Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Rutgers University-Camden

Rutgers Camden's nursing program presents a puzzling picture—it ranks in the 89th percentile nationally for earnings but falls to just the 40th percentile within New Jersey, suggesting the state's nursing market is exceptionally strong rather than this program being weak. With first-year earnings of $87,594 against $28,000 in debt, graduates achieve a solid 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio that's better than typical college programs.

However, the earnings trajectory raises concerns. While most careers show growth, graduates here actually see a slight decline from $87,594 to $86,247 between years one and four—unusual for nursing, which typically offers strong career progression. This "early peak" pattern, combined with the program ranking in the bottom half among New Jersey's 25 nursing programs, suggests graduates may face limitations in advancement or specialization opportunities compared to peers from higher-ranking state schools like Montclair State ($104,219) or Kean ($101,039).

The bottom line: This program offers solid immediate employment prospects and manageable debt, but appears to underperform relative to New Jersey's competitive nursing landscape. If your child can gain admission to higher-ranked nursing programs within the state, those would likely offer better long-term earning potential. However, with a 78% admission rate, this remains a viable backup option that still delivers strong initial outcomes.