Monmouth University
Monmouth University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Monmouth University at a Glance
Monmouth University is a private university in West Long Branch, New Jersey, United States. Founded in 1933 as Monmouth Junior College, it became Monmouth College in 1956 and Monmouth University in 1995 after receiving its charter. It enrolls about 4,660 undergraduate and 1,750 graduate students and employs 302 full-time faculty members.
1933
93 years old
$153M
$153.1 million (2023)
6,167
4,630 undergrad · 1,537 grad
159 acres
Identity
Is Monmouth University Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, Monmouth University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $67,991 — 26% above average — while paying $30,988/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 71% graduation rate means roughly 29% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Monmouth University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Monmouth University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NJ
Ranked #39 of 75 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #2 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #3 | Regis University | 60 | $18,397 | $72,105 |
| #4 | Niagara University | 59 | $17,248 | $56,196 |
| #5 | University of Portland | 59 | $28,210 | $82,804 |
| #6 | Valparaiso University | 58 | $18,578 | $63,191 |
| #39 | Monmouth University | 39 | $30,988 | $67,991 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Monmouth University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in NJ.
Best Programs at Monmouth University
The highest-earning program at Monmouth University is Mathematics at $49,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Music at $19,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Mathematics graduate from Monmouth University earns $49,500, while a Music graduate earns $19,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Mathematics graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $25,125 for Music.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $30,988/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | $49,500 | $49,500 | $27,000 |
| Education, General | $45,500 | $45,500 | $27,619 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $42,700 | $42,700 | $26,192 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $42,100 | $42,100 | $27,000 |
| Anthropology | $41,600 | $41,600 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $35,100 | $35,100 | $25,000 |
| History | $34,500 | $34,500 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $31,400 | $31,400 | $26,420 |
| Biology, General | $31,300 | $31,300 | $27,000 |
| Political Science and Government | $31,200 | $31,200 | $27,000 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $30,200 | $30,200 | $26,250 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $29,400 | $29,400 | $24,656 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $29,300 | $29,300 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $25,800 | $25,800 | $26,000 |
| Music | $19,900 | $19,900 | $25,125 |
Similar Colleges in NJ
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- West Long Branch, NJ
- Student Body
- 3,684 students
- Admission Rate
- 89%
- Graduation Rate
- 71%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $30,988
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $67,991
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000