Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Chamberlain University-New Jersey
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Chamberlain University's nursing program delivers strong national performance but comes at a premium price that may not be justified given New Jersey's competitive nursing landscape. While graduates earn $83,188 in their first year—ranking in the 80th percentile nationally—this falls to just the 40th percentile among New Jersey nursing programs, where the state median is $90,730. This means your child would likely earn $7,500+ more annually by attending a typical in-state program.
The debt picture is concerning given the state context. Though the $39,146 median debt ranks favorably in the 5th percentile nationally, it's 45% higher than both the national and New Jersey median debt of $27,000. More troubling, earnings actually decline slightly by year four, suggesting limited career advancement potential. When you compare this to top New Jersey programs like Montclair State ($104,219) or Kean University ($101,039), the value proposition becomes questionable.
The bottom line: your child can likely get better earnings outcomes with lower debt by choosing a state university nursing program in New Jersey. While Chamberlain's 90% admission rate offers easier entry, the premium tuition doesn't translate to premium outcomes in the New Jersey market. Consider the in-state public options first—they typically offer both better earnings potential and significantly lower debt loads.
Where Chamberlain University-New Jersey 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 Chamberlain University-New Jersey graduates compare to all programs nationally
Chamberlain University-New Jersey graduates earn $83k, placing them in the 80th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chamberlain University-New Jersey | $83,188 | $81,995 | $39,146 | 0.47 |
| 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 Chamberlain University-New Jersey, approximately 34% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 10218 graduates with reported earnings and 12380 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.