Rowan University and Rutgers University-New Brunswick present distinct educational pathways for prospective students in New Jersey.
Admission and Selectivity
Rutgers-New Brunswick is more competitive with a 66.29% acceptance rate compared to Rowan's 76.94%. Students have better admission odds at Rowan, making it more accessible for average performers.
Cost and Financial Value
Rowan offers lower tuition costs ($15,700 in-state vs $17,239 at Rutgers), but the net price difference is minimal ($22,185 vs $23,519). However, Rutgers graduates earn significantly more after 10 years ($74,479 vs $59,988), providing stronger return on investment despite similar debt levels ($21,500 vs $20,500).
Academic Environment
Both schools maintain comparable student-faculty ratios (Rowan 16:1, Rutgers 15:1). Rutgers demonstrates superior academic outcomes with an 85% six-year graduation rate versus Rowan's 68.3%. The retention rate gap is substantial (92.63% vs 81.58%), indicating higher student satisfaction and academic support at Rutgers.
Campus Experience
Rutgers offers a larger research university experience with 36,357 students and Division I athletics. Rowan provides a smaller community feel with 14,647 students and Division III sports, creating more intimate classroom settings and closer faculty relationships.
Student Fit
Students seeking lower admission barriers, smaller class sizes, and a tight-knit campus community will find Rowan appealing, while those wanting research opportunities, higher earning potential, and comprehensive university resources should choose Rutgers-New Brunswick.
Admission and Selectivity
Rutgers-New Brunswick is more competitive with a 66.29% acceptance rate compared to Rowan's 76.94%. Students have better admission odds at Rowan, making it more accessible for average performers.
Cost and Financial Value
Rowan offers lower tuition costs ($15,700 in-state vs $17,239 at Rutgers), but the net price difference is minimal ($22,185 vs $23,519). However, Rutgers graduates earn significantly more after 10 years ($74,479 vs $59,988), providing stronger return on investment despite similar debt levels ($21,500 vs $20,500).
Academic Environment
Both schools maintain comparable student-faculty ratios (Rowan 16:1, Rutgers 15:1). Rutgers demonstrates superior academic outcomes with an 85% six-year graduation rate versus Rowan's 68.3%. The retention rate gap is substantial (92.63% vs 81.58%), indicating higher student satisfaction and academic support at Rutgers.
Campus Experience
Rutgers offers a larger research university experience with 36,357 students and Division I athletics. Rowan provides a smaller community feel with 14,647 students and Division III sports, creating more intimate classroom settings and closer faculty relationships.
Student Fit
Students seeking lower admission barriers, smaller class sizes, and a tight-knit campus community will find Rowan appealing, while those wanting research opportunities, higher earning potential, and comprehensive university resources should choose Rutgers-New Brunswick.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Rowan University | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 76.9% | 66.3% |
| SAT Average | 1,195 | 1,375 |
| Enrollment | 14,647 | 36,357 |
| In-State Tuition | $15,700 | $17,239 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $25,564 | $36,001 |
| Net Price | $22,185 | $23,519 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.3% | 85.0% |
| Retention Rate | 81.6% | 92.6% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $59,988 | $74,479 |
| Median Debt | $20,500 | $21,500 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Rowan University | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $72,742 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $74,063 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $71,015 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $72,975 |
| Civil Engineering. | $61,516 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $71,778 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $60,358 | Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | $70,596 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $58,673 | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | $67,995 |