Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus

Fairleigh Dickinson's liberal arts program lands squarely in the middle of New Jersey's offerings—earning slightly above both state and national medians but nowhere near the top tier. While first-year earnings of $39,071 trail schools like Thomas Edison State ($49,779) and Rowan ($43,486) by significant margins, the 21% earnings growth to $47,240 by year four suggests graduates build momentum over time. The $26,000 debt load matches New Jersey's median and sits slightly below the national benchmark, making this an affordable entry point into a notoriously challenging program category.

The real question is whether middle-of-the-pack performance justifies attendance at a private university with a 95% admission rate. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 is manageable—graduates would allocate about two-thirds of their first year's salary to debt repayment under standard plans—but there's no escaping that several state schools deliver better outcomes at lower tuition. The 35% Pell Grant population suggests financial aid can help bridge the gap, though families should compare net cost carefully.

For students genuinely drawn to Fairleigh Dickinson's campus or academic approach, this program won't derail their finances. But if cost is the deciding factor, New Jersey's public options offer a better return on investment for the same degree credential.