Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Rutgers University-Newark

Rutgers-Newark's geoscience program significantly outperforms the national average—with first-year earnings of $47,045 versus a national median of $39,678—though the small graduating class (under 30 students) means individual outcomes could vary substantially. The program ranks in the 91st percentile nationally, which sounds impressive until you look closer at New Jersey: it's essentially tied with the state median and trails nearby Kean University's program by about $3,600. For a field where graduates often pursue careers in environmental consulting or resource management throughout the region, that state-level comparison matters more than beating programs in landlocked states.

The debt load of $24,830 is entirely reasonable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 that most graduates should be able to manage. With over half of students receiving Pell grants, this represents genuine access to a STEM degree for working-class families. However, the tiny cohort size raises practical questions about course offerings, faculty resources, and networking opportunities compared to the much larger program at Rutgers-New Brunswick just a few miles away.

The bottom line: This program delivers solid financial outcomes at a manageable price, but the small size deserves serious consideration. If your student thrives in intimate classroom settings and can build relationships with the handful of professors, they'll do fine. If they want robust course selection and a built-in peer network in their major, the New Brunswick campus might be worth exploring first.