Degree Dividend
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UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey vs American Institute-Toms River: which has better ROI?

Public, Cranford NJ · vs · Private for-profit, Toms River NJ

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey comes closer — median earnings $41,595 against a $16,514 total, vs $28,710 at American Institute-Toms River. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Share
Head to head
MeasureUCNJ Union College of Union County New JerseyAmerican Institute-Toms River
Net price / yr$8,257$19,781
Total net cost$16,514$79,124
Median earnings, 10 yrs$41,595$28,710
Median debt$15,091$11,979
Payback
20-year net return-$151,814-$472,124

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

Which is cheaper, UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey or American Institute-Toms River?

UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey, at $8,257 a year after aid versus $19,781 — a gap of $11,524 a year, or $62,610 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey or American Institute-Toms River graduates earn more?

UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey graduates report a median $41,595 ten years after entry, $12,885 more than the $28,710 at American Institute-Toms River. 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, UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey or American Institute-Toms River?

American Institute-Toms River: its completers carry a median $11,979 in federal loans versus $15,091 at UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey, a difference of $3,112. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

55% of students finish at American Institute-Toms River, against 35% at UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey. 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.

UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey vs American Institute-Toms River: frequently asked questions

Is UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey or American Institute-Toms River a better value?
UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey or American Institute-Toms River?
UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey: $8,257/yr net price after aid versus $19,781/yr at American Institute-Toms River — a difference of $11,524 a year, or about $62,610 over four years.
Do UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey or American Institute-Toms River graduates earn more?
UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey graduates earn a median $41,595 ten years after entry, versus $28,710 at American Institute-Toms River — a $12,885 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.