Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at The College of New Jersey
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
The College of New Jersey produces some of the highest-earning subject-area teachers in the country—its graduates make $56,055 in their first year, crushing the national median of $43,082 by 30%. That's 95th percentile performance nationally. The debt load of $26,000 is nearly identical to the national average, making this an exceptionally strong return on investment with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.46. Teaching careers typically offer stable progression rather than explosive growth, and the modest 5% earnings bump over four years fits that pattern.
Within New Jersey, however, the picture requires perspective. While this program significantly outperforms the state median ($51,454), it sits at the 60th percentile among Jersey's seven teaching programs. William Paterson edges slightly ahead at $58,854. This isn't a weakness—it reflects New Jersey's generally strong compensation for teachers compared to most states. You're essentially choosing between excellent and slightly-more-excellent within a high-paying state market.
For parents concerned about their child's financial stability in education, this program delivers exceptional value. Your graduate enters teaching with manageable debt and earnings that should comfortably support loan payments. The fact that this data comes from over 100 graduates makes it reliable, not an outlier. If your child is committed to teaching specific subjects, few programs nationwide offer better financial outcomes.
Where The College of New Jersey Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all teacher education and professional development, specific subject areas 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 $56k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all teacher education and professional development, specific subject areas 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
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (7 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The College of New Jersey | $56,055 | $58,612 | $26,000 | 0.46 |
| William Paterson University of New Jersey | $58,854 | $59,636 | $31,000 | 0.53 |
| Rider University | $52,940 | $50,799 | $27,000 | 0.51 |
| Rowan University | $49,969 | $51,500 | $27,000 | 0.54 |
| Montclair State University | $46,343 | $53,620 | $27,000 | 0.58 |
| Kean University | $40,929 | $57,820 | $29,625 | 0.72 |
| National Median | $43,082 | — | $26,221 | 0.61 |
Other Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Programs in New Jersey
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Paterson University of New Jersey Wayne | $15,150 | $58,854 | $31,000 |
| Rider University Lawrenceville | $38,900 | $52,940 | $27,000 |
| Rowan University Glassboro | $15,700 | $49,969 | $27,000 |
| Montclair State University Montclair | $14,766 | $46,343 | $27,000 |
| Kean University Union | $13,426 | $40,929 | $29,625 |
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.