Median Earnings (1yr)
$74,403
95th percentile (80th in NJ)
Median Debt
$22,500
10% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.30
Manageable
Sample Size
68
Adequate data

Analysis

The College of New Jersey's accounting program produces exceptional outcomes that significantly outpace both state and national averages. First-year graduates earn $74,403—nearly $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 years—a 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

The College of New JerseyOther accounting programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How The College of New Jersey graduates compare to all programs nationally

The College of New Jersey graduates earn $74k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (23 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
The College of New Jersey$74,403$85,225$22,5000.30
Seton Hall University$69,411$87,039$25,0000.36
Rutgers University-Newark$68,141$78,766$22,7700.33
Rutgers University-New Brunswick$68,141$78,766$22,7700.33
Rutgers University-Camden$68,141$78,766$22,7700.33
Ramapo College of New Jersey$66,615$78,346$25,0000.38
National Median$53,694$25,0000.47

Other Accounting Programs in New Jersey

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Seton Hall University
South Orange
$51,370$69,411$25,000
Rutgers University-Newark
Newark
$16,586$68,141$22,770
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick
$17,239$68,141$22,770
Rutgers University-Camden
Camden
$17,079$68,141$22,770
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Mahwah
$15,978$66,615$25,000

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.