Analysis
Rutgers-New Brunswick's mathematics program hits that rare sweet spot: strong starting salaries that get substantially better with experience. First-year graduates earning $55K already outpace 75% of math programs nationally, but the real story is the 42% jump to $78K by year four—suggesting graduates are moving into quantitative roles that reward expertise and experience, not just entry-level positions.
The $23,000 median debt sits right at the state average and below most NJ institutions, making the financial equation straightforward. You're paying typical in-state costs for above-average outcomes. Among New Jersey's 26 math programs, Rutgers-New Brunswick ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings while maintaining debt levels that won't constrain career choices. Only NJIT offers meaningfully higher starting pay, and even then Rutgers graduates are catching up quickly by year four.
For a mathematics degree from a selective public research university, this represents solid value without major red flags. The trajectory matters here—graduates aren't just finding jobs, they're building careers with meaningful salary progression. That's what you want from a quantitative degree.
Where Rutgers University-New Brunswick Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics 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 | $54,953 | $77,902 | +42% |
| Rutgers University-Newark | $54,953 | $77,902 | +42% |
| Rutgers University-Camden | $54,953 | $77,902 | +42% |
| The College of New Jersey | $50,762 | $74,846 | +47% |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | $65,725 | $67,694 | +3% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,239 | $54,953 | $77,902 | $23,000 | 0.42 | |
| $19,022 | $65,725 | $67,694 | $26,190 | 0.40 | |
| $17,079 | $54,953 | $77,902 | $23,000 | 0.42 | |
| $16,586 | $54,953 | $77,902 | $23,000 | 0.42 | |
| $15,532 | $53,915 | $59,973 | $25,984 | 0.48 | |
| $44,850 | $51,980 | $65,127 | $26,994 | 0.52 | |
| National Median | — | $48,772 | — | $21,500 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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 142 graduates with reported earnings and 161 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.