Newark, NJ · Private University
Is Rutgers University-Newark Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$74,479
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$16,586
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$35,348
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$141,392
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.11x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
3.6 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
67.6%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$21,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$19,407
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Rutgers University-Newark graduates earn $29,479 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Rutgers University-Newark ranked by graduate earnings
679 graduates
117 graduates
762 graduates
521 graduates
481 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Rutgers University-Newark
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Rutgers University-Newark, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $114,399) and the lowest (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft: $24,770) is $89,629/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $114,399 | 3.2x |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $90,954 | 2.6x |
| Physics | $87,968 | 2.5x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $86,111 | 2.4x |
| Information Science/Studies | $81,920 | 2.3x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $78,766 | 2.2x |
| Economics | $78,565 | 2.2x |
| Mathematics | $77,902 | 2.2x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $77,221 | 2.2x |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $75,864 | 2.1x |
| Chemistry | $73,289 | 2.1x |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $73,179 | 2.1x |
| Marketing | $64,960 | 1.8x |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $60,292 | 1.7x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $57,743 | 1.6x |
| Biology, General | $56,996 | 1.6x |
| Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other | $54,353 | 1.5x |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies | $54,339 | 1.5x |
| Political Science and Government | $53,569 | 1.5x |
| Philosophy | $53,001 | 1.5x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $51,267 | 1.4x |
| Journalism | $50,441 | 1.4x |
| Psychology, General | $49,641 | 1.4x |
| Sociology | $49,178 | 1.4x |
| History | $49,001 | 1.4x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $48,386 | 1.4x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $47,887 | 1.4x |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences(1yr data) | $47,045 | 1.3x |
| Social Work | $46,912 | 1.3x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $43,389 | 1.2x |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts(1yr data) | $38,508 | 1.1x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $38,282 | 1.1x |
| Anthropology | $35,895 | 1.0x |
| Music | $34,223 | 1.0x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftLowest(1yr data) | $24,770 | 0.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Rutgers University-Newark stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $74,479 10 years after starting, $29,479 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 3.6 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.