Business Administration, Management and Operations at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus

Fairleigh Dickinson's business program starts slow but accelerates impressively—first-year graduates earn $39,442, well below both the national and New Jersey medians. However, by year four, earnings jump to $61,772, a 57% increase that outpaces typical growth for business degrees. This trajectory suggests the program may emphasize roles where experience quickly translates to advancement, though it means graduates endure a financially tight first few years.

Within New Jersey's competitive business education landscape, this program sits at the 40th percentile—middle of the pack in a state where top programs like Stevens Institute and Rutgers consistently produce $59,000+ earners right out of the gate. The $25,798 debt load is reasonable and mirrors state averages, making the initial earnings gap the primary concern rather than excessive borrowing. For families banking on immediate post-graduation income to service loans, that first year could be challenging.

The real question is whether your student can weather the slow start. If they have financial support during those early years or can live at home, the year-four earnings become much more attractive. But families needing immediate return on investment might find better options among New Jersey's public universities, where starting salaries typically exceed $50,000.