At $23,519/yr net price, Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates earn $74,479/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $40,479/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,519 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,076 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $74,479/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$40,479/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 85.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,885/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,532/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,578/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,020/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,460/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Certificate | $248,619 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $112,970 | $30,750 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $110,432 | $67,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $109,327 | $50,681 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $106,421 | $119,080 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $103,237 | $53,893 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $82,931 | $254,122 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Master | $78,343 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $77,119 | $86,783 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,063 | $23,000 |
The Risk Factor
85.0% of students at Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Rutgers University-New Brunswick delivers strong financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $74,479 outpacing the relatively modest net price of $23,519 annually. Your debt burden stays manageable at $21,500, creating favorable payback scenarios across most career paths.
Healthcare programs dominate the earnings environment here. Nursing graduates earn over $110,000 annually with debt loads under $70,000, while dental programs reach nearly $250,000 in earnings. Business administration also performs well at $109,327, though the $50,681 debt load requires careful consideration. Allied health programs present a warning signal with debt exceeding $119,000 against $106,421 in earnings.
Your biggest financial risk lies in program selection. While healthcare and business majors typically see strong returns, other programs may struggle to justify costs in New Jersey's competitive job market. The 85% graduation rate suggests most students complete their programs, but you need to research specific outcomes for your intended major beyond the top earners.
This school works financially if you can secure in-state tuition and target high-earning programs. Out-of-state students face steeper costs that may not pay off for lower-earning majors. The modest 27% receiving aid rate suggests limited need-based assistance, but New Jersey residents get significant tuition advantages.
Consider Rutgers if you plan to work in the greater New York area where the university name carries weight with employers. Skip it if you need extensive financial aid or plan to study lower-earning fields where cheaper alternatives exist nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rutgers University-New Brunswick worth the cost?
With a net price of $23,519 and graduates earning $74,479 after 10 years, Rutgers-New Brunswick offers solid value for a state university. The median debt of $21,500 is manageable relative to earning potential, though returns vary significantly by major.
What are the highest paying majors at Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Dental programs lead with graduates earning $248,619, while nursing majors earn around $110,000-113,000 annually. Business and allied health programs also perform well with graduates earning over $100,000.
How much debt do Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates have?
The median debt is $21,500, which is below the national average for four-year degrees. This debt level is generally manageable given the school's graduate earning potential of $74,479.
Does Rutgers University-New Brunswick have good job prospects after graduation?
The 85% graduation rate and $74,479 median earnings suggest decent job market outcomes. However, career prospects depend heavily on your chosen field, with healthcare and business programs showing the strongest earning potential.