Physics at Rutgers University-Camden

Rutgers-Camden's physics program produces first-year earnings of $35,689—well below the $47,670 national median for physics graduates. While this ranks at only the 22nd percentile nationally, there's an important twist: it's actually at the 60th percentile among New Jersey physics programs, meaning most in-state options perform similarly or worse. This reflects New Jersey's challenging reality where physics graduates across the state earn substantially less than the national average.

The positive side of this equation is the relatively manageable debt load. At $26,974, graduates carry slightly more than the state median but less than most physics programs nationally (6th percentile). This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76—not ideal, but workable with disciplined budgeting in those crucial first years. The university serves a significant population of students from lower-income backgrounds (44% receive Pell grants), and keeping debt below $27,000 for a STEM degree represents reasonable restraint.

The real question is whether your child plans to stay in New Jersey or move elsewhere after graduation. Physics graduates who relocate to stronger job markets typically see much higher earnings. If staying local, this program won't disadvantage them compared to other state options—even Rutgers' flagship New Brunswick campus shows identical first-year earnings. But families should plan for a potentially slow financial start and consider whether graduate school might be necessary to reach higher earning potential.