Public Administration and Social Service Professions at Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Rutgers-New Brunswick's public administration program shows an unusual pattern: graduates start slightly below the national median at $42,482, but jump 28% to $54,353 by year four—well above typical outcomes for this field. Among New Jersey's limited options for this degree, Rutgers-New Brunswick ranks in the 60th percentile, though with only two schools offering the program statewide, students have few alternatives for comparison.

The $27,000 debt load sits at the national median and translates to a manageable 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio at graduation. What makes this program notable isn't the starting salary—it's where graduates end up after gaining experience. By year four, earnings climb substantially above what most public administration programs deliver nationally, suggesting either strong advancement opportunities or graduates pivoting into higher-paying adjacent fields like consulting or corporate social responsibility.

The tradeoff is patience. Parents should understand their child will likely start in a modestly-paid government or nonprofit role, with real earning power coming later. For students genuinely committed to public service work who plan to stay in the field beyond entry-level positions, this trajectory makes sense. The debt burden won't be crushing, and the earning potential after a few years suggests Rutgers' reputation opens doors as careers progress. Just ensure your child understands this isn't a quick path to a high salary—it's a long game that rewards those who stick with it.