Bloomfield College provides meaningful access to higher education for first-generation and low-income students, with graduates achieving earnings beyond expectations despite overall modest outcomes.
The institution's nursing program stands out as a particular strength, offering graduates substantially higher earnings than the college average.
Bloomfield College is a small private nonprofit institution in New Jersey that serves a predominantly first-generation and low-income student population. Nearly 69% of students receive Pell Grants and about 51% are first-generation college students, reflecting the college's commitment to providing access to higher education for underserved communities. However, this access comes with significant challenges in completion and earnings outcomes.
The college falls into the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category, meaning it provides broad access but struggles with student success metrics. Graduation rates are notably low, with only 31% of students completing their degree within six years. Ten-year median earnings of $45,902 place the institution in the bottom 11th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes, though this varies significantly by program.
Despite these overall challenges, Bloomfield College does offer some bright spots, particularly in nursing programs where graduates earn substantially more than the institutional average. The small size allows for personalized attention and support, which can be valuable for students who benefit from close faculty relationships and individualized guidance through their academic journey.
Program selection is particularly critical at Bloomfield College given the wide variation in graduate outcomes across different fields of study. The Adult Health Nursing program stands out as the institution's flagship offering, graduating 48 students annually with median earnings of $77,966—nearly 70% higher than the overall institutional average. This program represents both the college's strongest return on investment and its most reliable pathway to middle-class earnings.
Applied Sociology, the college's largest program with 55 graduates, produces more modest earnings outcomes at $26,121, while Business Administration graduates earn around $33,993. Digital Arts represents the lowest-earning program at $18,543, highlighting the financial challenges facing graduates in creative fields. These disparities underscore the importance of aligning program choice with career goals and financial expectations.
For students considering Bloomfield College, the data suggests that health-related programs offer the strongest financial prospects, while liberal arts and creative fields may require additional planning for career development and debt management. The college's small size means that program quality and outcomes can vary significantly, making careful research into specific departments and their track records essential for prospective students.
Graduates of Bloomfield College face mixed financial outcomes that vary dramatically by field of study. The overall ten-year median earnings of $45,902 place the institution well below national averages for both private colleges and four-year institutions generally. However, the college does provide earnings beyond expectations compared with similar students at other institutions, with graduates earning about $14,104 more than predicted based on student characteristics and institutional factors.
The variation in outcomes by major is particularly stark at Bloomfield College. Nursing graduates represent the institution's strongest financial success story, earning a median of $77,966 ten years after enrollment—significantly above both the institutional average and national norms for the field. Business Administration graduates earn around $33,993, while Applied Sociology majors see more modest outcomes at $26,121. Digital Arts represents the lowest-earning program at $18,543, highlighting the importance of major selection for students concerned about long-term financial returns.
While overall earnings lag behind national benchmarks, the college's ability to help students exceed expectations suggests that the supportive environment and personalized attention can translate into meaningful career advancement for graduates. The key for prospective students is understanding that outcomes depend heavily on program choice, with health-related fields offering the strongest financial prospects.
Bloomfield College offers relatively affordable net prices across income levels, though families should plan for meaningful borrowing to cover costs. Low-income students pay about $17,664 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net prices around $19,185 per year. Even high-income families pay a moderate $24,399 annually, making the college accessible across different economic backgrounds compared with many private institutions.
The college's affordability story becomes more complex when considering debt levels and repayment capacity. Typical graduates leave with about $26,746 in federal student loan debt, and many families also take on Parent PLUS loans averaging $14,701. Given the institution's modest earnings outcomes, these debt levels represent a significant financial commitment that requires careful consideration of career goals and expected income trajectories.
Net price levels that appear reasonable upfront must be weighed against the reality that many graduates will need extended time to build the earning power necessary for comfortable debt repayment. The college's loan repayment data shows mixed patterns, with some borrowers making progress on balance reduction while others struggle with repayment in the early post-graduation years.
Bloomfield College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
