Median Earnings (1yr)
$33,763
64th percentile
60th percentile in New Jersey
Median Debt
$21,728
9% below national median

Analysis

Rutgers-Camden history graduates start at $33,763—exactly matching the New Jersey median—but then something notable happens: earnings jump 45% to $49,001 by year four, vaulting past every other history program in the state except Monmouth and Rider. While Princeton's history graduates earn more initially, Rutgers-Camden's trajectory suggests graduates are finding their footing in careers that value the research, writing, and analytical skills the program builds.

The debt picture looks reasonable at $21,728, lower than both the state and national medians. That 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than eight months of their starting salary—manageable territory, especially given where earnings head by year four. The school serves a significant number of Pell-eligible students (44%), and these outcomes suggest the program delivers on its promise without burying graduates in debt.

For families worried about the "what can you do with a history degree" question, this data tells a reassuring story. The strong earnings growth indicates graduates aren't stuck in entry-level positions—they're advancing into roles where humanities skills command real value. Among New Jersey's 26 history programs, this sits comfortably in the middle tier for immediate outcomes but competes with elite programs once graduates gain experience.

Where Rutgers University-Camden Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Rutgers University-Camden graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Rutgers University-Camden$33,763$49,001+45%
The College of New Jersey$26,218$56,930+117%
Kean University$34,934$51,125+46%
Montclair State University$31,607$49,923+58%
Monmouth University$48,482$49,871+3%

Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey

History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (26 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Rutgers University-CamdenCamden$17,079$33,763$49,001$21,7280.64
Monmouth UniversityWest Long Branch$44,850$48,482$49,871$27,0000.56
Rider UniversityLawrenceville$38,900$46,393$48,109$27,0000.58
Princeton UniversityPrinceton$59,710$45,363———
New Jersey City UniversityJersey City$13,971$40,919$46,235$25,6290.63
Rowan UniversityGlassboro$15,700$35,150$42,902$25,5000.73
National Median—$31,220—$24,0000.77

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with history graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

History Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Historians

Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

$74,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Archivists

Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Curators

Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Museum Technicians and Conservators

Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Rutgers University-Camden, approximately 44% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 161 graduates with reported earnings and 219 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.