Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Berkeley College-Woodland Park
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Berkeley College-Woodland Park's nursing program charges a premium that's hard to justify given its middling position in New Jersey's competitive nursing market. While graduates earn $87,821—well above the national median—they rank in just the 40th percentile among New Jersey programs, falling $13,000 short of the state median. The $45,693 debt burden is nearly double both the national and state median of $27,000, placing this among the most expensive nursing programs in the country by debt load. For comparison, nearby public options like Ramapo College and Kean University produce graduates earning $95,000+ with similar or lower debt levels.
The concerning part isn't the absolute earnings—$87,821 represents a solid nursing salary—but the value equation for families. With 60% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are taking on significant debt for outcomes they could achieve more affordably elsewhere. The 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable for nursing, but only because nursing pays well generally, not because this program offers competitive pricing.
If your child has already been admitted and has limited alternatives, the salary supports repayment. But if you're still comparing options, New Jersey families should seriously consider the state's public nursing programs, which deliver stronger earnings at lower cost. The premium here doesn't translate into premium outcomes within the state's nursing market.
Where Berkeley College-Woodland Park Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Berkeley College-Woodland Park graduates compare to all programs nationally
Berkeley College-Woodland Park graduates earn $88k, placing them in the 90th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (25 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berkeley College-Woodland Park | $87,821 | — | $45,693 | 0.52 |
| Montclair State University | $104,219 | — | $27,031 | 0.26 |
| Kean University | $101,039 | $94,150 | $20,750 | 0.21 |
| Saint Elizabeth University | $100,007 | $96,309 | $27,500 | 0.27 |
| Felician University | $95,990 | $94,608 | $31,000 | 0.32 |
| Ramapo College of New Jersey | $95,153 | $90,432 | $26,500 | 0.28 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in New Jersey
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montclair State University Montclair | $14,766 | $104,219 | $27,031 |
| Kean University Union | $13,426 | $101,039 | $20,750 |
| Saint Elizabeth University Morristown | $35,942 | $100,007 | $27,500 |
| Felician University Lodi | $37,830 | $95,990 | $31,000 |
| Ramapo College of New Jersey Mahwah | $15,978 | $95,153 | $26,500 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Berkeley College-Woodland Park, approximately 60% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.