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New Jersey City University vs Caldwell University: which has better ROI?

Public, Jersey City NJ · vs · Private nonprofit, Caldwell NJ

The verdict

New Jersey City University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $64,212 in 14.6 years versus 18 years at Caldwell University, on median earnings of $52,745 vs $53,843 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureNew Jersey City UniversityCaldwell University
Net price / yr$16,053$24,691
Total net cost$64,212$98,764
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,745$53,843
Median debt$18,500$25,000
Payback14.6 yrs18 yrs
20-year net return$23,488$10,896

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, New Jersey City University or Caldwell University?

New Jersey City University, at $16,053 a year after aid versus $24,691 — a gap of $8,638 a year, or $34,552 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do New Jersey City University or Caldwell University graduates earn more?

Caldwell University graduates report a median $53,843 ten years after entry, $1,098 more than the $52,745 at New Jersey City University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, New Jersey City University or Caldwell University?

New Jersey City University: its completers carry a median $18,500 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Caldwell University, a difference of $6,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

57% of students finish at Caldwell University, against 34% at New Jersey City University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

New Jersey City University vs Caldwell University: frequently asked questions

Is New Jersey City University or Caldwell University a better value?
New Jersey City University. It clears its $64,212 net cost in about 14.6 years versus 18 years at Caldwell University, on median earnings of $52,745 vs $53,843 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, New Jersey City University or Caldwell University?
New Jersey City University: $16,053/yr net price after aid versus $24,691/yr at Caldwell University — a difference of $8,638 a year, or about $34,552 over four years.
Do New Jersey City University or Caldwell University graduates earn more?
Caldwell University graduates earn a median $53,843 ten years after entry, versus $52,745 at New Jersey City University — a $1,098 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.