional job markets with strong starting salaries. Education majors also perform well, reflecting New Jersey's above-average teacher compensation. However, business administration graduates carry $41,000 in debt for $65,000 earnings, creating a less favorable debt-to-income ratio than other programs.
The primary financial risk lies in Rowan's 68% graduation rate. If you struggle to complete your degree, you face debt without the earnings boost that justifies the investment. The 82% retention rate suggests most students who start sophomore year will finish, but one-third still don't graduate.
Rowan works best financially for New Jersey residents pursuing high-return majors like engineering, nursing, or education who plan to work regionally. Out-of-state students should carefully evaluate whether the premium justifies attendance over their home state options. Students targeting lower-earning fields might find better value elsewhere.
With only 31% of students receiving need-based aid, Rowan appears to offer limited financial assistance. Merit scholarships exist but aren't widespread. Your best cost strategy involves completing the degree efficiently in four years while choosing a program aligned with regional job market strengths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rowan University worth the cost?
Rowan University offers decent value with a net price of $22,185 and median debt of $20,500, but 10-year earnings of $59,988 are below average for college graduates. Engineering and nursing programs provide better returns than the overall average.
What are the best paying majors at Rowan University?
Engineering leads at $72,742 in median earnings, followed by nursing at $71,015. These programs justify the cost better than education or general business majors, which earn in the low-to-mid $60,000s.
How much student debt do Rowan University graduates have?
Rowan graduates carry a median debt of $20,500, which is manageable compared to the national average. The debt-to-income ratio works better for engineering and nursing majors than for education graduates.
Does Rowan University have good job outcomes after graduation?
With a 68% graduation rate and $59,988 median earnings after 10 years, Rowan produces mixed results. Success depends heavily on your major, with technical fields significantly outperforming education and liberal arts programs.