Health and Medical Administrative Services at Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Rutgers-New Brunswick's healthcare administration program produces graduates earning nearly $50,000 in their first year—about $4,600 above the state median and $5,600 above the national average. Among New Jersey's 14 programs, this places in the 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms most in-state options. The 21% earnings growth to over $60,000 by year four suggests solid career progression in a field where administrative roles typically advance with experience.

The debt picture is more nuanced. At $39,646, graduates carry the state median debt burden but considerably more than the national average of $31,000. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.79 means graduates owe roughly 9.5 months' salary—manageable but not trivial. The good news is that rising earnings steadily improve this ratio over time, and healthcare administration offers relatively stable employment prospects compared to many bachelor's-level fields.

One important caveat: this analysis is based on fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than these numbers suggest. Still, for a student committed to healthcare administration who values Rutgers' strong reputation and networking opportunities in the tri-state healthcare market, this program offers above-average returns. Just ensure your child understands they're entering a business-focused role in healthcare, not clinical care, and that starting salaries—while solid—aren't exceptional given the debt load.