New Jersey City University combines open access admission with exceptional value-added outcomes. The university produces $18,299 in earnings beyond expectations while maintaining debt levels $2,605 below peer institutions, supporting long-term financial stability for predominantly first-generation and Pell-eligible graduates.
With above average outcomes, driven by strong value-added earnings despite typical median earnings levels
With well above average performance, reflecting controlled costs and moderate debt levels relative to outcomes
With well above average performance, reflecting the university's ability to convert access into earnings growth for diverse student populations
With well above average performance, reflecting the university's ability to convert access into earnings growth for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisNew Jersey City University delivers exceptional value-added outcomes relative to student demographics and program mix. Graduates earn $18,299 beyond expectations, ranking in the 93.3rd percentile nationally with top-tier performance on this measure.
This represents substantial earnings uplift considering the institution's student composition and mission. Median earnings reach $52,745 ten years after enrollment, around the national average at the 49th percentile, but earnings range from $30,517 at the 25th percentile to $76,983 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied career paths across disciplines.
Students seeking affordable education with strong value-added outcomes, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. Well-suited for first-generation college students (53%) and Pell-eligible students (52.4%) looking for upward mobility without excessive debt burden.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the New Jersey City University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/new-jersey-city-university/analysis.
Top-tier value-added earnings performance
New Jersey City University ranks #208 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with performance at the 87.3rd percentile and well above average composite outcomes. Located in Jersey City, New Jersey, this medium-sized public university maintains open access admission standards with an 89.2% acceptance rate while delivering strong value-added outcomes.
New Jersey City University enrolls 52.4% Pell-eligible students and 53.0% first-generation students, placing it well above typical institutions on access measures. Graduates earn $18,299 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 93.3rd percentile nationally with top-tier performance.
Median earnings reach $52,745 ten years after enrollment, around the national average but achieved alongside exceptional value-added performance. This combination of open access admission, above-average student diversity, and strong earnings uplift places New Jersey City University within the Opportunity Builders quadrant, where institutions convert educational access into meaningful economic advancement.
New Jersey City University admits approximately 89.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places New Jersey City University in the Open Access category (>75% admission rate), indicating broad educational access for prospective students.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows that New Jersey City University admits students at rates slightly higher than similar institutions, with a difference of 4.6 percentage points. This level of accessibility means that academically qualified students have strong prospects for admission, though meeting basic academic requirements remains important.
The university's mission emphasizes serving diverse student populations, particularly first-generation and lower-income students who might face barriers at more selective institutions. For students building college lists, New Jersey City University represents an accessible option that combines open admission with demonstrated success in supporting student outcomes.
The high acceptance rate reflects the institution's commitment to educational opportunity rather than selectivity for its own sake. Students should focus on academic preparation and fit rather than competitive positioning when considering New Jersey City University.
The combination of open access and strong value-added outcomes makes this institution particularly valuable for students seeking upward mobility through higher education.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
155 graduates
Banking and Financial Support Services.
68 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
51 graduates
Digital Marketing.
32 graduates
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
83 graduates
New Jersey City University offers 18 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Adult Health Nursing stands out with 155 graduates earning a median of $92,118, ranking #45 nationally and #3 in New Jersey with a strong value score of 83.9.
Psychology, General graduates 144 students with median earnings of $43,059, ranking #161 nationally and #10 in New Jersey. Corrections Administration ranks #93 nationally and #8 in New Jersey, graduating 107 students with median earnings of $45,881.
Business Administration and Management produces 90 graduates earning $48,262, ranking #298 nationally and #13 in New Jersey. Biology, General graduates 89 students with median earnings of $42,124, while Accounting Technology graduates 83 students earning $57,797.
Digital Marketing demonstrates strong value with graduates earning $61,711 and ranking #53 nationally, despite smaller cohort size of 32 students. Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management ranks #5 nationally and #1 in New Jersey, reflecting program strength in this specialized field.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
New Jersey City University's published cost of attendance reaches $23,668 per year, including $13,971 in-state tuition, $16,274 for room and board, and $1,236 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $11,732 after financial aid, representing savings of $11,936 through institutional and federal aid programs.
This net price of $11,732 compares favorably to the peer median of $14,093, saving families $2,361 annually relative to similar institutions. The university's approach to financial aid demonstrates commitment to affordability, particularly for lower-income students who drive down the average net cost through substantial Pell grant eligibility.
With 52.4% of students receiving Pell grants, federal need-based aid plays a major role in college affordability at New Jersey City University. The gap between sticker price and actual cost reflects both federal aid availability and the university's own financial aid policies.
Students should focus on net price rather than published tuition when evaluating affordability, as the financial aid system significantly reduces actual costs for most families. The $2,361 savings compared to peer institutions makes New Jersey City University a particularly affordable option among similar public universities serving diverse student populations.
New Jersey City University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over time alongside strong value-added performance. Median earnings rise from $45,918 six years after enrollment to $48,714 at eight years and $52,745 at ten years, representing 14.9% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 2,438 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. The institution generates $18,299 in earnings beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing New Jersey City University in the 93.3rd percentile for value-added earnings with top-tier performance.
This substantial uplift reflects the university's effectiveness in supporting student success despite serving a predominantly first-generation and Pell-eligible population. Low-income graduates earn $42,400, demonstrating solid outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Earnings span from $30,517 at the 25th percentile to $76,983 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory. Approximately 25.0% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study with medium confidence, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sonoma State University Similar quality tier (#208 ranked) | CA | 95% | $65,986 | #208 | Compare |
Michigan Technological University Similar quality tier (#212 ranked) | MI | 88% | $78,198 | #212 | Compare |
The University Of Texas At Tyler Similar quality tier (#213 ranked) | TX | 92% | $57,053 | #213 | Compare |
William Paterson University Of New Jersey Similar quality tier in Northeast (#214 ranked) | NJ | 93% | $57,780 | #214 | Compare |
Cuny Graduate School And University Center Similar quality tier in Northeast (#205 ranked) | NY | 39% | $65,991 | #205 | Compare |
