Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Rowan University

Rowan's Health Sciences program produces first-year earnings of just $27,584—nearly $7,000 below the state median and $12,000 less than what Rutgers graduates earn in the same field. That 25th percentile ranking among New Jersey programs means three-quarters of comparable in-state options deliver better outcomes, which matters when tuition differences are often modest within the state system.

The debt load of $27,000 might seem manageable in isolation, but paired with earnings that barely exceed it, graduates face a challenging financial start. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.98 technically meets the "one year's salary" rule of thumb, that calculation assumes full-time work at these wages leaves enough room for both loan payments and living expenses in New Jersey's high-cost environment. The 11th percentile national ranking suggests this isn't just a New Jersey cost-of-living issue—it's a program performance issue.

If your child is set on Rowan, dig into what specific concentration or career path these graduates pursue. Health sciences is a broad umbrella, and some tracks lead to graduate programs while others aim for immediate employment. For a direct-to-work bachelor's degree, these numbers don't justify the investment when stronger alternatives exist within an hour's drive.