Median Earnings (1yr)
$68,141
95th percentile (80th in NJ)
Median Debt
$22,770
9% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.33
Manageable
Sample Size
481
Adequate data

Analysis

Rutgers-New Brunswick's accounting program ranks among the nation's elite, placing in the 95th percentile nationally with first-year earnings of $68,141—nearly $15,000 above the national median. Within New Jersey's competitive accounting landscape, it holds the 80th percentile position and ties for third-highest earnings among state programs, trailing only The College of New Jersey by about $6,000. For a public university with a 65% admission rate, these outcomes are exceptional.

The financial picture is particularly attractive with moderate debt of $22,770, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33. While debt levels sit in the 67th percentile nationally (meaning some programs have lower debt), the strong earning power more than compensates. Graduates see solid 16% earnings growth over four years, reaching nearly $79,000 by their fourth year post-graduation.

For parents weighing options, this represents one of the strongest accounting programs in New Jersey at a fraction of the cost of private alternatives. The combination of top-tier earning potential, reasonable debt, and the credibility of Rutgers creates compelling value for students seeking accounting careers in the tri-state area's robust financial services market.

Where Rutgers University-New Brunswick Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

Rutgers University-New BrunswickOther accounting programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates compare to all programs nationally

Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates earn $68k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (23 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Rutgers University-New Brunswick$68,141$78,766$22,7700.33
The College of New Jersey$74,403$85,225$22,5000.30
Seton Hall University$69,411$87,039$25,0000.36
Rutgers University-Newark$68,141$78,766$22,7700.33
Rutgers University-Camden$68,141$78,766$22,7700.33
Ramapo College of New Jersey$66,615$78,346$25,0000.38
National Median$53,694$25,0000.47

Other Accounting Programs in New Jersey

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
The College of New Jersey
Ewing
$18,685$74,403$22,500
Seton Hall University
South Orange
$51,370$69,411$25,000
Rutgers University-Newark
Newark
$16,586$68,141$22,770
Rutgers University-Camden
Camden
$17,079$68,141$22,770
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Mahwah
$15,978$66,615$25,000

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-New Brunswick, approximately 27% 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 481 graduates with reported earnings and 479 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.