Princeton University vs Rutgers University-Camden: which has better ROI?
Princeton University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $24,512 in 0.4 years versus 2.9 years at Rutgers University-Camden, on median earnings of $110,066 vs $74,479 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Princeton University | Rutgers University-Camden |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $6,128 | $18,745 |
| Total net cost | $24,512 | $74,980 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $110,066 | $74,479 |
| Median debt | $10,320 | $21,500 |
| Payback | 0.4 yrs | 2.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $1,209,608 | $447,400 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Princeton University or Rutgers University-Camden?
Princeton University, at $6,128 a year after aid versus $18,745 — a gap of $12,617 a year, or $50,468 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Princeton University or Rutgers University-Camden graduates earn more?
Princeton University graduates report a median $110,066 ten years after entry, $35,587 more than the $74,479 at Rutgers University-Camden. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Princeton University or Rutgers University-Camden?
Princeton University: its completers carry a median $10,320 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Rutgers University-Camden, a difference of $11,180. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
98% of students finish at Princeton University, against 67% at Rutgers University-Camden. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.