About Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Rutgers University-New Brunswick produces the next generation of leaders across every field imaginable, from economics Nobel Prize winner Milton Friedman to Sopranos star James Gandolfini. This massive research university enrolls 36,357 students in New Brunswick, making it one of the largest universities in the Northeast. The school earned its place in history as the birthplace of college football and continues to compete at the highest level as a Big Ten member. Students here get access to strong research opportunities while paying far less than they would at private competitors.
The financial picture makes Rutgers an attractive option for most families. Students pay an average net price of $23,519 after aid, but graduates earn a median of $74,479 ten years after graduation. That means the investment pays off quickly, especially with median debt of just $21,500 and monthly loan payments around $228. New Jersey residents get an even better deal with in-state tuition of $17,239.
The student body reflects New Jersey's diversity, with 33% Asian students, 16% Hispanic students, and strong representation across all backgrounds. With 92.63% of students returning for their sophomore year and 85% graduating within six years, Rutgers clearly knows how to support its large student population. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means you won't get lost in the crowd despite the size.
The financial picture makes Rutgers an attractive option for most families. Students pay an average net price of $23,519 after aid, but graduates earn a median of $74,479 ten years after graduation. That means the investment pays off quickly, especially with median debt of just $21,500 and monthly loan payments around $228. New Jersey residents get an even better deal with in-state tuition of $17,239.
The student body reflects New Jersey's diversity, with 33% Asian students, 16% Hispanic students, and strong representation across all backgrounds. With 92.63% of students returning for their sophomore year and 85% graduating within six years, Rutgers clearly knows how to support its large student population. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means you won't get lost in the crowd despite the size.
Academics & Faculty
Rutgers operates as a major public research university with strong programs spanning business, engineering, pharmacy, and liberal arts. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll have decent access to professors, though some introductory classes will be large lecture halls typical of big state schools. With an 85% six-year graduation rate, most students who start here finish their degrees, which is solid for a large public university. The school particularly excels in areas like communications, psychology, and political science. As a research university, undergraduates can get involved in faculty research projects, but you'll need to be proactive about seeking these opportunities rather than having them handed to you.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 57.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 84.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 85.0%
- Retention Rate
- 92.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $74,479
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Certificate | $248,619 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $112,970 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $110,432 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $109,327 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $106,421 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $103,237 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $82,931 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Master | $78,343 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $77,119 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,063 |
Campus Life
Rutgers' New Brunswick campus sits right in the middle of New Jersey, about 45 minutes from both New York City and Philadelphia by train. With 36,357 students spread across multiple campuses connected by buses, this feels like a college town that happens to be in a small city. You'll need both a winter coat and sunscreen here - New Jersey gets cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers.
About 42% of students live in the 15,305 on-campus housing spots, which means you'll find plenty of both dorm life and off-campus apartments. Weekend options include taking the train to NYC for concerts or museums, tailgating at football games (Rutgers invented college football, after all), or exploring the bars and restaurants on Easton Avenue. The diverse student body reflects New Jersey itself - 33% Asian, 31% White, and 16% Hispanic students create a mix you won't find at smaller schools. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, you can get lost in the crowd or find your niche, depending on how much effort you put in.
About 42% of students live in the 15,305 on-campus housing spots, which means you'll find plenty of both dorm life and off-campus apartments. Weekend options include taking the train to NYC for concerts or museums, tailgating at football games (Rutgers invented college football, after all), or exploring the bars and restaurants on Easton Avenue. The diverse student body reflects New Jersey itself - 33% Asian, 31% White, and 16% Hispanic students create a mix you won't find at smaller schools. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, you can get lost in the crowd or find your niche, depending on how much effort you put in.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 15,305 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
232 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 63 | 40 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 24 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Rape | 14 | 10 | 2 | 0 |
| Fondling | 9 | 6 | 0 | 5 |
| Stalking | 13 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 5 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Arson | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–39°F
- July Avg
- 64°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 28.4"
Student Demographics
Rutgers draws heavily from New Jersey, with 83% of students coming from in-state, reflecting its role as the state's flagship public university. The student body of 36,357 is incredibly diverse, with Asian students making up 33% and Hispanic students 16% of enrollment. This mix creates one of the most ethnically varied campuses in the Northeast. About 27% receive Pell Grants, showing Rutgers serves middle-class families who need affordable education. The near-even gender split reflects the university's broad appeal across all academic fields, from engineering to liberal arts.
- Men
- 49.9%
- Women
- 50.1%
- White
- 31.5%
- Black
- 6.8%
- Hispanic
- 15.6%
- Asian
- 33.4%
- In-State Students
- 83.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 27.2%
Location
New Brunswick sits in central New Jersey, about 35 miles southwest of New York City and 50 miles northeast of Philadelphia. The city has a population of around 55,000, but with 36,357 students at Rutgers, the university makes up a huge part of the local community. New Brunswick feels like a classic college town where campus life blends with city streets, especially along the famous College Avenue. The Raritan River runs through downtown, and students can catch trains to Manhattan in under an hour. The area mixes urban energy with suburban neighborhoods, plus you're only 30 minutes from Jersey Shore beaches. Students considering colleges in New Jersey may also compare Rutgers University-New Brunswick with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901-1281
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $74,479
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $75,436
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $48,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 69.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Rutgers accepts 66.29% of applicants with middle 50% SAT scores ranging from 1270 to 1480. As a large public research university, Rutgers provides solid access to quality education while maintaining competitive academic standards.
How much does Rutgers University-New Brunswick cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $23,519, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,885 after aid. With median debt of $21,500 and monthly loan payments of $228, Rutgers offers relatively affordable access to a flagship education.
What academic programs is Rutgers University-New Brunswick known for?
Rutgers operates as a major research university with strong programs across multiple disciplines and a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The university has built its reputation on comprehensive offerings from engineering to liberal arts, backed by serious research credentials.
What are the career outcomes at Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Graduates earn a median salary of $74,479 ten years after graduation with an employment rate of 93.7%. The 85% six-year graduation rate reflects Rutgers' ability to help students complete their degrees and launch successful careers.
Where do students live at Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
The campus houses 15,305 students in residence halls serving a total enrollment of 36,357. Located in New Brunswick, the university creates a bustling college town atmosphere within easy reach of New York City and Philadelphia.
Does Rutgers University-New Brunswick have strong athletic programs?
The Scarlet Knights compete in NCAA Division I with 768 varsity athletes across 20 sports and $25 million in athletic scholarships. Rutgers holds special significance in college sports history as the birthplace of college football, playing the first intercollegiate game in 1869.
