Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus

Fairleigh Dickinson's nursing graduates earn $91,523 right out of school—well above the national median of $75,000, though the positioning within New Jersey tells a more complex story. While these nurses land in the 95th percentile nationally, they're at the 60th percentile among Garden State programs, where the typical nursing graduate already earns $91,000. In other words, this program performs at roughly the state average in a very strong nursing market. For context, several NJ schools place graduates $5,000-$13,000 higher, including nearby Montclair State and Kean University.

The financial picture remains solid despite this middle-of-the-pack state showing. With $26,500 in typical debt and strong starting salaries, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.29—meaning they owe less than four months of first-year income. Earnings tick up modestly to $94,000 by year four, which is typical for nurses whose compensation often depends more on specialization and shift differentials than tenure.

The takeaway: This program delivers reliable outcomes in a state where nursing programs generally excel. Your child will graduate with manageable debt and immediate earning power that far exceeds most bachelor's degrees. While it's not the top-tier option in New Jersey, the difference between $91,000 and $104,000 matters less when both clear such comfortable thresholds for young professionals. Focus on factors like campus fit and clinical rotation opportunities rather than chasing slightly higher earnings elsewhere.