Analysis
Rowan's History program costs slightly more than what most New Jersey schools charge ($25,500 versus a state median of $25,125), yet it delivers middle-of-the-pack outcomes. At the 60th percentile within New Jersey, graduates here earn less than those from Princeton, Rider, and Monmouth—but they also start $10,000 below the top programs. That said, first-year earnings of $35,150 beat the national History median by about $4,000, suggesting Rowan's regional network provides some advantage over programs in lower-cost-of-living areas.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 is manageable, and the 22% earnings growth to $42,902 by year four shows steady progression. This trajectory matters for History majors, who often need a few years to find their footing in education, nonprofit work, or corporate roles that value research and communication skills. The moderate sample size suggests stable placement patterns rather than isolated success stories.
For families weighing this against New Jersey alternatives, Rowan offers solid value—not exceptional, but reliable. If your child is deciding between Rowan and significantly pricier private options, the outcomes don't justify paying much more. However, if schools like New Jersey City University or Kean are in play at similar or lower cost, compare carefully. This program does what it promises without surprises on either end.
Where Rowan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Rowan University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rowan University | $35,150 | $42,902 | +22% |
| The College of New Jersey | $26,218 | $56,930 | +117% |
| Kean University | $34,934 | $51,125 | +46% |
| Montclair State University | $31,607 | $49,923 | +58% |
| Monmouth University | $48,482 | $49,871 | +3% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (26 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,700 | $35,150 | $42,902 | $25,500 | 0.73 | |
| $44,850 | $48,482 | $49,871 | $27,000 | 0.56 | |
| $38,900 | $46,393 | $48,109 | $27,000 | 0.58 | |
| $59,710 | $45,363 | — | — | — | |
| $13,971 | $40,919 | $46,235 | $25,629 | 0.63 | |
| $13,426 | $34,934 | $51,125 | $26,000 | 0.74 | |
| National Median | — | $31,220 | — | $24,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with history graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
History Teachers, Postsecondary
Historians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
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 University, approximately 31% 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 90 graduates with reported earnings and 108 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.