Analysis
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.
Where Rutgers University-New Brunswick Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences 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 | $51,753 | $59,341 | +15% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $61,109 | $97,257 | +59% |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $34,845 | $62,428 | +79% |
| Boston University | $48,243 | $61,389 | +27% |
| University of Rochester | $37,491 | $61,172 | +63% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick | $17,239 | $51,753 | $59,341 | $25,000 | 0.48 |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $61,109 | $97,257 | $15,000 | 0.25 |
 CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNew York | $7,410 | $54,265 | — | $12,500 | 0.23 |
 Boston UniversityBoston | $65,168 | $48,243 | $61,389 | — | — |
 Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main CampusIndiana | $11,380 | $45,509 | — | — | — |
 University of California-DavisDavis | $15,247 | $45,178 | $59,076 | $12,790 | 0.28 |
| National Median | — | $36,279 | — | $25,500 | 0.70 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social sciences graduates
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 48 graduates with reported earnings and 53 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.