Median Earnings (1yr)
$56,286
86th percentile (60th in NJ)
Median Debt
$23,250
11% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.41
Manageable
Sample Size
424
Adequate data

Analysis

The College of New Jersey's business program delivers exceptional career acceleration, with graduates seeing their earnings jump 45% from $56,286 to $81,674 between their first and fourth years post-graduation. This trajectory places the program in the 86th percentile nationally—well above typical business programs that start around $46,000. The $23,250 debt load creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41, meaning graduates can reasonably expect to handle their loans.

Within New Jersey's competitive landscape, this program holds steady in the 60th percentile, trailing elite options like Stevens Institute but outperforming the state median by over $11,000. Among the state's 30 business programs, TCNJ offers solid middle-tier performance with notably lower debt than the typical New Jersey graduate ($25,000 state median). The school's selectivity and strong academic profile (1247 average SAT) suggest graduates enter the job market with solid credentials.

For families weighing options, this represents a reliable path to upper-middle-class earnings without excessive debt burden. The strong earnings growth pattern indicates graduates successfully advance in their careers, making this a sound investment for students seeking business leadership roles in the competitive Northeast market.

Where The College of New Jersey Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally

The College of New JerseyOther business administration, management and operations 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 $56k, placing them in the 86th percentile of all business administration, management and operations 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

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (30 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
The College of New Jersey$56,286$81,674$23,2500.41
Stevens Institute of Technology$70,694$100,049$27,0000.38
Thomas Edison State University$69,147$67,245$12,5000.18
Rutgers University-Newark$58,896$77,221$23,2500.39
Rutgers University-New Brunswick$58,896$77,221$23,2500.39
Rutgers University-Camden$58,896$77,221$23,2500.39
National Median$45,703$26,0000.57

Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in New Jersey

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken
$60,952$70,694$27,000
Thomas Edison State University
Trenton
$6,638$69,147$12,500
Rutgers University-Newark
Newark
$16,586$58,896$23,250
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick
$17,239$58,896$23,250
Rutgers University-Camden
Camden
$17,079$58,896$23,250

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 424 graduates with reported earnings and 389 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.