Florida International University vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Good news if you're stuck between them: Florida International University and Rutgers University-New Brunswick come out about even on financial return. Florida International University scores 81/100 and Rutgers University-New Brunswick scores 83/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Florida International University runs $9,288 a year against $24,406 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick - $15,118 more a year, or about $60,472 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates earn a median $74,479 against $60,249 at Florida International University. The cost earns itself back in 7 years at Florida International University and 6 years at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Florida International University owing a median $16,500 versus $21,500 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.40 and 0.45 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Florida International Uni... | Rutgers University-New Br... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $6,565 | $17,929 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $18,964 | $37,441 |
| Net Price (avg) | $9,288 | $24,406 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $37,152 | $97,624 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $41,500 | $48,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $60,249 | $74,479 |
| Graduation Rate | 74.4% | 83.6% |
| Payback Period | 7 yr | 6 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $16,500 | $21,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $175 | $228 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.40 | 0.45 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 62.6% | 77.9% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 62.3% | 73.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 54.7% | 58.1% |
| Enrollment | 39,508 | 37,751 |
| SAT Range | 1070-1260 | 1310-1500 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Florida Internationa... | Rutgers University-N... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $7,003 | $16,343 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $7,873 | $16,210 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $10,925 | $18,282 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $14,568 | $25,106 |
| $110,001+ | $18,200 | $35,016 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Florida Internationa... | Rutgers University-N... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $90,397 | $125,303 |
| Electrical Engineering | $98,697 | $108,296 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $71,355 | $100,695 |
| Registered Nursing | $98,635 | $99,155 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $93,494 | $94,561 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $88,656 | $89,850 |
| Management Information Systems | $85,737 | $89,098 |
| Accounting | $81,923 | $89,087 |
| Civil Engineering | $84,523 | $87,557 |
| Economics | $70,022 | $86,120 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $61,256 | $83,606 |
| Mathematics | $66,041 | $81,845 |
| Human Resources Management | $67,696 | $75,850 |
| Marketing | $64,423 | $74,813 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $49,960 | $74,122 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Florida Internationa... | Rutgers University-N... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 95 | 82 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 83 | 89 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 87 | 82 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 84 | 92 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 22 | 64 |
| Overall ROI Score | 81 | 83 |
The Verdict
It's close. Rutgers University-New Brunswick edges out Florida International University by 2 points (83 vs 81), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Florida International University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.