Students at The College of New Jersey achieve consistently strong financial outcomes, earning significantly more than similar students at other institutions nationwide.
The combination of selective academics and focused career preparation delivers reliable long-term value for graduates across multiple fields.
Azimuth ranks The College of New Jersey 93rd nationally, placing it in the top 7% of all four-year public institutions for overall value. What distinguishes TCNJ is its ability to combine selective admissions with consistently strong financial outcomes across a focused range of programs. With about 20% of students receiving Pell Grants and a similar share being first-generation, the college maintains a more selective profile while still delivering meaningful economic mobility for the students it serves.
Graduates earn a median of $73,323 ten years after enrollment, with earnings that exceed expectations by roughly $4,600 compared with similar students at other institutions. This performance reflects TCNJ's concentrated program portfolio, particularly strong outcomes in business administration, nursing, and education fields that lead directly into stable, well-paying careers.
As a medium-sized public college in New Jersey, TCNJ offers the personalized attention of a smaller institution with the financial accessibility of public higher education. The combination of selective academics, strong career preparation, and reasonable debt levels makes it an attractive option for families seeking predictable returns on their educational investment without the premium pricing of private alternatives.
The College of New Jersey's program portfolio emphasizes professional preparation in fields with clear career pathways and stable employment prospects. Business Administration leads both in scale and aggregate return, graduating 298 students who earn a median of $56,797 ten years out. This combination of high enrollment and solid earnings makes business the economic engine of the institution, providing reliable outcomes for the largest share of students.
Nursing programs deliver the highest individual earnings, with Adult Health Nursing graduates earning $75,946 median income. This reflects both the high demand for healthcare professionals and TCNJ's reputation for preparing skilled practitioners. Education programs, including Adult and Continuing Education with 111 graduates, provide stable middle-class careers with median earnings of $50,689, appealing to students seeking meaningful work with predictable income progression.
The institution's focused approach means that most programs lead directly into employment rather than requiring additional graduate study. While Biology shows lower early-career earnings at $20,140, this likely reflects graduates pursuing medical school or research careers that require advanced degrees. TCNJ's concentrated program mix in business, health, and education creates clear pathways from classroom to career, helping explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations compared with peers nationwide.
The College of New Jersey delivers strong long-term financial outcomes for graduates. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $73,323, placing the institution in the top 7% nationally for earnings performance. Graduates consistently earn about $4,600 more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting TCNJ's effectiveness at translating education into career success. This earnings advantage builds over time, with many graduates seeing steady income growth through their first decade in the workforce.
Program-level outcomes vary meaningfully by field of study. Business Administration stands out as both the largest program with 298 graduates and the highest aggregate return, combining strong enrollment with solid median earnings of $56,797. Adult Health Nursing delivers the highest individual earnings at $75,946, demonstrating TCNJ's strength in preparing students for high-demand healthcare roles. Education programs, including Adult and Continuing Education with 111 graduates earning $50,689, provide stable career pathways with predictable income progression.
The institution's focused program mix emphasizes professional preparation in business, education, and health fields that translate directly into employment. While Biology shows lower early-career earnings at $20,140, this likely reflects graduates pursuing advanced degrees in medicine or research. TCNJ's concentrated approach to program offerings helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations compared with peers at similar institutions nationwide.
Affordability at The College of New Jersey varies significantly by family income, with the most support directed toward lower-income students. Low-income families pay about $12,814 annually, which is competitive for a selective public institution, while middle-income families see costs around $20,638 per year. High-income families face the full net price of approximately $33,080, reflecting TCNJ's approach of concentrating financial aid on students with the greatest need.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates given their strong earning potential. Typical federal student loan debt is $23,250, which represents a reasonable investment considering median earnings of $73,323 ten years out. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $27,000, indicating that many families choose to contribute directly to their student's education costs. The college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that graduates can comfortably manage their debt obligations.
What makes TCNJ particularly sustainable financially is the alignment between borrowing levels and post-graduation earning power. With strong career outcomes and predictable income growth, most graduates can handle standard loan repayment without significant financial strain. The combination of focused academic programs, reasonable debt loads, and above-average earnings creates a financial profile that works well for middle-class families seeking reliable returns on their educational investment.
The College Of New Jersey Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
