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Engineering · Engineering Science Rank #1 of 7

Engineering Scienceat Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Graduates earn $69,336/yr in their first year — about 7.0% below the national Engineering Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,023K; scenarios range from $866K to $1,073K depending on AI disruption.

New Brunswick, NJ Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
69 SOLID
70
Optimistic
67
Pessimistic
Earnings
$69,336
1-year post-graduation
ROI
15.5x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$1,023K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
51% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Rutgers

Rutgers' Engineering Science program offers a deeply theoretical and interdisciplinary approach, setting you up for roles requiring strong analytical and research skills rather than hyper-specialized industry application. This academic grounding often prepares students for a wider range of paths, including graduate school, R&D positions in pharmaceutical or biotech firms common in New Jersey, or even careers in technical consulting or teaching.

The slightly different salary trajectory compared to other niche engineering fields nationally isn't necessarily a negative; it reflects the program's focus on foundational science, which might lead to more diverse roles with a longer-term growth curve into management or specialized research. Given the evolving landscape and the indicated AI risk for such analytical fields, mastering adaptable problem-solving and continually acquiring new skills will be crucial. Focus on internships that expose you to practical applications of your theoretical knowledge across different industries.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$866K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score67/100
Earnings Multiple12.6x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$1,023K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score69/100
Earnings Multiple14.8x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$1,073K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score70/100
Earnings Multiple15.6x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Rutgers's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Engineering Science graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Architectural and engineering managers
+3.8% 10-yr growth · 14,500 openings/yr
$167,740/yr
Moderate
2
Engineers, all other
+2.1% 10-yr growth · 9,300 openings/yr
$117,750/yr
Moderate
3
Engineering teachers, postsecondary
+8.1% 10-yr growth · 4,100 openings/yr
$106,120/yr
High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Engineering Science

How Rutgers stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Dartmouth College
NH · Private nonprofit
59
DW Score
$90K
1-yr earn
2.8x
ROI
Top score
Vanderbilt University
TN · Private nonprofit
60
DW Score
$81K
1-yr earn
3.3x
ROI
Trinity University
TX · Private nonprofit
47
DW Score
$74K
1-yr earn
2.6x
ROI
Yale University
CT · Private nonprofit
46
DW Score
$73K
1-yr earn
1.8x
ROI
Hofstra University
NY · Private nonprofit
56
DW Score
$68K
1-yr earn
3.3x
ROI
Also at Rutgers

Other top programs at Rutgers

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Rutgers, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Engineering Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Engineering Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Engineering Science at Rutgers

What does a 69/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Engineering Science at Rutgers University-New Brunswick?

At 69/100, Rutgers University-New Brunswick's Engineering Science program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Engineering Science at Rutgers University-New Brunswick?

The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is Rutgers University-New Brunswick one of the best schools for Engineering Science?

Among 7 Engineering Science programs, Rutgers University-New Brunswick's #1 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.