Economics at William Paterson University of New Jersey

William Paterson's economics program starts graduates nearly $8,500 below the New Jersey median for economics degrees—landing in the 25th percentile statewide. While the manageable debt load of $28,281 is a silver lining, the combination of below-average starting earnings and higher-than-typical debt compared to other economics programs means this degree faces steeper financial headwinds than most. The 36% earnings growth by year four is encouraging, but graduates still earn $58,687—roughly what top NJ programs deliver right out of the gate.

The real challenge here is opportunity cost. At an open-access institution serving many Pell Grant students, economics typically promises a pathway to middle-class earnings. But when nearby Rutgers campuses produce economics graduates earning $8,700 more from day one—with similar or lower debt—the value calculation shifts. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty, meaning these numbers could swing either direction with more data.

For families considering this program, the question becomes whether the specific circumstances—location, campus fit, transfer credits—justify accepting a financial position that trails three-quarters of New Jersey's economics programs. The debt is manageable, but starting $15,000 behind Princeton grads or $8,000 behind Rutgers grads creates a gap that takes years to close, if ever.