Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs Chamberlain University-New Jersey: which has better ROI?
Chamberlain University-New Jersey has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $151,936 in 3.4 years versus 3.7 years at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, on median earnings of $92,405 vs $74,479 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | Chamberlain University-New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $24,406 | $37,984 |
| Total net cost | $97,624 | $151,936 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $74,479 | $92,405 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $20,919 |
| Payback | 3.7 yrs | 3.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $424,756 | $728,964 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Chamberlain University-New Jersey?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick, at $24,406 a year after aid versus $37,984 — a gap of $13,578 a year, or $54,312 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Chamberlain University-New Jersey graduates earn more?
Chamberlain University-New Jersey graduates report a median $92,405 ten years after entry, $17,926 more than the $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. 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, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Chamberlain University-New Jersey?
Chamberlain University-New Jersey: its completers carry a median $20,919 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, a difference of $581. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
84% of students finish at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, against 33% at Chamberlain University-New Jersey. 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.