Economics at The College of New Jersey

The College of New Jersey's economics program launches graduates into strong early earnings—$62,218 in year one puts them well above both the national and New Jersey medians for economics majors. That's about $10,000 more than what typical economics graduates earn in the state. The $23,500 median debt is remarkably manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.38, meaning graduates can realistically pay down loans while building financial stability. Among New Jersey's 20 economics programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile—solidly above average, though nowhere near Princeton's elite tier.

The caveat here is meaningful: with fewer than 30 graduates in the data sample, these numbers could shift significantly with more data points. That said, the pattern makes sense given TCNJ's selective admissions and relatively affordable in-state tuition model. The modest 8% earnings growth to $67,369 by year four is fairly typical for economics majors, who often see their biggest jumps later in their careers as they move into management or specialized roles.

For New Jersey families seeking an economics degree without Ivy League price tags or debt loads, TCNJ delivers competitive outcomes. The program costs less and earns more than the state average—a combination that's harder to find than you might think. Just keep in mind that small sample sizes mean individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs.