Computer and Information Sciences at The College of New Jersey
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
The College of New Jersey's computer science program punches well above its weight, delivering first-year earnings of $84,539—nearly $38,000 more than the national median for CS programs and ranking in the 95th percentile nationwide. Within New Jersey's competitive tech landscape, it outearns the state median by over $20,000 and sits in the 80th percentile, trailing only the Rutgers campuses among major state schools. At $24,125 in median debt, graduates carry a manageable 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they could theoretically pay off loans in about four months of gross salary.
The earnings trajectory shows healthy growth to $95,016 by year four, suggesting graduates are landing roles with real advancement potential rather than hitting a ceiling. Given TCNJ's 62% admission rate and modest selectivity, this represents exceptional outcomes—you're getting near-elite results without needing Ivy-level credentials to get in. The moderate sample size means these numbers are reasonably reliable, though not bulletproof.
For families focused on ROI, this is one of New Jersey's strongest public options for computer science. Your child would graduate with minimal debt and earning potential that rivals far more selective programs, while benefiting from TCNJ's strong regional reputation among tri-state employers.
Where The College of New Jersey Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
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 $85k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all computer and information sciences 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
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (23 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The College of New Jersey | $84,539 | $95,016 | $24,125 | 0.29 |
| Rutgers University-Camden | $80,448 | $114,399 | $21,500 | 0.27 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $80,448 | $114,399 | $21,500 | 0.27 |
| Rutgers University-Newark | $80,448 | $114,399 | $21,500 | 0.27 |
| Seton Hall University | $73,706 | — | — | — |
| Ramapo College of New Jersey | $69,363 | — | $25,000 | 0.36 |
| National Median | $61,322 | — | $25,000 | 0.41 |
Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in New Jersey
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rutgers University-Camden Camden | $17,079 | $80,448 | $21,500 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick | $17,239 | $80,448 | $21,500 |
| Rutgers University-Newark Newark | $16,586 | $80,448 | $21,500 |
| Seton Hall University South Orange | $51,370 | $73,706 | — |
| Ramapo College of New Jersey Mahwah | $15,978 | $69,363 | $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 43 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.