Analysis
The College of New Jersey's accounting program produces exceptional outcomes that significantly outpace both state and national averages. First-year graduates earn $74,403βnearly $21,000 more than New Jersey's median for accounting graduates and roughly $21,000 above the national median. Among New Jersey's 23 accounting programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile, trailing only the Rutgers campuses and Seton Hall among major public options. The $22,500 median debt is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 that allows graduates to comfortably handle repayment.
What makes this program particularly attractive is the combination of strong initial placement and continued earnings growth. Graduates see their median income rise to $85,225 within four yearsβa 15% increase that suggests they're advancing into senior accounting roles or CPA positions rather than stalling early in their careers. For a public institution with a 62% acceptance rate, these outcomes rival more selective private competitors.
The value proposition is straightforward: you're getting near-elite accounting program results at a public school price point. While the moderate sample size means individual outcomes will vary, the data suggests this program has strong connections to New Jersey's accounting market, particularly in the pharmaceutical and financial services sectors that dominate the region. For families seeking an in-state accounting degree, this represents one of the strongest combinations of accessibility and career outcomes available.
Where The College of New Jersey Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How The College of New Jersey 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The College of New Jersey | $74,403 | $85,225 | +15% |
| Seton Hall University | $69,411 | $87,039 | +25% |
| Rutgers University-Camden | $68,141 | $78,766 | +16% |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $68,141 | $78,766 | +16% |
| Rutgers University-Newark | $68,141 | $78,766 | +16% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $18,685 | $74,403 | $85,225 | $22,500 | 0.30 | |
| $51,370 | $69,411 | $87,039 | $25,000 | 0.36 | |
| $16,586 | $68,141 | $78,766 | $22,770 | 0.33 | |
| $17,239 | $68,141 | $78,766 | $22,770 | 0.33 | |
| $17,079 | $68,141 | $78,766 | $22,770 | 0.33 | |
| $15,978 | $66,615 | $78,346 | $25,000 | 0.38 | |
| National Median | β | $53,694 | β | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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 The College of New Jersey, approximately 20% 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 68 graduates with reported earnings and 56 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.