Analysis
The College of New Jersey's math program demonstrates one of this field's most valuable characteristics: reliable earnings growth that rewards patience. Starting salaries of $50,762 might feel modest for a STEM degree, but four years out, graduates earn $74,846βa 47% jump that significantly outpaces typical wage growth. With just $26,000 in debt (less than half that first-year salary), the financial foundation is remarkably solid.
However, New Jersey parents should note the competitive landscape. While this program performs well nationally (58th percentile), it sits below the state median in a market where NJIT and the Rutgers system produce math graduates earning $55,000-$66,000 in their first year. That $15,000 gap with NJIT narrows considerably by year four as TCNJ graduates accelerate, but it means those early career years involve more budgeting discipline.
For families prioritizing manageable debt over maximum starting salary, TCNJ offers genuine valueβthat 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio is excellent for any bachelor's degree. The program appears to prepare graduates who find their footing and advance steadily. Just recognize you're choosing a path that builds momentum over time rather than commanding top dollar immediately, which matters if your child needs higher early earnings to support themselves or repay loans aggressively.
Where The College of New Jersey Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How The College of New Jersey graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| The College of New Jersey | $50,762 | $74,846 | +47% |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $54,953 | $77,902 | +42% |
| Rutgers University-Newark | $54,953 | $77,902 | +42% |
| Rutgers University-Camden | $54,953 | $77,902 | +42% |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | $65,725 | $67,694 | +3% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $18,685 | $50,762 | $74,846 | $26,000 | 0.51 | |
| $19,022 | $65,725 | $67,694 | $26,190 | 0.40 | |
| $16,586 | $54,953 | $77,902 | $23,000 | 0.42 | |
| $17,239 | $54,953 | $77,902 | $23,000 | 0.42 | |
| $17,079 | $54,953 | $77,902 | $23,000 | 0.42 | |
| $15,532 | $53,915 | $59,973 | $25,984 | 0.48 | |
| National Median | β | $48,772 | β | $21,500 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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 48 graduates with reported earnings and 44 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.