Urban Studies/Affairs at Rutgers University-Camden

Rutgers-Camden's Urban Studies program produces graduates earning $44,263 in their first year—about 10% above the national median for this field—though the small graduating class (under 30 students) means individual outcomes can vary widely. More encouraging is the trajectory: earnings climb to $53,255 by year four, a 20% increase that suggests graduates are building valuable career momentum. With just four NJ schools offering this program, and Rutgers-Camden matching the state median, parents have limited in-state alternatives for comparison.

The debt picture looks unusually favorable. At $27,000, borrowers graduate owing just 61% of their first-year salary, well below the national debt level for urban studies graduates. This program ranks in the 17th percentile nationally for debt—meaning 83% of similar programs leave students with higher balances. For a relatively accessible school (78% admission rate) serving a population where nearly half receive Pell grants, these controlled debt loads matter considerably.

The caveat: small cohorts mean these numbers could shift significantly year to year, and urban studies graduates often pursue public sector or nonprofit work where early-career earnings may not capture the full picture. Still, the combination of above-average starting salaries, strong earnings growth, and manageable debt suggests this program delivers solid value, particularly for students committed to urban planning, policy, or community development careers.