Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs Stevens Institute of Technology: which has better ROI?
Stevens Institute of Technology has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $165,384 in 2.7 years versus 3.7 years at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, on median earnings of $108,772 vs $74,479 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | Stevens Institute of Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $24,406 | $41,346 |
| Total net cost | $97,624 | $165,384 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $74,479 | $108,772 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 3.7 yrs | 2.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $424,756 | $1,042,856 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick, at $24,406 a year after aid versus $41,346 — a gap of $16,940 a year, or $67,760 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 Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Stevens Institute of Technology graduates report a median $108,772 ten years after entry, $34,293 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 Stevens Institute of Technology?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Stevens Institute of Technology, a difference of $5,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
87% of students finish at Stevens Institute of Technology, against 84% at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. 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.