Analysis
Rutgers-Newark's marketing program stands out as a strong performer in New Jersey's competitive landscape, ranking in the 80th percentile among state programs with first-year earnings of $48,645—nearly $10,000 above the New Jersey median of $38,254. The program essentially ties for second place among major NJ universities, trailing only Seton Hall by a modest margin while significantly outperforming the state average.
The debt picture tells an equally compelling story. At $20,731, graduates carry roughly $3,400 less debt than both national and state medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.43—meaning students can reasonably expect to pay off their loans within two years of graduation. This combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt is particularly noteworthy for a university with a 79% acceptance rate that serves a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients.
The 34% earnings growth trajectory from year one to year four suggests graduates build valuable career momentum, with median earnings reaching nearly $65,000 by the fourth year. For families seeking a marketing degree with strong financial returns, Rutgers-Newark offers compelling value—competitive earnings potential without the debt burden that often accompanies private alternatives.
Where Rutgers University-Newark Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing 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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rutgers University-Newark | $48,645 | $64,960 | +34% |
| Seton Hall University | $50,200 | $70,858 | +41% |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus | $33,954 | $64,985 | +91% |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | $33,954 | $64,985 | +91% |
| Rutgers University-Camden | $48,645 | $64,960 | +34% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (18 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $16,586 | $48,645 | $64,960 | $20,731 | 0.43 | |
| $51,370 | $50,200 | $70,858 | $23,250 | 0.46 | |
| $17,079 | $48,645 | $64,960 | $20,731 | 0.43 | |
| $17,239 | $48,645 | $64,960 | $20,731 | 0.43 | |
| $38,900 | $44,352 | $55,199 | $27,000 | 0.61 | |
| $13,971 | $38,728 | $61,711 | $17,910 | 0.46 | |
| National Median | — | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with marketing graduates
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Marketing Managers
Sales Managers
Fundraising Managers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Fundraisers
Survey Researchers
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 373 graduates with reported earnings and 357 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.