Over the past several years, the Rutgers–Camden community has been part of an exciting and ongoing transformation: Camden is a city on the rise.
It has been increasingly reported that Camden is experiencing a renaissance, and as the higher education anchor institution in the city, Rutgers–Camden is capitalizing on that energy and momentum to propel our collective efforts to new heights. For example, real estate prices have soared in our city, with market-value home prices rising by 40 percent in just the last year alone. Camden is on a similar path to some of its neighbors to the north—like Hoboken or Jersey City—which have seen their populations and economic vitality rise sharply since that time.
We have good reason to believe that recent changes for the better are here to stay. Crime in Camden and surrounding areas is at its lowest in five decades. Violent crime is down 50 percent, with homicides, robberies, and burglaries down almost 72 percent. These numbers are not insignificant. Whenever we look back at how far Camden has come, we can also look to its bright future.
Our city is home to the beautiful Delaware River Waterfront, the Philadelphia 76ers practice facility, numerous headquarters such as Campbell’s and Subaru, and through our Year of the Arts focus, Rutgers—Camden is highlighting the city’s tremendous talents as an arts destination. Camden is truly a hidden gem that continues to rise to regional and statewide prominence.
Rutgers—Camden is investing in the city’s future right here on campus. Already we have undertaken a groundbreaking on the Cooper Street Gateway Project. This $60 million investment will convert 14 vacant historic properties and several empty lots along the 400 Block of Cooper and Lawrence Streets into a dynamic new facility for the university and the community. During the lead-up to the groundbreaking for the Cooper Street project, archaeologists on the site continue to find fascinating artifacts of the past which will become part of a historic preservation initiative within our 2026 Centennial celebrations.
Off campus, ground has also been broken for the first phase of a $3 billion investment by Cooper Hospital that will transform its Health Sciences Campus in Camden. This project is helping to strengthen the area’s burgeoning reputation as an “eds and meds” destination.
Rutgers University–Camden has significantly enhanced the social mobility of its students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, Rutgers–Camden climbed to #15 in the nation for social mobility, up from #35 the previous year. This notable improvement reflects the university’s dedication to providing accessible, high-quality education and comprehensive support services that empower students to overcome socioeconomic barriers and achieve academic and professional success.
Notable initiatives include the Chancellor’s Mayoral Internship Program, the Rutgers Scarlet Service Internship Program (a summer internship program for students placed in public service organizations and government offices), the Bonner Civic Scholars program (placing students at community-based organizations within the City of Camden during the academic year), and a host of clinical and field placement opportunities. In addition, are initiatives such as the Nursing School’s partnership with Camden County College to seamlessly transition students from its LPN program to a BSN degree.
Beyond graduation, our alumni are thriving in various professional fields. The average salary of our alumni is $84,239, with recent graduates earning an average starting salary of $63,614. Between 2020 and 2022, the top industries employing our students were healthcare, finance, retail, education, and information technology.
Rutgers–Camden is better positioned than ever to elevate the community through educational opportunities. As Camden continues to present more workforce development programs to its residents, Rutgers–Camden will remain a force to ensure this vibrant city continues to thrive.