Sociology at Rutgers University-Camden

Rutgers-Camden's sociology program starts graduates at nearly identical earnings to the state and national medians, but what happens next sets it apart: median earnings jump 43% by year four, reaching $49,178. That trajectory outpaces typical sociology programs and suggests graduates successfully leverage their degrees into meaningful career advancement.

The program ranks in the 60th percentile among New Jersey sociology programs—solidly middle-of-the-pack initially, but the strong earnings growth indicates graduates are finding their footing faster than peers at comparable schools. At $24,405 in median debt, students borrow slightly less than both state and national averages while attending a selective branch of New Jersey's flagship university. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 means graduates owe roughly 8.5 months of their first-year salary, which is manageable territory for a liberal arts degree.

The practical story here: expect a modest starting salary typical of sociology graduates, but stronger-than-average earning potential within a few years. The 44% Pell Grant population suggests the university serves students who need education to be a genuine economic ladder, and the earnings growth data indicates it's functioning that way. For families willing to accept that first-year salary in exchange for solid four-year prospects and reasonable debt, this program delivers more than its initial numbers might suggest.