Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs Ramapo College of New Jersey: which has better ROI?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $97,624 in 3.7 years versus 3.8 years at Ramapo College of New Jersey, on median earnings of $74,479 vs $67,541 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | Ramapo College of New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $24,406 | $18,173 |
| Total net cost | $97,624 | $72,692 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $74,479 | $67,541 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $21,000 |
| Payback | 3.7 yrs | 3.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $424,756 | $310,928 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Ramapo College of New Jersey?
Ramapo College of New Jersey, at $18,173 a year after aid versus $24,406 — a gap of $6,233 a year, or $24,932 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 Ramapo College of New Jersey graduates earn more?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates report a median $74,479 ten years after entry, $6,938 more than the $67,541 at Ramapo College of New Jersey. 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 Ramapo College of New Jersey?
Ramapo College of New Jersey: its completers carry a median $21,000 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, a difference of $500. 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 70% at Ramapo College of 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.