Compare 8 Social Work. programs in New Jersey. Average earnings: $48,329.
The highest-earning Social Work program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $18K earnings gap across 8 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Monmouth University's Social Work program leads with graduates earning $55,265. The average across all programs is $48,329, yet this private institution outperforms others while maintaining an accessible 90% acceptance rate—proof that program excellence doesn't require exclusivity.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Ramapo College graduates borrow $21,000 and face just a 9.5% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. That means loan payments take a manageable bite out of their post-grad income, making it the clear value leader.
Highest program earnings: $55,265
Strong outcomes with 90% acceptance
9.5% payment burden | Good - payment 8-12% of discretionary
24.0% family burden | Challenging - payment 18-25% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Monmouth UniversityPrivate | $55,265 | 40 | $27,000 | Good | $49,390 | High |
| #2 | $52,763 | 56 | $21,000 | Good | $27,655 | Challenging | |
| #3 | Centenary UniversityPrivate | $50,631 | 18 | $23,163 | Good | $22,725 | Challenging |
| #4 | Seton Hall UniversityPrivate | $48,702 | 19 | $22,750 | Good | $40,003 | High |
| #5 | Stockton UniversityPublic | $48,414 | 82 | $20,500 | Good | $23,182 | High |
| #6 | $46,912 | 117 | $21,500 | Manageable | $25,294 | High | |
| #7 | Georgian Court UniversityPrivate | $46,868 | 34 | $21,816 | Manageable | $24,007 | High |
| #8 | $37,074 | 55 | $22,000 | Challenging | $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 →
