Compare 7 Acting. programs in New Jersey. Average earnings: $30,171.
Acting programs produce graduates earning between $20,693 and $38,978—an $18K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 7 ranked programs in New Jersey, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Drew University's Acting program leads with graduates earning $38,978, well above the state average of $30,171. Kean University follows at $36,848, while Ramapo College delivers $35,432—proving that program-level factors drive outcomes more than overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. All three top programs face challenging affordability, with student payment burdens exceeding 20% of discretionary income. Drew University graduates borrow $25,288 with a 21.1% payment burden, while Kean University offers slightly better family affordability with $45,250 in total family debt.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Drew UniversityPrivate | $38,978 | 20 | $25,288 | Challenging | $30,994 | High |
| #2 | Kean UniversityPublic | $36,848 | 21 | $23,250 | Challenging | $22,000 | High |
| #3 | $35,432 | 20 | $21,000 | Challenging | $27,655 | High | |
| #4 | $31,424 | 16 | $25,000 | High | $30,444 | High | |
| #5 | $24,770 | 34 | $21,500 | High | $25,294 | High | |
| #6 | Rowan UniversityPublic | $23,055 | 16 | $20,500 | High | $27,445 | High |
| #7 | $20,693 | 71 | $22,000 | High | $24,693 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
