Analysis
Monmouth University's education program commands premium outcomes in a notoriously underpaid field. At $55,579 one year after graduation, these new teachers earn 44% more than the national median for education majors and match the New Jersey state median—landing at the 95th percentile nationally. The $27,000 median debt translates to a manageable 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates can realistically handle loan payments on a teacher's salary.
The slight earnings dip to $54,660 by year four shouldn't alarm parents—this likely reflects standard teacher salary structures rather than diminishing career prospects. What matters more is the starting point: this program consistently produces educators who begin their careers well-positioned within New Jersey's relatively high teacher compensation landscape. Being at the 60th percentile within the state (where there are only four education programs) means Monmouth sits solidly in the middle of New Jersey's options while outperforming nearly every program nationwide.
For families considering an education degree, this represents one of the stronger financial pathways into teaching. The combination of above-average starting salaries and manageable debt gives graduates financial breathing room that most education majors don't get. If your child is committed to teaching and you're choosing among New Jersey schools, Monmouth delivers competitive outcomes at a reasonable cost.
Where Monmouth University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all education bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Monmouth University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monmouth University | $55,579 | $54,660 | -2% |
| Brown University | $33,866 | $61,660 | +82% |
| Chapman University | $37,928 | $60,147 | +59% |
| University of Hawaii-West Oahu | $52,079 | $53,573 | +3% |
| University of California-Irvine | $26,106 | $52,320 | +100% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Education bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44,850 | $55,579 | $54,660 | $27,000 | 0.49 | |
| $8,886 | $68,730 | — | $26,556 | 0.39 | |
| $12,186 | $60,288 | — | — | — | |
| $11,728 | $57,410 | — | $13,250 | 0.23 | |
| $19,568 | $56,397 | $40,429 | — | — | |
| $7,584 | $52,079 | $53,573 | $24,333 | 0.47 | |
| National Median | — | $38,660 | — | $26,522 | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with education graduates
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 Monmouth University, approximately 30% 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 80 graduates with reported earnings and 98 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.