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Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs Rutgers University-Camden: which has better ROI?

Public, New Brunswick NJ · vs · Public, Camden NJ

The verdict

Rutgers University-Camden has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $74,980 in 2.9 years versus 3.7 years at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, on median earnings of $74,479 vs $74,479 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureRutgers University-New BrunswickRutgers University-Camden
Net price / yr$24,406$18,745
Total net cost$97,624$74,980
Median earnings, 10 yrs$74,479$74,479
Median debt$21,500$21,500
Payback3.7 yrs2.9 yrs
20-year net return$424,756$447,400

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Rutgers University-Camden?

Rutgers University-Camden, at $18,745 a year after aid versus $24,406 — a gap of $5,661 a year, or $22,644 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 Rutgers University-Camden graduates earn more?

Graduates of both report a median $74,479 ten years after entry, so earnings do not separate them either — the ROI difference comes entirely from what each degree costs. Figures are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, not programme-level pay.

Which leaves students with less debt, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Rutgers University-Camden?

Completers at both borrow a median $21,500, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.

Which graduates more of its students?

84% of students finish at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, 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.

Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs Rutgers University-Camden: frequently asked questions

Is Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Rutgers University-Camden a better value?
Rutgers University-Camden. It clears its $74,980 net cost in about 2.9 years versus 3.7 years at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, on median earnings of $74,479 vs $74,479 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Rutgers University-Camden?
Rutgers University-Camden: $18,745/yr net price after aid versus $24,406/yr at Rutgers University-New Brunswick — a difference of $5,661 a year, or about $22,644 over four years.
Do Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Rutgers University-Camden graduates earn more?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates earn a median $74,479 ten years after entry, versus $74,479 at Rutgers University-Camden — a $0 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.