Public Administration and Social Service Professions at Rutgers University-Newark

Rutgers-Newark's Public Administration program starts modestly but gains momentum over time. First-year graduates earn $42,482, slightly below the national median of $44,593, but by year four, earnings jump 28% to $54,353—substantially outpacing both national and state benchmarks. This growth trajectory is unusual for public service careers, which typically show more stable wage progression. At $27,000 in median debt, graduates face manageable loans with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64, meaning the initial debt burden equals about eight months of first-year salary.

The state context reveals something important: while this program ranks only in the 25th percentile nationally, it sits at the 60th percentile among New Jersey programs. Since over half of students receive Pell grants, many are likely staying in-state anyway, making the state comparison more relevant than national rankings. The limited number of public administration programs in New Jersey (just two bachelor's-level options) means less local competition and potentially stronger connections to regional government employers.

For families committed to public service careers in New Jersey, this program offers reasonable value—affordable debt paired with earnings that improve significantly with experience. The real advantage here isn't the starting salary, but the trajectory: graduates who stick with the field see meaningful income growth, unlike many social service professions where earnings plateau early.