History at The College of New Jersey

That first-year salary of $26,218 looks alarming—nearly $5,000 below the national median and $7,500 below New Jersey's typical history graduate. Among Garden State history programs, this lands in just the 25th percentile, well behind schools like Monmouth ($48,482) and even public alternatives like Rowan ($35,150). The debt load of $25,000 nearly equals that first year's earnings, creating immediate financial pressure for new graduates.

The dramatic rebound tells a different story: by year four, earnings jump to $56,930—an impressive 117% increase that ultimately surpasses both state and national benchmarks. This suggests TCNJ history graduates may be landing entry-level positions that don't fully utilize their degree before transitioning into better-fitting careers. However, the sample size here is under 30 graduates, so these figures could swing significantly with just a few high or low earners.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether your student can weather those difficult first years after graduation. If they're living at home or have financial support during the initial job search and career adjustment period, the long-term outcomes become more defensible. But compared to stronger-performing New Jersey programs, this represents a riskier path—especially if your student needs to be financially independent right after graduation.