Computer and Information Sciences at Rowan University

Rowan University's computer science program delivers outcomes that beat both national and state averages while keeping debt manageable—a solid combination for New Jersey families. First-year graduates earn $67,278, which puts them above 65% of similar programs nationwide and 60% within New Jersey. That's roughly $6,000 more than the typical computer science grad nationally and $3,500 above New Jersey's state median.

The debt-to-earnings picture looks reasonable at 0.36, meaning students carry debt equivalent to about 4.3 months of their starting salary. At $24,250 in median debt—right at both state and national benchmarks—graduates can realistically tackle their loans while building savings. The 18% earnings growth to $79,121 by year four suggests graduates are gaining traction in the field, though they're not quite reaching the $80,000+ range that the Rutgers system delivers.

For families weighing cost versus outcomes, Rowan offers a pragmatic middle ground. You won't get TCNJ's or Rutgers' top-tier earnings, but you're also dealing with a 78% admission rate and likely lower tuition stress. The program produces consistently above-average earners without forcing students into debt loads that would undermine those gains—exactly what many middle-class families need from a state university.