Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University's nursing program lands graduates in the national top 5% for earnings—an impressive $95,000 starting salary that crushes the national median by more than $20,000. Yet within New Jersey's competitive nursing market, these same graduates rank around the 60th percentile, trailing programs at schools like Montclair State and Kean by nearly $10,000. The context matters here: New Jersey nurses simply earn more than most of the country, so while this program looks exceptional nationally, it's performing about average within its own state.

The modest $22,618 debt load keeps the financial picture manageable, with graduates owing less than a quarter of their first-year earnings. However, the slight earnings decline to $92,693 by year four—while median earnings typically rise elsewhere—suggests these graduates may not be accessing the same advancement opportunities as peers at top-tier NJ nursing programs. With 25 nursing schools competing in New Jersey, understanding what drives this plateau would be important.

For families paying in-state tuition, this represents a solid ROI with strong absolute earnings and low debt. But if you're comparing New Jersey options, recognize that several programs consistently deliver both higher starting salaries and room for growth—which matters significantly over a 40-year nursing career.