Finance and Financial Management Services at Rutgers University-Newark
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Rutgers University-Newark's finance program delivers exceptional value, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally with first-year earnings of $68,338—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
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 finance and financial management services 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
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (16 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rutgers University-Newark | $68,338 | $86,111 | $22,500 | 0.33 |
| Rutgers University-Camden | $68,338 | $86,111 | $22,500 | 0.33 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $68,338 | $86,111 | $22,500 | 0.33 |
| Seton Hall University | $64,233 | $76,566 | $22,808 | 0.36 |
| Rider University | $57,881 | $69,827 | $27,000 | 0.47 |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | $52,729 | $76,708 | $25,000 | 0.47 |
| National Median | $53,590 | — | $23,332 | 0.44 |
Other Finance and Financial Management Services Programs in New Jersey
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rutgers University-Camden Camden | $17,079 | $68,338 | $22,500 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick | $17,239 | $68,338 | $22,500 |
| Seton Hall University South Orange | $51,370 | $64,233 | $22,808 |
| Rider University Lawrenceville | $38,900 | $57,881 | $27,000 |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus Teaneck | $35,822 | $52,729 | $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 762 graduates with reported earnings and 709 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.