The College of New Jersey's published cost of attendance totals $37,070 per year, including $24,568 in out-of-state tuition ($18,685 for New Jersey residents), $15,569 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $25,458 annually, representing $11,612 in financial aid savings.
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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) | $37,070 |
| Tuition and Fees | $24,568 |
| Room and Board | $15,569 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,612 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $25,458 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $12,814 |
| $30–48k | $14,506 |
| $48–75k | $20,638 |
| $75–110k | $28,825 |
| $110k+ | $33,080 |
The College of New Jersey's published cost of attendance totals $37,070 per year, including $24,568 in out-of-state tuition ($18,685 for New Jersey residents), $15,569 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $25,458 annually, representing $11,612 in financial aid savings. This net price exceeds the peer median of $14,093 by $11,365, indicating higher costs relative to similar public institutions.
Net prices vary substantially by family income level, ranging from $12,814 for families earning under $30,000 annually to $33,080 for families earning over $110,000. The gap between lowest and highest income net prices spans $20,266, demonstrating significant financial aid targeting toward lower-income families. While the sticker price appears substantial, the majority of students receive meaningful financial aid that reduces their actual costs.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
The College of New Jersey graduates carry a median debt load of $23,250, placing the institution around the national average in the 45th percentile for student debt levels. Debt ranges from $12,500 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, showing moderate variation in borrowing patterns among graduates.
Compared to peer institutions, The College of New Jersey's median debt exceeds the peer median by $2,145, indicating slightly higher borrowing requirements than similar public colleges. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 suggests manageable repayment obligations, with graduates typically able to service their educational loans comfortably given their $73,323 median earnings.
Parent PLUS borrowers face median debt of $27,000 with monthly payments of approximately $356, representing additional family financial obligations beyond student borrowing. The combination of moderate student debt and strong earnings outcomes creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
The College of New Jersey delivers strong return on investment through the combination of moderate debt levels and above-average earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $4,600 beyond expectations relative to students with similar backgrounds, ranking in the 72.6th percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
With median earnings of $73,323 exceeding peer institutions by $23,207 annually, graduates recover their educational investment through sustained income premiums over their careers. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 indicates that most graduates can manage their educational debt while maintaining financial flexibility for other life goals.
Return on investment ranks in the 85th percentile nationally, reflecting the institution's effectiveness in translating educational investment into career outcomes. While net costs exceed peer medians by $11,365, the earnings premium more than compensates for higher educational expenses over graduates' working careers.
The College of New Jersey's financial aid system generates average savings of $11,612 annually, bringing the net price down from $37,070 to $25,458. With 20.1% of students receiving Pell grants, the institution serves a moderate share of lower-income students who benefit most from financial aid targeting.
The progressive pricing structure demonstrates institutional commitment to access, with families earning under $48,000 receiving aid that keeps net costs below $15,000 annually. However, middle-income families earning $48,000-$110,000 face net prices between $20,638-$28,825, creating potential affordability challenges for families who earn too much for substantial aid but lack resources for comfortable college payments.
The net price of $25,458 exceeds peer institutions by $11,365, indicating that even after financial aid, The College of New Jersey costs more than typical public alternatives. Families should expect financial aid concentration among lower-income students, with more limited aid availability for middle and upper-middle income brackets.
