Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs Rowan University
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
On the numbers, Rutgers University-New Brunswick comes out ahead: 83/100 to 66/100, a 17-point edge over Rowan University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Rowan University runs $22,408 a year against $24,406 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick - $1,998 more a year, or about $7,992 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates earn a median $74,479 against $59,988 at Rowan University. The cost earns itself back in 6 years at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and 9.2 years at Rowan University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Rowan University owing a median $20,500 versus $21,500 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.45 and 0.52 - 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 | Rutgers University-New Br... | Rowan University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $17,929 | $16,574 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $37,441 | $26,932 |
| Net Price (avg) | $24,406 | $22,408 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $97,624 | $89,632 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $48,200 | $39,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $74,479 | $59,988 |
| Graduation Rate | 83.6% | 67.4% |
| Payback Period | 6 yr | 9.2 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,500 | $20,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $228 | $217 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.45 | 0.52 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 77.9% | 76.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 73.8% | 70.6% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 58.1% | 77.7% |
| Enrollment | 37,751 | 15,841 |
| SAT Range | 1310-1500 | 1110-1310 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Rutgers University-N... | Rowan University |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $16,343 | $15,305 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $16,210 | $15,264 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $18,282 | $19,245 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $25,106 | $27,580 |
| $110,001+ | $35,016 | $30,378 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Rutgers University-N... | Rowan University |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $125,303 | $86,475 |
| Electrical Engineering | $108,296 | $104,215 |
| Chemical Engineering | $100,729 | $95,769 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $100,695 | $75,697 |
| Registered Nursing | $99,155 | $97,116 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $94,561 | $90,084 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $89,850 | $84,059 |
| Accounting | $89,087 | $76,524 |
| Civil Engineering | $87,557 | $78,834 |
| Economics | $86,120 | $70,614 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $83,606 | $73,631 |
| Mathematics | $81,845 | $63,146 |
| Chemistry | $73,245 | $79,695 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $79,510 | $67,702 |
| Human Resources Management | $75,850 | $73,035 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Rutgers University-N... | Rowan University |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 82 | 62 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 89 | 66 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 82 | 70 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 92 | 73 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 64 | 60 |
| Overall ROI Score | 83 | 66 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: Rutgers University-New Brunswick clearly outperforms Rowan University (83 vs 66), a 17-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Rowan University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
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Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Rowan University
Fair 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.