Rutgers University-Newark vs Chamberlain University-New Jersey: 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 3.4 years at Chamberlain University-New Jersey, on median earnings of $74,479 vs $92,405 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Rutgers University-Newark | Chamberlain University-New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,703 | $37,984 |
| Total net cost | $78,812 | $151,936 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $74,479 | $92,405 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $20,919 |
| Payback | 3 yrs | 3.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $443,568 | $728,964 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Rutgers University-Newark or Chamberlain University-New Jersey?
Rutgers University-Newark, at $19,703 a year after aid versus $37,984 — a gap of $18,281 a year, or $73,124 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-Newark 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-Newark. 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-Newark 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-Newark, 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?
64% of students finish at Rutgers University-Newark, 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.