Median Earnings (1yr)
$68,338
95th percentile
80th percentile in New Jersey
Median Debt
$22,500
4% below national median

Analysis

Rutgers University-Newark's finance program delivers exceptional value, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally with first-year earnings of $68,338β€”nearly $15,000 above the national median for finance programs. Even more impressive, graduates here earn $15,000 more than the typical New Jersey finance graduate, placing this program in the 80th percentile statewide. With moderate debt of $22,500 and strong 26% earnings growth by year four, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 is very manageable.

The numbers tell a compelling story: while finance programs nationally produce median earnings of $53,590, Rutgers-Newark graduates start at $68,338 and reach $86,111 by their fourth year out. This puts them on par with the flagship New Brunswick campus and ahead of more expensive private alternatives like Seton Hall ($64,233). The program serves a diverse student body (56% receive Pell grants) while maintaining high employment outcomes, suggesting strong industry connections in the New York metro area.

For an anxious parent, this represents one of the best finance program investments available. The combination of below-average debt, above-average earnings, and proximity to major financial centers creates an ideal risk-reward profile that should easily justify the investment.

Where Rutgers University-Newark Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Rutgers University-Newark graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Rutgers University-Newark$68,338$86,111+26%
Rutgers University-New Brunswick$68,338$86,111+26%
Rutgers University-Camden$68,338$86,111+26%
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus$52,729$76,708+45%
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus$52,729$76,708+45%

Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (16 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Rutgers University-NewarkNewark$16,586$68,338$86,111$22,5000.33
Rutgers University-CamdenCamden$17,079$68,338$86,111$22,5000.33
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick$17,239$68,338$86,111$22,5000.33
Seton Hall UniversitySouth Orange$51,370$64,233$76,566$22,8080.36
Rider UniversityLawrenceville$38,900$57,881$69,827$27,0000.47
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan CampusTeaneck$35,822$52,729$76,708$25,0000.47
National Medianβ€”$53,590β€”$23,3320.44

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

$102,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 762 graduates with reported earnings and 709 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.