At $19,634/yr net price, Stockton University graduates earn $57,602/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,602/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,634 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $78,536 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,602/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,602/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 72.0% |
| 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 | $13,774/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,665/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,407/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,434/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,051/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $77,715 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $71,947 | $27,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $70,456 | $45,700 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $65,797 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $62,632 | $41,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $59,124 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $57,318 | $20,105 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $53,108 | $18,875 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $47,260 | |
| Social Work. | Master | $47,092 | $20,500 |
The Risk Factor
72.0% of students at Stockton University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 28% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Stockton University delivers solid financial returns for a public institution, with graduates earning $57,602 ten years out while carrying manageable debt loads of $20,500. The strongest ROI comes from health-focused programs, particularly rehabilitation and therapeutic professions, which generate nearly $78,000 in median earnings.
Your program choice matters significantly here. Nursing graduates earn $72,000 annually with reasonable debt of $27,000, making it one of the best financial bets. Communication disorders also pays well at $62,632, though the $41,000 debt load cuts into returns. Educational media design offers strong earnings without the heavy borrowing typical of graduate-level health programs.
The main financial risk at Stockton is the 28% of students who don't graduate within six years, essentially wasting their investment. The 77% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the academic transition, particularly costly for out-of-state students paying higher rates.
This school works best financially if you're New Jersey residents planning careers in healthcare, education, or social services within the region. The location near Atlantic City and Philadelphia provides decent job market access for graduates. Avoid Stockton if you need extensive merit aid, as only 41% of students receive financial assistance.
Your best cost strategy involves staying in-state and choosing programs with clear career pipelines. The relatively low debt burden means you can pursue graduate school without overwhelming financial pressure, particularly valuable for the therapy and counseling fields where advanced degrees boost earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stockton University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Stockton University offers decent value with a net price of $19,634 and 10-year earnings of $57,602. The 3:1 earnings-to-cost ratio is reasonable for a public university, though not outstanding.
Which Stockton University programs have the best return on investment?
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions lead with $77,715 average earnings, followed by nursing programs at $71,947. These health-focused programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings average.
How much debt do Stockton University graduates typically have?
Stockton graduates carry a median debt of $20,500, which is manageable given typical starting salaries. This debt level is roughly equivalent to one year's net attendance cost.
What are the risks of attending Stockton University financially?
With a 72% graduation rate, about 1 in 4 students don't finish their degree. Students in lower-earning majors outside of health sciences may struggle to justify the cost given the $57,602 average graduate salary.