Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Rowan College at Burlington County
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Rowan College at Burlington County's nursing program produces graduates who earn solidly above the national average but lag behind most New Jersey nursing programs—a critical distinction given the state's high concentration of healthcare opportunities. While first-year earnings of $71,796 clear the national median by $3,400, they fall short of the New Jersey median by nearly $4,000, placing graduates in the 40th percentile statewide. That gap matters: top community college nursing programs in New Jersey are placing graduates into jobs paying $10,000-$20,000 more annually.
The debt load of $21,450 translates to a manageable 0.30 ratio against first-year earnings, and graduates see steady income growth to $78,091 by year four. These fundamentals work, but the value calculation shifts when you realize nearby programs like Ocean County College and Raritan Valley Community College deliver significantly stronger salary outcomes with similar debt levels. For a New Jersey family paying in-state tuition, that earnings differential compounds quickly—we're talking about $40,000-$80,000 in lost income over the first four years compared to stronger state programs.
This program will get your child into nursing and employed, but if they have options among New Jersey community colleges, the data suggests looking at programs placing graduates in higher-paying positions. The difference between 40th and 80th percentile in this state's nursing market is real money.
Where Rowan College at Burlington County Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Rowan College at Burlington County graduates compare to all programs nationally
Rowan College at Burlington County graduates earn $72k, placing them in the 66th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (23 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rowan College at Burlington County | $71,796 | $78,091 | $21,450 | 0.30 |
| Hudson County Community College | $92,941 | $87,803 | $21,000 | 0.23 |
| Eastern International College-Jersey City | $90,216 | $92,149 | $32,756 | 0.36 |
| Ocean County College | $82,925 | $73,281 | $22,418 | 0.27 |
| UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey | $82,581 | $89,387 | $30,195 | 0.37 |
| Raritan Valley Community College | $82,020 | $81,224 | $19,145 | 0.23 |
| National Median | $68,409 | — | $20,751 | 0.30 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in New Jersey
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hudson County Community College Jersey City | $5,020 | $92,941 | $21,000 |
| Eastern International College-Jersey City Jersey City | $18,947 | $90,216 | $32,756 |
| Ocean County College Toms River | $4,690 | $82,925 | $22,418 |
| UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey Cranford | $5,280 | $82,581 | $30,195 |
| Raritan Valley Community College Branchburg | $5,520 | $82,020 | $19,145 |
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 Rowan College at Burlington County, approximately 29% 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 37 graduates with reported earnings and 74 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.