New Jersey City University
Jersey City, New Jersey · Public · 98.4% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 51/100 · Below Average Value
New Jersey City University (Jersey City, NJ) scores 51 (Below Average Value), with the most damaging figures being a 33.9% completion rate -- one of the lowest among four-year public universities in New Jersey -- and a 63.5% three-year loan repayment rate. Median 6-year earnings of $37,200 and an 11.5-year payback period are weak relative to NJCU's location in the New York metro area, where the cost of living is high and median wages should be correspondingly stronger. Nursing is the clear standout at $90,730 year-one; most other programs deliver C+ or weaker outcomes.
The data raises concerns about New Jersey City University
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- 6-year graduation rate33.9% - Well below the 60% national average. Non-completion is the fastest route to negative ROI.
New Jersey City University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $14,460/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $14,460/yr |
| Average net price | $16,053/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $64,212 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,745 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $37,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $18,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $196 |
| Estimated payback period | 11.5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 33.9% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 3,681 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at New Jersey City University is $14,460/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $16,053/year, or roughly $64,212 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $14,005/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $21,596/year.
The median graduate leaves with $18,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $196 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $52,745 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.50 - well within manageable territory.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,005 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,363 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,587 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,239 |
| $110,001+ | $21,596 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Low-income families (under $30,000) pay $14,005 per year -- roughly $56,000 over four years. At this price with median earnings of $37,200, the aggregate ROI is marginal. The completion rate risk is the central issue: low-income students who don't finish accumulate debt without the wage benefit. Nursing students who complete have a strong financial outcome at this price point.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $48,001-75,000 bracket pays $17,587 and the $75,001-110,000 bracket pays $21,239 per year. Middle-income New Jersey families comparing NJCU to Rowan University or Montclair State should run program-specific cost comparisons -- NJCU's completion rate difference is a material variable.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning over $110,000 pay $21,596 per year -- about $86,000 over four years. High-income families in New Jersey would rarely choose NJCU unless there is a specific program or financial rationale. The nursing program is the clearest case.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at New Jersey City University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | $46,575 | D |
| Registered Nursing | $102,386 | B+ |
| Biology | $60,104 | C+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $55,293 | C |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $65,368 | C+ |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $59,925 | C+ |
| Accounting | $66,244 | C+ |
| Homeland Security | $63,137 | B |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $41,077 | D |
| Sociology | $44,151 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing (108 graduates) is NJCU's dominant program by both volume and outcomes: $90,730 at year one, $102,386 at year four, B+ grade, 0.309 debt-to-earnings ratio. New York metro area nursing wages are among the country's highest, and NJCU's proximity to major hospital systems in Hudson County creates strong placement infrastructure. At a net price of $16,053, nursing at NJCU is among the better-value pathways to RN credentials in the region.
Homeland Security
Homeland Security (44 graduates) earns $39,624 at year one and $63,137 at year four with a B ROI grade and 0.368 debt-to-earnings ratio. NJCU's location near major ports and transportation infrastructure creates demand for security-related fields. The B grade at low net cost is a clean outcome for this program.
Computer and Information Sciences
Computer and Information Sciences (66 graduates) earns $41,876 at year one and $65,368 at year four with a C+ grade and 0.466 debt-to-earnings ratio. Year-one earnings of $41,876 are below what New York metro area CS roles typically pay, suggesting some graduates are not entering tech roles immediately after graduation or are starting in lower-level positions. The four-year trajectory to $65,000 is more representative.
Psychology
Psychology is NJCU's largest program at 141 graduates with D-grade returns: $28,969 at year one and $46,575 at year four with a 0.762 debt-to-earnings ratio. Year-one earnings of $28,969 in New Jersey -- one of the country's most expensive states -- leave limited room after basic expenses. Students pursuing psychology who need graduate school to reach clinical roles should model total educational cost carefully.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 58.7% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 63.5% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 54.9% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 57.5% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 98.4% |
| Enrollment | 3,681 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 52.5% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $12,966 |
At 98.4% acceptance with no published test thresholds, NJCU is among the most open-access four-year institutions in New Jersey. The school's mission explicitly targets students who might not otherwise access higher education in the New York metro area. The corollary is a wide range of academic preparation and significant need for student support services -- students should inquire specifically about retention and completion support programs.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
NJCU's peer schools include Rowan University and Bloomfield College of Montclair State University. NJCU (51, Below Average Value) scores below Rowan University, which has stronger completion rates and broader program outcomes. Bloomfield College as an HBCU-adjacent institution serves a similar population but with different program concentrations. Among New Jersey public universities, NJCU's 33.9% completion rate is a significant outlier that should anchor any comparison discussion.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey City University (this school) | 51 | $16,053 | $52,745 |
| Rowan University | 66 | $22,408 | $59,988 |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | 52 | $10,892 | $48,866 |
| University of Massachusetts Global | 52 | $32,654 | $65,703 |
| Washburn University | 51 | $15,280 | $49,774 |
| Bloomfield College of Montclair State University | 50 | $28,014 | $61,415 |
Who Thrives Here
NJCU admits 98.4% of applicants -- effectively open access -- with no published test score requirements. At 3,681 students with 52.5% Pell grant recipients, NJCU serves a predominantly low-income, first-generation student population in Hudson County, New Jersey. The school's urban mission is clear, but the 33.9% completion rate means that two-thirds of entering students are not completing their degrees -- an alarming figure that prospective students should investigate directly. Nursing is the best-supported career pathway at NJCU by outcomes data.
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for New Jersey City University is mixed. At $16,053 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $52,745 ten years after entry - a payback period of 11.5 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Areas of concern include a 33.9% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $18,500 against $52,745 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.