Students at Rutgers University-Camden achieve exceptional economic mobility, with low-income graduates earning more than at 95% of similar institutions nationwide.
The university consistently delivers earnings beyond expectations, placing graduates in stronger financial positions than peers at comparable public universities.
Rutgers University-Camden delivers exceptional value for students seeking strong long-term financial outcomes at an accessible public institution. The university combines broad access with top-tier earnings performance, serving 44% Pell Grant recipients and 35% first-generation students while achieving median earnings of $74,479 ten years after enrollment. What makes Camden particularly compelling is its ability to help students earn significantly more than expected—graduates see earnings beyond expectations of nearly $19,588 compared with similar students at other institutions.
As a designated "Mobility Engine," Rutgers-Camden excels at converting access into upward mobility. Low-income students earn $73,900 ten years out, placing the university in the top 5% nationally for low-income earnings outcomes. The institution's 20% transfer-in share demonstrates its role as a pathway for students seeking to restart or accelerate their academic journey.
Located in New Jersey with strong connections to the Philadelphia metropolitan area, Rutgers-Camden offers the academic breadth of a research university with the focused attention of a medium-sized campus. For families seeking proven economic mobility without sacrificing accessibility, Camden represents one of the strongest public options in the region.
Rutgers University-Camden's program portfolio balances professional preparation with strong earnings outcomes across diverse fields. Adult Health Nursing dominates both enrollment and economic impact, graduating 283 students annually with median earnings of $72,975, making it the university's economic engine. Business Administration and Management represents the largest single program with 208 graduates earning $52,858, providing solid middle-class outcomes for a substantial student population.
Emerging technology fields show particular promise, with Artificial Intelligence leading earnings at $71,778 for its 31 graduates, reflecting Camden's investment in high-demand technical programs. The university also maintains strong liberal arts offerings, though outcomes vary significantly—Biology graduates earn $22,503, demonstrating the importance of program choice in long-term financial outcomes.
Camden's strength lies in its combination of large-scale professional programs that provide reliable career pathways and smaller specialized programs that serve emerging industries. The nursing program's substantial scale creates meaningful alumni networks and employer relationships, while newer technology programs position graduates for high-growth sectors. This balanced approach helps explain why Camden graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations across multiple fields.
Rutgers University-Camden graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $74,479, with the university ranking in the top 11% nationally for earnings performance. More impressive is how much better graduates do compared with similar students elsewhere—Camden delivers earnings beyond expectations of nearly $19,588, reflecting one of the strongest earnings advantages among public universities nationwide.
The university's program mix drives these strong outcomes through a combination of high-demand professional fields and emerging technology programs. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the highest aggregate-return program, graduating 283 students annually with median earnings of $72,975, creating substantial economic impact. Business Administration and Management represents the largest program footprint with 208 graduates earning $52,858, while Artificial Intelligence emerges as the highest-earning field at $71,778 for its 31 graduates. Even traditionally lower-earning fields like Biology show the university's ability to support diverse academic interests, though outcomes vary significantly by program choice.
The university's location in the greater Philadelphia region provides graduates access to diverse employment opportunities across healthcare, business, technology, and emerging industries, contributing to the consistently strong earnings performance that places Camden among the top public institutions for long-term financial outcomes.
Affordability at Rutgers University-Camden varies significantly by family income, with particularly strong value for low- and middle-income students. Low-income families pay approximately $16,678 annually in net price, while middle-income families see costs around $14,931—both figures representing reasonable value for a public research university in the Northeast corridor. High-income families face higher net costs at $27,896, reflecting the university's commitment to need-based aid prioritization.
Debt levels remain manageable relative to the strong earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt of $21,500 aligns well with median earnings of $74,479, creating a sustainable debt-to-income ratio for most borrowers. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $23,971, a moderate level that reflects family investment in education without creating excessive burden. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations.
What makes Camden particularly sustainable financially is the combination of reasonable upfront costs and strong long-term earnings. The significant earnings beyond expectations advantage means graduates are better positioned to handle debt repayment than peers at similar institutions, creating a positive cycle where strong outcomes justify the initial investment for most families.
Rutgers University-Camden Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
