Economics at Montclair State University

At $39,375 one year out, Montclair State's economics program delivers earnings 24% below New Jersey's median for the major and ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally. While the $25,000 debt load is reasonable—slightly above national norms but typical for New Jersey—the low earnings make this a concerning mismatch between credential and compensation. Economics majors typically command solid starting salaries, but Montclair's graduates are earning less than many liberal arts majors elsewhere.

The state comparison reveals how much ground this program loses to alternatives. New Jersey economics students typically earn $51,656 after graduation, and even the Rutgers campuses—also public institutions—deliver starting salaries around $52,000. That's a $12,000 annual gap, or roughly $50,000 over four years before accounting for raises and compounding. Princeton obviously operates in a different stratosphere, but The College of New Jersey, another state school, produces economics graduates earning $62,000.

For families considering this program, the question is straightforward: why pursue economics at Montclair when in-state alternatives consistently deliver 30-60% higher earnings for similar or lower debt? The moderate sample size suggests these aren't anomalous results. Unless there are compelling personal circumstances keeping a student at this campus, New Jersey offers substantially better options for economics students willing to navigate a more competitive admissions process.