Accounting at Rutgers University-Newark
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Rutgers-Newark's accounting program stands out as an exceptional performer, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile within New Jersey—impressive given that the state's accounting programs already outperform the national median. Starting salaries of $68,141 substantially exceed both national ($53,694) and state ($53,852) medians, putting graduates on par with elite programs like Rutgers-New Brunswick and approaching private school outcomes at Seton Hall.
The financial equation works strongly in students' favor. With median debt of $22,770—below both national and state averages—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 represents manageable borrowing that graduates can reasonably handle. The 16% earnings growth to nearly $79,000 by year four demonstrates solid career progression in a field known for steady advancement opportunities.
What makes this particularly compelling is the accessibility factor: Rutgers-Newark admits 79% of applicants and serves a diverse student body (56% receive Pell grants), yet delivers outcomes that rival much more selective institutions. For families seeking strong accounting career preparation without the premium price tag of private alternatives, this program offers an outstanding value proposition with data from over 100 graduates backing these results.
Where Rutgers University-Newark Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Rutgers University-Newark graduates compare to all programs nationally
Rutgers University-Newark graduates earn $68k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (23 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rutgers University-Newark | $68,141 | $78,766 | $22,770 | 0.33 |
| The College of New Jersey | $74,403 | $85,225 | $22,500 | 0.30 |
| Seton Hall University | $69,411 | $87,039 | $25,000 | 0.36 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $68,141 | $78,766 | $22,770 | 0.33 |
| Rutgers University-Camden | $68,141 | $78,766 | $22,770 | 0.33 |
| Ramapo College of New Jersey | $66,615 | $78,346 | $25,000 | 0.38 |
| National Median | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Other Accounting Programs in New Jersey
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| The College of New Jersey Ewing | $18,685 | $74,403 | $22,500 |
| Seton Hall University South Orange | $51,370 | $69,411 | $25,000 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick | $17,239 | $68,141 | $22,770 |
| Rutgers University-Camden Camden | $17,079 | $68,141 | $22,770 |
| Ramapo College of New Jersey Mahwah | $15,978 | $66,615 | $25,000 |
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-Newark, approximately 56% 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 481 graduates with reported earnings and 479 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.