Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Monmouth University

Monmouth's health services program starts with a concerning first-year salary of just $29,770—roughly $5,000 below both the New Jersey median and national average for this degree. However, this isn't the full story: earnings nearly double by year four to $55,728, representing 87% growth that significantly outpaces typical outcomes in this field.

The challenge is surviving that difficult first year. At 40th percentile among New Jersey programs, Monmouth trails peers like Rutgers and NJCU, yet the debt load of $27,000 matches the state median. That first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.91 means graduates face nearly a full year's salary in loans, which could strain budgets when starting salaries barely cover rent in the expensive New York metro area. The trajectory matters here—by year four, the math improves dramatically as earnings catch up.

For families, this program represents a delayed payoff rather than an immediate return. If your child can weather the first year or two with support—whether living at home or having financial cushion—the mid-career outlook becomes competitive. But students needing to be financially independent immediately after graduation should understand they'll be earning significantly less than peers at comparable New Jersey schools, at least initially. The growth is real, but the starting line is tough.