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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $35,842 |
| Tuition and Fees | $26,932 |
| Room and Board | $16,928 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,330 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$13,434 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $22,408 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $15,305 |
| $30–48k | $15,264 |
| $48–75k | $19,245 |
| $75–110k | $27,580 |
| $110k+ | $30,378 |
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.
Rowan's financial aid system serves 31.3% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial enrollment of lower-income students who receive federal grants. The $11,931 average financial aid savings reduces costs meaningfully for recipients, though not all students benefit equally from institutional aid.
The aid structure concentrates support toward families earning less than $75,000, who pay net prices ranging from $15,180 to $19,644. Higher-income families receive limited aid and pay net prices approaching $29,000, creating significant cost differences based on family economic circumstances.
The progressive aid structure supports the university's mission of serving first-generation and economically diverse student populations. Students from middle and upper-income families should expect to pay substantially more than the average net price, while lower-income students benefit from targeted financial support that makes attendance more affordable.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Rowan graduates carry a median debt load of $20,500, with debt levels ranging from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $25,000 at the 75th percentile. This median debt level sits $500 above the peer median of $20,000, indicating slightly higher borrowing than similar institutions.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 suggests manageable repayment obligations relative to graduate income levels. Parent PLUS borrowers carry a median debt of $24,283 with monthly payments of $320, adding to total family educational debt.
The debt distribution shows that 25% of borrowers graduate with $7,500 or less in debt, while another quarter carry $25,000 or more. Most graduates fall between these extremes, with debt levels that remain reasonable relative to career earnings.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Rowan's educational investment shows mixed returns across different metrics. Graduates earn $4,711 below expectations based on student demographics, reflecting the university's commitment to serving first-generation and transfer students who face additional economic challenges.
However, median earnings of $59,988 rank in the 72nd percentile nationally, indicating above-average absolute outcomes. The combination of $20,500 median debt with nearly $60,000 median earnings creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio for most graduates.
Low-income graduates earn $57,300, positioning Rowan among the top 25% of institutions for supporting economic advancement of lower-income students. While return on investment ranks around the national average at the 41st percentile, the university's strength lies in accessibility and mobility rather than pure financial return.
