Overview
Rutgers University-New Brunswick is a less selective public four-year institution in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The school accepts 66.3% of applicants and enrolls 36,357 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 66.3%
- Average SAT
- 1,375
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,270–1,480
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 31
- Total Enrollment
- 36,357
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Rutgers-New Brunswick operates on rolling admissions, so apply early in the fall to maximize your chances and access to honors programs. The School of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering, and Rutgers Business School each have separate application processes and requirements within the same university system.
Your essay should connect to specific Rutgers opportunities like the Aresty Research Program for undergraduates, the Honors College at Rutgers-New Brunswick, or study abroad partnerships with universities in over 60 countries. Mention particular professors whose research aligns with your interests or reference the First-Year Interest Group Seminars that match your academic goals.
The campus spans multiple locations across New Brunswick and Piscataway, connected by an extensive bus system that becomes part of daily life. You'll find yourself moving between College Avenue's historic buildings, Cook Campus's life sciences facilities, and Busch Campus's engineering and pharmacy schools. This geographic spread creates distinct communities within the larger university.
Engineering applicants should highlight math and science achievements, as the School of Engineering has become increasingly competitive. Business school candidates benefit from demonstrating leadership experience and quantitative skills. Nursing program applicants need strong science backgrounds and healthcare-related volunteer work or shadowing experience.
The Honors College requires a separate application with additional essays and considers your entire academic profile completeally. Apply for specific honors programs like the Engineering Honors Academy or Business Honors Program if you qualify.
Campus culture balances Big Ten athletics energy with serious academic focus. You'll encounter research opportunities typically reserved for graduate students at smaller schools, but you need initiative to seek them out. The student body includes significant numbers of first-generation college students and international students, creating diverse perspectives in classrooms and residence halls.
Submit your application before the priority deadline if you want housing preference and scholarship consideration. New Jersey residents benefit from in-state tuition, but out-of-state students should apply for merit scholarships early. The university's proximity to New York City and Philadelphia creates internship and job opportunities that improve your application's long-term value.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $23,519/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $17,239
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $36,001
- Students Receiving Aid
- 27%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 85.0%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $74,479/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 92.6%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rutgers University-New Brunswick require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick has a test-optional admissions policy. Students can choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
The priority application deadline for fall admission to Rutgers University-New Brunswick is December 1st. Applications submitted after this date are reviewed on a space-available basis.
Can I apply to multiple schools within Rutgers University-New Brunswick on one application?
Yes, you can apply to up to three schools within Rutgers University-New Brunswick on a single application. Each school has different admission requirements and will evaluate your application separately.
What GPA do I need to transfer to Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Transfer students to Rutgers University-New Brunswick typically need a minimum 2.0 GPA from their previous college. However, competitive programs may require higher GPAs for admission consideration.