Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Rutgers-New Brunswick turns what's typically a modest-earning credential into something substantially more valuable. While most associate-level medical assisting programs nationally produce median earnings around $37,000, graduates here earn $50,530 in their first year—ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile within New Jersey. That's a meaningful premium given New Jersey's higher cost of living and competitive healthcare market.

The $18,250 debt load sits right at the state median and translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, meaning graduates owe roughly 4-5 months' salary. Earnings grow to $57,123 by year four, a 13% increase that suggests career progression rather than stagnation. For context, only Essex County College produces notably higher earnings in this field within New Jersey, and Rutgers achieves this through a selective university environment (65% admission rate, 1383 average SAT) that likely provides stronger clinical partnerships and placement networks.

The moderate sample size means individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs, but the combination of above-average earnings and reasonable debt makes this one of the stronger allied health associate programs available in New Jersey. For families seeking a healthcare career path with lower time investment than a bachelor's degree, this program delivers returns that justify the cost.