Science Technologies/Technicians at Kean University

Given that Kean is the only school in New Jersey offering a bachelor's in Science Technologies/Technicians, finding comparison points is challenging. National data from similar programs suggests first-year earnings around $59,366, which would make the $22,636 in debt quite manageable—that 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under five months of gross income. However, the limited sample size that triggered data suppression is itself worth noting: this isn't a common degree path, with only 19 programs nationally, which could signal either a niche advantage or a risky bet on a field without clear career pathways.

The bigger question is whether this particular credential opens doors that justify four years of study. Science technician roles often compete with associate degree holders or candidates with more specialized certifications, and starting around $59,000—if that estimate holds—puts graduates in a middle ground that's neither exceptional nor troubling. For a school serving a large population of Pell-eligible students (46%), the moderate debt load is encouraging, but parents should verify what specific jobs this degree prepares students for and whether employers in their target region actually seek bachelor's-level science technicians over other qualifications. The estimate provides a useful baseline, but the lack of actual graduate outcomes from this program means you're making decisions with less certainty than you'd have with most other degrees.