Social Sciences at Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Rutgers-New Brunswick's Social Sciences program launches graduates to earnings 43% above the national median for this degree, landing them at $51,753 in their first year—stronger than 95% of comparable programs nationwide. That financial outcome challenges the stereotype of struggling liberal arts graduates and reflects the value of Rutgers' flagship status and proximity to major employers in the New York metro area. The $25,000 median debt sits right at the national average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 that makes monthly loan payments manageable on a social sciences salary.

The catch is New Jersey's competitive landscape: this program ranks at the 60th percentile among the state's three schools offering social sciences degrees, suggesting other in-state options may deliver even stronger outcomes. Still, earnings climb 15% to $59,341 by year four, indicating graduates build valuable career momentum rather than hitting an early ceiling. For New Jersey residents, this represents solid in-state value at flagship university prices, though families should compare financial aid packages with other NJ public options to ensure they're not overpaying for similar outcomes.