Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Rutgers University-New Brunswick vary significantly by field of study, with earnings ranging from the $50,000s in social sciences to over $110,000 in engineering and technology fields. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment—not prestige or reputation.
Analyzing 72 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at Rutgers.
#1 nationally
$81K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national rank, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Engineering and technology programs at Rutgers deliver exceptional career outcomes, with Artificial Intelligence ranking #9 nationally and producing graduates earning $114,399, while Electrical and Electronics Engineering ranks #5 nationally with graduates earning $119,602. Information Science/Studies also ranks #5 nationally, demonstrating the university's particular strength in technology fields.
These programs consistently achieve top-10 national recognition while maintaining substantial enrollment sizes, reflecting both academic quality and student demand. This group is best suited for students prioritizing high earnings potential and career stability in rapidly growing technical sectors.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Program rankings reflect graduate employment outcomes in the labor market, not academic reputation or institutional prestige. Data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates 4-6 years after completion, with programs requiring minimum cohort sizes for statistical reliability. Earnings represent median outcomes for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education. Rankings compare programs nationally within each specific major, not across different fields of study. Value scores incorporate both earnings and debt levels to assess return on investment. Students should consider that career outcomes depend on individual performance, economic conditions, and career choices beyond the degree itself. Some programs may show lower earnings because graduates frequently pursue advanced degrees or enter public service roles where compensation may not reflect full career value. These data provide important context for program selection but should be considered alongside personal interests, career goals, and academic strengths when making educational decisions.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. |
| #5 |
| $125,303★ |
| $30,909 |
| 613 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering. | #5 | $108,296 | $13,952 | 224 |
| Chemical Engineering. | #12 | $100,729 | $35,200 | 100 |
| Ceramic Sciences and Engineering. | — | $98,046 | — | 20 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering. | #16 | $94,598 | — | 40 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #19 | $94,561 | $28,204 | 178 |
| Industrial Engineering. | #5 | $94,382 | — | 41 |
| Engineering Science. | — | $91,309 | — | 34 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | #15 | $89,850 | $53,500 | 103 |
| Information Science/Studies. | #3 | $87,757 | $25,149 | 385 |
| Civil Engineering. | #19 | $87,557 | $17,000 | 77 |
| Agricultural Engineering.Small sample | #3 | $57,318 | — | 10 |
Business and economics programs span a wide earnings range, from Executive/Career Coaching graduates earning $67,413 to Banking and Financial Support Services graduates earning $86,111. Actuarial Science achieves #5 national ranking with graduates earning $99,075, while Applied Economics ranks #37 nationally with $78,565 median earnings.
Business Administration graduates earn $77,221 with strong enrollment of 277 students. These programs offer diverse career pathways in finance, management, and economic analysis, with stronger outcomes in specialized finance and actuarial tracks compared to general business preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | #1 🏆 | $126,906★ | $29,100 | 251 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | #7 | $100,695 | $27,157 | 418 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | #14 | $89,087 | $25,956 | 151 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | #12 | $83,606 | $25,000 | 293 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | #3 | $75,850 | $23,699 | 406 |
| Marketing. | #8 | $74,813 | $27,707 | 155 |
Health programs show strong career preparation, with Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates earning $86,247 despite ranking #44 nationally, and Behavioral Aspects of Health achieving #4 national ranking with graduates earning $60,468. Exercise Science and Kinesiology ranks #5 nationally with graduates earning $59,290.
These programs demonstrate Rutgers' strength in health education and clinical preparation, with nursing showing particularly strong earning potential. This group is well-suited for students committed to healthcare careers and direct patient service roles.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | #14 | $99,155★ | $21,756 | 344 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | #5 | $87,399 | — | 30 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | #2 | $84,376 | — | 36 |
| Public Health. | #1 🏆 | $74,633 | $27,994 | 394 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | #6 | $68,108 | $10,536 | 38 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services.Small sample | — | $59,921 | — | 6 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.Small sample | #5 | $47,306 | — | 19 |
Sciences and mathematics programs demonstrate solid career outcomes, with Biology, General ranking #13 nationally and graduating 436 students earning $56,996. Algebra and Number Theory graduates earn $77,902, showing strong outcomes for students pursuing mathematical specializations.
