Analysis
Based on comparable economics programs in New Jersey, Ramapo's estimated debt load of roughly $25,000 appears manageable against first-year earnings projections around $52,000—a debt-to-earnings ratio that suggests graduates could reasonably handle repayment. However, it's worth noting that New Jersey's economics landscape shows dramatic variation: Princeton tops out at $103,000 in first-year earnings, while public flagships like Rutgers and The College of New Jersey cluster around $52,000 to $62,000. Ramapo's estimates place it at the lower end of this public university range, though still aligned with the national median of $51,722.
The challenge is uncertainty. Because actual outcomes for Ramapo's economics graduates aren't reported due to small sample sizes, these estimates are drawn from peer programs—they tell you what's typical for New Jersey economics degrees at similar institutions, not what Ramapo specifically delivers. For a program at a school with a 73% admission rate and modest selectivity, that middle-of-the-pack positioning might be reasonable, but you're making this investment without program-specific evidence.
If your student is committed to economics and Ramapo offers other compelling advantages—location, campus culture, cost structure—the estimated financials don't raise red flags. But consider whether peer institutions with reported outcomes, like Rutgers or The College of New Jersey, might offer more transparency and potentially stronger earnings while keeping debt in a similar range.
Where Ramapo College of New Jersey Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,978 | $51,656* | — | $24,965* | — | |
| $59,710 | $103,041* | — | $11,250* | 0.11 | |
| $18,685 | $62,218* | $67,369 | $23,500* | 0.38 | |
| $16,586 | $51,848* | $78,565 | $24,965* | 0.48 | |
| $17,079 | $51,848* | $78,565 | $24,965* | 0.48 | |
| $17,239 | $51,848* | $78,565 | $24,965* | 0.48 | |
| National Median | — | $51,722* | — | $22,816* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
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 Ramapo College of New Jersey, approximately 27% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 10 similar programs in NJ. Actual outcomes may vary.