Analysis
Rutgers-Camden's psychology program offers solid value with impressive earnings growth, jumping from $31,280 in the first year to $49,641 by year four—a 59% increase that significantly outpaces typical career progression. While starting salaries hover around national averages, this program ranks in the 60th percentile among New Jersey psychology programs, beating the state median of $29,982 and positioning graduates better than most in-state alternatives.
The debt picture is reasonable at $25,000, matching both state and national medians with a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.80. This means graduates can expect to earn their entire debt amount in less than a year, which is quite favorable for a psychology degree. The program's strength lies in its trajectory—those modest starting salaries evolve into competitive mid-career earnings that approach $50,000 within four years.
For families weighing in-state options, Rutgers-Camden delivers better outcomes than most New Jersey psychology programs while maintaining the affordability advantage of a state school. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these numbers. This program works well for students who can tolerate lower starting salaries in exchange for strong earning potential and reasonable debt loads, particularly if they're considering graduate school where that four-year earning level provides a solid foundation.
Where Rutgers University-Camden Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology 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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rutgers University-Camden | $31,280 | $49,641 | +59% |
| The College of New Jersey | $28,920 | $57,068 | +97% |
| Rider University | $38,118 | $52,513 | +38% |
| Monmouth University | $28,590 | $50,107 | +75% |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $31,280 | $49,641 | +59% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (25 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Rutgers University-CamdenCamden | $17,079 | $31,280 | $49,641 | $25,000 | 0.80 |
 Rider UniversityLawrenceville | $38,900 | $38,118 | $52,513 | $27,000 | 0.71 |
 Georgian Court UniversityLakewood | $37,110 | $36,117 | $45,248 | $22,375 | 0.62 |
 Montclair State UniversityMontclair | $14,766 | $33,432 | $46,064 | $25,000 | 0.75 |
 Pillar CollegeNewark | $24,820 | $32,637 | $39,092 | $35,853 | 1.10 |
 William Paterson University of New JerseyWayne | $15,150 | $32,418 | $44,968 | $25,000 | 0.77 |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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 924 graduates with reported earnings and 1350 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.