Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst
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: Rutgers University-New Brunswick and University of Massachusetts-Amherst come out about even on financial return. Rutgers University-New Brunswick scores 83/100 and University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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, University of Massachusetts-Amherst runs $22,383 a year against $24,406 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick - $2,023 more a year, or about $8,092 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates earn a median $74,479 against $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. The cost earns itself back in 6 years at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and 6.3 years at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Rutgers University-New Brunswick owing a median $21,500 versus $22,763 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. 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... | University of Massachuset... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $17,929 | $17,772 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $37,441 | $40,449 |
| Net Price (avg) | $24,406 | $22,383 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $97,624 | $89,532 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $48,200 | $44,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $74,479 | $71,631 |
| Graduation Rate | 83.6% | 83.3% |
| Payback Period | 6 yr | 6.3 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,500 | $22,763 |
| Monthly Payment | $228 | $241 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.45 | 0.52 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 77.9% | 83.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 73.8% | 78.7% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 58.1% | 59.7% |
| Enrollment | 37,751 | 23,671 |
| SAT Range | 1310-1500 | 1310-1500 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Rutgers University-N... | University of Massac... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $16,343 | $10,164 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $16,210 | $10,456 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $18,282 | $12,932 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $25,106 | $18,964 |
| $110,001+ | $35,016 | $30,793 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Rutgers University-N... | University of Massac... |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | $108,296 | $101,091 |
| Chemical Engineering | $100,729 | $97,990 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $100,695 | $96,995 |
| Accounting | $89,087 | $100,516 |
| Registered Nursing | $99,155 | $90,309 |
| Industrial Engineering | $94,382 | $97,791 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $94,561 | $96,999 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $83,606 | $92,623 |
| Civil Engineering | $87,557 | $88,076 |
| Marketing | $74,813 | $86,299 |
| Economics | $86,120 | $80,434 |
| Mathematics | $81,845 | $83,338 |
| Food Science and Technology | $80,979 | $77,771 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $79,510 | $77,853 |
| Chemistry | $73,245 | $78,373 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Rutgers University-N... | University of Massac... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 82 | 83 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 89 | 88 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 82 | 70 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 92 | 92 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 64 | 81 |
| Overall ROI Score | 83 | 83 |
The Verdict
It's close. Rutgers University-New Brunswick edges out University of Massachusetts-Amherst by 0 points (83 vs 83), 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.
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
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.