Median Earnings (1yr)
$68,338
95th percentile (80th in NJ)
Median Debt
$22,500
4% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.33
Manageable
Sample Size
762
Adequate data

Analysis

Rutgers-New Brunswick's finance program delivers exceptional returns that put it in the elite tier nationally. With first-year earnings of $68,338—27% above the national average and 29% above New Jersey's median—this program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile within New Jersey. The debt load of $22,500 is reasonable and actually slightly below both national and state averages, creating a strong debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33.

The numbers become even more compelling when you consider the trajectory: earnings grow to $86,111 by year four, representing solid 26% growth that reflects strong career advancement potential in finance. Among New Jersey's 16 finance programs, Rutgers-New Brunswick ties for the top spot with its Camden and Newark campuses, significantly outpacing private alternatives like Seton Hall ($64,233) despite likely lower tuition costs as a state school.

For a finance degree, this represents an outstanding investment. The combination of top-tier earnings, manageable debt, and the Rutgers brand recognition creates compelling value. The robust sample size gives confidence in these outcomes, and the program's performance suggests strong industry connections and curriculum quality that translate into real career advantages for graduates.

Where Rutgers University-New Brunswick Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally

Rutgers University-New BrunswickOther finance and financial management services 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 finance and financial management services 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

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (16 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Rutgers University-New Brunswick$68,338$86,111$22,5000.33
Rutgers University-Camden$68,338$86,111$22,5000.33
Rutgers University-Newark$68,338$86,111$22,5000.33
Seton Hall University$64,233$76,566$22,8080.36
Rider University$57,881$69,827$27,0000.47
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus$52,729$76,708$25,0000.47
National Median$53,590$23,3320.44

Other Finance and Financial Management Services Programs in New Jersey

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Rutgers University-Camden
Camden
$17,079$68,338$22,500
Rutgers University-Newark
Newark
$16,586$68,338$22,500
Seton Hall University
South Orange
$51,370$64,233$22,808
Rider University
Lawrenceville
$38,900$57,881$27,000
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus
Teaneck
$35,822$52,729$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 762 graduates with reported earnings and 709 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.