Analysis
New Jersey's computer science graduates command strong salaries, and comparable Bachelor's programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $99,000—well above the national median of $71,000 for this field. With estimated debt of $25,000, Caldwell's program appears positioned in the state's middle tier, where the debt burden represents just three months of that projected salary.
The catch? Both figures are estimates drawn from peer institutions because Caldwell's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish. What we do know is that New Jersey CS programs show enormous variance—from Princeton's $147,000 to Drew's $48,000—and job outcomes depend heavily on where graduates land in the region's competitive tech market. Nearly half of Caldwell's students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program serves students who may have fewer networking advantages in securing those higher-paying positions.
If your child can graduate near that $25,000 debt estimate and secure employment in the $99,000 range, the math works strongly in their favor. But recognize you're betting on outcomes similar to Stevens or other mid-tier programs without program-specific evidence. Before committing, ask Caldwell's career services for concrete placement data: which companies hire their graduates, what percentage secure tech roles within six months, and whether their outcomes justify the estimated costs. The state's strong CS market creates opportunity, but individual program effectiveness varies dramatically.
Where Caldwell University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,450 | $99,007* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $59,710 | $146,624* | — | —* | — | |
| $60,952 | $99,007* | $117,107 | $27,000* | 0.27 | |
| $45,360 | $47,689* | — | $25,000* | 0.52 | |
| National Median | — | $70,950* | — | $23,374* | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
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 Caldwell University, approximately 46% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in NJ. Actual outcomes may vary.