Rowan University delivers 93.6th percentile mobility performance while maintaining 77.8% admission rates. The combination of high access for first-generation students and strong low-income graduate earnings positions Rowan among institutions effectively supporting economic advancement through accessible education.
Showing typical results relative to educational investment
Around the national average, reflecting moderate costs relative to outcomes
With top-tier results, reflecting the university's effectiveness in converting educational access into economic advancement
With top-tier results, reflecting the university's effectiveness in converting educational access into economic advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisRowan University combines accessibility with manageable debt levels and steady earnings growth. Graduates earn a median of $59,988 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 72nd percentile nationally.
While earnings fall $4,711 below expectations based on student demographics, this modest shortfall reflects the university's commitment to serving first-generation and transfer students who face additional economic challenges. Low-income graduates earn $57,300, positioning Rowan among the top 25% of institutions for low-income student outcomes.
Students seeking strong economic mobility outcomes at an accessible public university, particularly those from first-generation or Pell-eligible backgrounds. Well-suited for students interested in practical programs like Criminal Justice, Business, and Biology with demonstrated career outcomes.
Rowan's combination of high access and strong mobility performance makes it ideal for students prioritizing upward economic advancement over selectivity.
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 Rowan University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/rowan-university/analysis.
Opportunity Builder: high access, strong mobility
Rowan University ranks #236 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with mobility performance at the 93.6th percentile and top-tier mobility outcomes. Located in Glassboro, New Jersey, this large public university maintains an accessible 77.8% admission rate while delivering strong economic advancement for diverse student populations.
The institution enrolls 31.3% Pell-eligible students and 35.1% first-generation students, demonstrating commitment to educational access. SAT scores range from 1100 to 1310, ranking at the 95.0th percentile nationally, indicating academic quality alongside accessibility.
Rowan operates as an Opportunity Builder institution, combining high access with outcomes that support economic mobility for students from various backgrounds. The university's 41.7% transfer student share reflects its role serving students transitioning from community colleges.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
66 graduates
Building Construction Technology/Technician.
26 graduates
Chemical Engineering, Other.
37 graduates
Mechanical Engineering.
100 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
126 graduates
Rowan offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for evaluation. Corrections Administration ranks #15 nationally and #1 in New Jersey, graduating 262 students with median earnings of $53,569 and an exceptional value score of 92.7.
Biology ranks #44 nationally and #7 in New Jersey, producing 272 graduates earning $56,811 with a strong value score of 88.3. General Studies ranks #38 nationally and #2 in New Jersey, graduating 193 students earning $49,750.
Psychology represents the largest program with 400 graduates earning $46,570, ranking #94 nationally. Advertising ranks #23 nationally and #1 in New Jersey with 163 graduates.
The university's program portfolio balances enrollment size with career outcomes, offering both popular majors and specialized fields with strong employment prospects.
Rowan University admits 77.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 in 5 applicants receive offers of admission. This admission rate places Rowan in the Open Access category, making it significantly more accessible than highly selective institutions.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows Rowan operates at typical selectivity for similar public universities. This level of accessibility means that academically prepared students have strong prospects for admission, though meeting basic academic requirements remains important.
For prospective students, Rowan represents a realistic option for those seeking quality education without the uncertainty associated with highly competitive admission processes. Students should view Rowan as a solid foundation school in their college lists, while also considering institutions with varying selectivity levels to create a balanced application strategy.
The university's accessibility supports its mission of serving diverse student populations, including first-generation college students and transfer students seeking educational opportunities.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of Kansas Similar quality tier (#234 ranked) | KS | 88% | $61,945 | #234 | Compare |
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Similar quality tier in Northeast (#232 ranked) | PA | 80% | $63,435 | #232 | Compare |
University Of West Florida Similar quality tier (#230 ranked) | FL | 57% | $49,137 | #230 | Compare |
Colorado State University-Fort Collins Similar quality tier (#235 ranked) | CO | 90% | $60,543 | #235 | Compare |
Clemson University Similar quality tier (#236 ranked) | SC | 38% | $71,513 | #236 | Compare |
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Rowan University's published cost of attendance is $34,116 per year, including $25,564 in out-of-state tuition, $16,553 for room and board, and $1,665 for books and supplies. In-state students pay $15,700 in tuition, reducing the total cost significantly for New Jersey residents.
However, the average student pays just $22,185 after financial aid, representing savings of $11,931 from the sticker price. This net price falls $6,595 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating Rowan provides education at higher costs than similar institutions.
The financial aid system reduces costs meaningfully but still leaves students paying more than typical for this category of public university. Family income heavily influences actual costs, with net prices varying dramatically across income levels.
The university's financial aid approach concentrates benefits toward lower-income students while requiring higher-income families to pay closer to full costs.
Rowan graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over time. Median earnings grow from $50,705 six years after enrollment to $57,460 at eight years and $59,988 at ten years, representing 18.3% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 3,630 graduates, providing confidence in the reported figures. The earnings distribution spans from $40,999 at the 25th percentile to $82,759 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program selection and career trajectory.
Low-income graduates earn $57,300, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for students from lower-income backgrounds. Approximately 22% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
The earnings growth pattern shows consistent upward mobility as graduates establish their careers and gain experience in their chosen fields.
