Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at The College of New Jersey
Bachelor's Degree
tcnj.eduAnalysis
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
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 | $56,055 | $58,612 | +5% |
| William Paterson University of New Jersey | $58,854 | $59,636 | +1% |
| Kean University | $40,929 | $57,820 | +41% |
| Montclair State University | $46,343 | $53,620 | +16% |
| Rowan University | $49,969 | $51,500 | +3% |
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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $18,685 | $56,055 | $58,612 | $26,000 | 0.46 | |
| $15,150 | $58,854 | $59,636 | $31,000 | 0.53 | |
| $38,900 | $52,940 | $50,799 | $27,000 | 0.51 | |
| $15,700 | $49,969 | $51,500 | $27,000 | 0.54 | |
| $14,766 | $46,343 | $53,620 | $27,000 | 0.58 | |
| $13,426 | $40,929 | $57,820 | $29,625 | 0.72 | |
| National Median | — | $43,082 | — | $26,221 | 0.61 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with teacher education and professional development, specific subject areas graduates
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Geography Teachers, Postsecondary
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
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.