At $25,458/yr net price, The College of New Jersey graduates earn $73,323/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $39,323/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,458 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $101,832 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $73,323/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$39,323/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 85.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,814/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,506/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,638/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,825/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,080/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 | $75,946 | $27,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $70,009 | $23,250 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,219 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,660 | $25,725 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $64,581 | $23,894 |
| Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education. | Certificate | $64,493 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $62,632 | $20,586 |
| Engineering Science. | Bachelor | $58,866 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $58,568 | $20,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,402 | $22,875 |
The Risk Factor
85.2% of students at The College of New Jersey graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
The College of New Jersey delivers solid financial returns with graduates earning $73,323 ten years after graduation while carrying manageable debt loads of $23,250. The 85% graduation rate means most students who enroll actually finish their degrees.
Nursing leads the pack with graduates earning $75,946 annually despite slightly higher debt at $27,000. Computer science and engineering majors also command strong salaries in the $67,000-$70,000 range. Accounting graduates earn $64,581, putting them in decent financial shape given their debt levels. These programs align well with New Jersey's job market in healthcare, technology, and financial services.
The major financial risk here is picking the wrong major. While TCNJ's top programs deliver excellent returns, lower-earning majors at this price point could leave you struggling to justify the cost. The school's relatively high net price of $25,458 makes major selection critical.
TCNJ works best financially if you can get into one of their strong STEM or professional programs and plan to work in the tri-state area where salaries support the investment. The 90% retention rate suggests students are generally satisfied, but you should have a clear career path before enrolling.
Only 20% of students receive need-based aid, indicating this school serves primarily middle and upper-middle class families who don't qualify for significant financial assistance. If you need substantial aid, you may find better options elsewhere. The debt-to-earnings ratios work for the top programs, but marginal majors at this cost level represent poor financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The College of New Jersey worth the debt?
With median debt of $23,250 and 10-year earnings of $73,323, TCNJ graduates typically earn enough to manage their loans comfortably. The debt-to-income ratio is reasonable compared to many private colleges.
What are the best paying majors at The College of New Jersey?
Nursing programs lead with $75,946 average earnings, followed by computer science at $70,009 and engineering fields around $67,000-68,000. These technical programs offer strong return on investment.
How does The College of New Jersey's ROI compare to other schools?
TCNJ offers solid middle-tier value with a net price of $25,458 and decent post-graduation earnings. The 85% graduation rate suggests most students complete their degrees, though earnings vary significantly by major.
Is The College of New Jersey affordable for middle-class families?
At $25,458 net price annually, TCNJ costs about what many families expect for in-state public education. Financial aid brings costs down from the sticker price, but middle-income families should still plan for substantial expenses.