Median Earnings (1yr)
$68,338
95th percentile
80th percentile in New Jersey
Median Debt
$22,500
4% below national median

Analysis

Rutgers-New Brunswick's finance program delivers exceptional returns that put it in the elite tier nationally. With first-year earnings of $68,338β€”27% above the national average and 29% above New Jersey's medianβ€”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

Earnings Distribution

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Rutgers University-New Brunswick$68,338$86,111+26%
Rutgers University-Newark$68,338$86,111+26%
Rutgers University-Camden$68,338$86,111+26%
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus$52,729$76,708+45%
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus$52,729$76,708+45%

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)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick$17,239$68,338$86,111$22,5000.33
Rutgers University-CamdenCamden$17,079$68,338$86,111$22,5000.33
Rutgers University-NewarkNewark$16,586$68,338$86,111$22,5000.33
Seton Hall UniversitySouth Orange$51,370$64,233$76,566$22,8080.36
Rider UniversityLawrenceville$38,900$57,881$69,827$27,0000.47
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan CampusTeaneck$35,822$52,729$76,708$25,0000.47
National Medianβ€”$53,590β€”$23,3320.44

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

$102,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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.