Analysis
Rutgers-New Brunswick's marketing program significantly outperforms both state and national benchmarks, ranking in the 80th percentile among New Jersey schools and 69th percentile nationally. With first-year earnings of $48,645βwell above the national median of $44,728 and substantially higher than New Jersey's median of $38,254βgraduates start strong and see impressive 34% earnings growth by year four, reaching nearly $65,000.
The debt picture is more concerning, with graduates carrying $20,731 in median debt that ranks in the 78th percentile nationally (meaning higher than most programs). However, this debt burden becomes manageable given the strong earnings trajectory. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 means graduates typically owe less than half their first-year salary, and the 34% earnings growth over four years helps improve this picture quickly.
Among New Jersey's marketing programs, Rutgers-New Brunswick ties for second-highest earnings with its sister campuses, trailing only Seton Hall by a small margin. For families considering in-state options, this program delivers competitive outcomes at a public university price point. The combination of above-average starting salaries, strong earnings growth, and reasonable debt levels makes this a solid investment, despite the higher-than-ideal debt burden.
Where Rutgers University-New Brunswick Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing 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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $48,645 | $64,960 | +34% |
| Seton Hall University | $50,200 | $70,858 | +41% |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus | $33,954 | $64,985 | +91% |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | $33,954 | $64,985 | +91% |
| Rutgers University-Camden | $48,645 | $64,960 | +34% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (18 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,239 | $48,645 | $64,960 | $20,731 | 0.43 | |
| $51,370 | $50,200 | $70,858 | $23,250 | 0.46 | |
| $17,079 | $48,645 | $64,960 | $20,731 | 0.43 | |
| $16,586 | $48,645 | $64,960 | $20,731 | 0.43 | |
| $38,900 | $44,352 | $55,199 | $27,000 | 0.61 | |
| $13,971 | $38,728 | $61,711 | $17,910 | 0.46 | |
| National Median | β | $44,728 | β | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with marketing graduates
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Marketing Managers
Sales Managers
Fundraising Managers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Fundraisers
Survey Researchers
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 373 graduates with reported earnings and 357 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.