Business Administration, Management and Operations at Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Rutgers-New Brunswick's business program delivers exceptional value, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings—a standout performance that places it well above most business programs across the country. With first-year earnings of $58,896 compared to the national median of $45,703, graduates earn nearly $13,000 more right out of college. Even within New Jersey's competitive landscape, this program ranks in the 80th percentile, trailing only premium programs like Stevens Institute of Technology while offering significantly better accessibility with a 65% admission rate.
The financial picture is compelling: graduates carry $23,250 in debt (below both national and state medians) while earning strong salaries, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.39. This means students can realistically pay off their loans while building wealth early in their careers. The 31% earnings growth from year one to year four demonstrates solid career trajectory, with graduates reaching $77,221 by their fourth year out.
For parents weighing return on investment, this program offers an ideal combination of strong outcomes and reasonable debt burden. You're getting elite-level results without elite-level costs or admission barriers, making it one of New Jersey's best business program values and a clear winner nationally.
Where Rutgers University-New Brunswick Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
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 $59k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all business administration, management and operations 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
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (30 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $58,896 | $77,221 | $23,250 | 0.39 |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | $70,694 | $100,049 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
| Thomas Edison State University | $69,147 | $67,245 | $12,500 | 0.18 |
| Rutgers University-Camden | $58,896 | $77,221 | $23,250 | 0.39 |
| Rutgers University-Newark | $58,896 | $77,221 | $23,250 | 0.39 |
| The College of New Jersey | $56,286 | $81,674 | $23,250 | 0.41 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in New Jersey
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stevens Institute of Technology Hoboken | $60,952 | $70,694 | $27,000 |
| Thomas Edison State University Trenton | $6,638 | $69,147 | $12,500 |
| Rutgers University-Camden Camden | $17,079 | $58,896 | $23,250 |
| Rutgers University-Newark Newark | $16,586 | $58,896 | $23,250 |
| The College of New Jersey Ewing | $18,685 | $56,286 | $23,250 |
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 928 graduates with reported earnings and 888 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.