Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Rowan University

Rowan University's Liberal Arts program significantly outperforms national expectations, with graduates earning $43,486 in their first year—placing it in the 83rd percentile nationally and well above the $36,340 national median. This $7,000+ earnings premium over typical liberal arts programs represents real value, especially considering the reasonable $27,000 debt load that matches both national and state medians.

Within New Jersey, however, the picture becomes more nuanced. While Rowan ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, it trails programs like Thomas Edison State ($49,779) and Stockton University ($42,209). Still, graduates see solid earnings growth to nearly $50,000 by year four, and the 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio indicates manageable financial obligations—meaning graduates can expect to earn more than their total debt in less than eight months of work.

For parents concerned about the practicality of a liberal arts degree, Rowan offers a compelling middle ground. The program delivers earnings that exceed most liberal arts programs nationally while keeping debt reasonable, and the robust sample size confirms these aren't outlier results. While it may not be New Jersey's top performer, it provides strong value for students seeking a broad-based education without the financial stress often associated with liberal arts degrees.