Rutgers University-Newark vs Princeton University: which has better ROI?
Princeton University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $24,512 in 0.4 years versus 3 years at Rutgers University-Newark, on median earnings of $110,066 vs $74,479 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Rutgers University-Newark | Princeton University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,703 | $6,128 |
| Total net cost | $78,812 | $24,512 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $74,479 | $110,066 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $10,320 |
| Payback | 3 yrs | 0.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $443,568 | $1,209,608 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Rutgers University-Newark or Princeton University?
Princeton University, at $6,128 a year after aid versus $19,703 — a gap of $13,575 a year, or $54,300 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 Princeton University graduates earn more?
Princeton University graduates report a median $110,066 ten years after entry, $35,587 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 Princeton University?
Princeton University: its completers carry a median $10,320 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Rutgers University-Newark, a difference of $11,180. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
98% of students finish at Princeton University, 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.