Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs Rutgers University-Newark: which has better ROI?
Rutgers University-Newark has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $78,812 in 3 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.)
| Measure | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | Rutgers University-Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $24,406 | $19,703 |
| Total net cost | $97,624 | $78,812 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $74,479 | $74,479 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $21,500 |
| Payback | 3.7 yrs | 3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $424,756 | $443,568 |
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-Newark?
Rutgers University-Newark, at $19,703 a year after aid versus $24,406 — a gap of $4,703 a year, or $18,812 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-Newark 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-Newark?
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 64% at Rutgers University-Newark. 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.