Fine and Studio Arts at Rutgers University-Camden

Rutgers-Camden's fine arts program starts rough but shows something unusual: graduates nearly double their earnings by year four. That first-year figure of $21,908 is concerning—below both national and state medians—but the jump to $38,282 represents 75% growth, pushing graduates above most of their New Jersey peers by the time early-career momentum builds.

The $25,975 in debt sits right at the state median, making the initial 1.19 debt-to-earnings ratio less alarming than it first appears. This isn't a low-debt program, but it's not an outlier either. The real question is what drives that earnings trajectory—whether graduates are landing better positions after building portfolios and connections, or simply aging into higher-paying work that may not require the degree at all. With 44% of students on Pell grants, this program serves a largely middle-class population where that initial earning period could be financially stressful.

For families comfortable with a slow financial start, the numbers suggest patience pays off. But compare that to Ramapo's fine arts grads earning $44,529, and you see the range of outcomes possible within the state. If your student is committed to fine arts specifically and Rutgers-Camden offers the right fit, the trajectory is promising. Just plan for those first few years to be lean.