These programs typically prepare students for graduate education, research careers, or professional school preparation, with earnings reflecting diverse post-graduation pathways including advanced degree pursuit. This group suits students interested in scientific inquiry and research, though earnings may be lower than business or engineering alternatives.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology. | #3 | $87,600★ | — | 56 |
| Genetics. | #1 🏆 | $83,484 | — | 45 |
| Mathematics. | #11 | $81,845 | — | 115 |
| Statistics. | #12 | $80,721 | — | 48 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | #3 | $79,510 | — | 52 |
| Chemistry. | #12 | $73,245 | — | 40 |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. | #2 | $70,021 | — | 193 |
| Biology, General. | #1 🏆 | $68,306 | $26,633 | 394 |
| Physics. | #19 | $67,544 | — | 45 |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology.Small sample | #11 | $47,553 | — | 18 |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology.Small sample | #18 | $35,060 | — | 17 |
Social sciences and policy programs typically show more modest earnings outcomes, with Psychology, General graduates earning $49,641 despite achieving #22 national ranking, and American Government and Politics graduates earning $53,569 with #89 national ranking. Applied Economics performs better with graduates earning $78,565.
These programs often serve as preparation for graduate school, public service, or diverse career paths that may not immediately reflect in earnings data. This group suits students interested in human behavior, public policy, and social change, though financial outcomes may be lower than technical fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | #13 | $86,120★ | $30,006 | 262 |
| Social Sciences, Other. | #2 | $80,700 | — | 41 |
| Public Policy Analysis.Small sample | #5 | $74,865 | — | 18 |
| Political Science and Government. | #21 | $63,765 | $26,663 | 195 |
| Urban Studies/Affairs.Small sample | — | $59,261 | — | 6 |
| Geography and Cartography.Small sample | #14 | $56,979 | — | 15 |
| Social Work. | #8 | $56,797 | $16,723 | 83 |
| Psychology, General. | #7 | $56,479 | $20,976 | 484 |
| Anthropology.Small sample | — | $56,468 | — | 9 |
| Sociology. | #18 | $55,197 | $8,939 | 37 |
Communication and media programs show solid career outcomes, with Communication and Media Studies graduates earning $60,479 and ranking #9 nationally. This represents strong performance in a field often associated with more variable career outcomes.
The program graduates 338 students annually, indicating substantial enrollment demand. This field suits students interested in media, journalism, marketing, and public relations careers, with outcomes suggesting effective preparation for professional communication roles in various industries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies. | #3 | $69,709★ | $31,300 | 323 |
| Journalism. | #2 | $62,670 | $32,500 | 115 |
Humanities & Arts graduates earn 56K on average, with 7 programs ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.Small sample | #5 | $66,519★ | — | 17 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | #4 | $63,679 | — | 32 |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. | #8 | $60,883 | — | 42 |
| Philosophy. | #10 | $58,891 | — | 32 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | #15 | $57,313 | — | 32 |
| Music. | #11 | $56,008 | $49,772 | 44 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #10 | $55,337 | $23,111 | 101 |
| History. | #21 | $54,657 | $23,855 | 79 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | #3 | $52,450 | $20,966 | 48 |
| Dance. | #3 | $51,736 | — | 31 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | #18 | $42,712 | — | 38 |
Agriculture & Environment graduates earn 58K on average, with 4 programs ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Science and Technology. | #1 🏆 | $80,979★ | — | 32 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | #7 | $67,805 | — | 58 |
| Animal Sciences. | #2 | $54,509 | $23,994 | 74 |
| Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy. | — | $52,242 | — | 35 |
| Plant Sciences.Small sample | #7 | $36,362 | — | 12 |
Criminal Justice graduates earn 62K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | #3 | $61,817 | $16,424 | 194 |
Interdisciplinary programs like Exercise Science and Kinesiology demonstrate strong specialized outcomes, ranking #5 nationally with graduates earning $59,290. These programs often combine elements from multiple fields to address specific career preparation needs.
With 384 graduates, this represents substantial student interest in interdisciplinary approaches. This group suits students interested in specialized career preparation that crosses traditional academic boundaries, often leading to unique professional opportunities in emerging fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness. | #1 🏆 | $71,844★ | $46,900 | 369 |
| City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning.Small sample | #4 | $68,786 | — | 13 |
| Landscape Architecture.Small sample | #3 | $65,863 | — | 19 |
| Nutrition Sciences. | #5 | $64,441 | — | 55 |
| Area Studies.Small sample | #5 | $58,245 | — | 10 |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. | #13 | $55,164 | $21,899 | 23 |
| Cognitive Science. | #7 | $38,132 | — | 42 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
