At $19,407/yr net price, Rutgers University-Newark 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) | $19,407 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $77,628 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $74,479/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$40,479/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.6% |
| 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 | $14,840/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,252/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,388/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,608/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,589/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $110,432 | $67,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $109,327 | $50,681 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $71,778 | $20,904 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $70,596 | $17,547 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $68,079 | $36,224 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $65,486 | $19,582 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Master | $64,791 | $41,000 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $64,087 | $15,334 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $60,001 | $20,620 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $58,382 | $21,500 |
The Risk Factor
67.6% of students at Rutgers University-Newark graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Rutgers University-Newark delivers solid financial returns with median earnings of $74,479 against a reasonable net price of $19,407 annually. The school's location in New Jersey's business corridor translates into strong career opportunities, particularly for business and healthcare graduates.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $110,432 despite higher debt loads of $67,500. Business Administration also pays off handsomely at $109,327, making both programs excellent investments. Computer Science offers a middle path with $71,778 earnings and manageable debt of $20,904. Accounting graduates face a tougher equation, earning $68,079 while carrying $36,224 in debt.
The school's 67.6% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. You face a one-in-three chance of not completing your degree, which would leave you with debt but no credential. The 84.25% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so after freshman year.
Rutgers-Newark works best for students targeting high-demand fields like nursing, business, or technology who can leverage the school's proximity to New York City job markets. Avoid this school if you're considering lower-paying majors or if you're academically unprepared for the workload.
With 55.7% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities exist but aren't guaranteed. The relatively low median debt of $21,500 suggests the school manages costs well for most graduates, making it a practical choice for career-focused students in the right programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rutgers University-Newark worth the cost for the salary you'll earn?
With a net price of $19,407 per year and median earnings of $74,479 after 10 years, Rutgers-Newark offers decent value compared to many private schools. The relatively low debt load of $21,500 makes the financial risk manageable for most graduates.
Which programs at Rutgers University-Newark have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs lead with median earnings of $110,432, followed by business administration at $109,327. Computer science graduates earn $71,778, which is solid but not exceptional for tech fields.
What are the risks of attending Rutgers University-Newark financially?
The main risk is the 67% graduation rate, meaning one-third of students don't finish their degree but may still carry debt. However, the median debt of $21,500 is lower than the national average, reducing long-term financial burden.
How does Rutgers University-Newark compare to other schools for value?
As a public university with a relatively low net price, Rutgers-Newark provides better value than most private institutions. The 10-year earnings of $74,479 are reasonable for the cost, though not outstanding compared to top-tier schools.