Newark Vs New Brunswick: Which Is Better?

Rutgers University has campuses in both Newark and New Brunswick. While the New Brunswick campus is considered to be nicer, with a bigger and more social campus, the Newark campus is more affordable. The New Brunswick campus is also considered to be more academically rigorous, with higher graduation rates and test scores. However, the Newark campus is more convenient for those who want to commute and offers the same academic programs as the New Brunswick campus. In terms of safety, the New Brunswick campus is generally considered to be safer than the Newark campus, which is located in a less desirable area.

Safety

Newark and New Brunswick are both campuses of Rutgers University. While Rutgers-Newark is considered a commuter campus, Rutgers-New Brunswick is described as a "college town" with a lively and "social" atmosphere.

Rutgers-Newark is located in the city of Newark and is considered to be in an unsafe area. The campus itself is said to be safe, but the surrounding area is described as "more dangerous" than New Brunswick. Crime statistics for the Rutgers-Newark campus are available online. Car break-ins are a particular issue, with one student reporting their car window being smashed twice in a year.

Rutgers-New Brunswick is also said to have issues with crime, with different areas of the large campus having "significantly different crime rates".

New Brunswick is considered to be safer than Newark, but it is still not without its issues. One source suggests that New Brunswick is an "Express stop" for the "homeless".

Sources suggest that the best option for safety is to live near the Rutgers-New Brunswick campus, which is only around a 45-minute commute from New York City.

Cost

New Brunswick is ranked 43 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of the cost of living, with costs estimated to be 113.8% of the national average. This makes it one of the more expensive cities in the US. The median household income in New Brunswick is $49,338, which is 44% less than the state median, while the median income for an individual is $26,535, 43% less than the state median. The average rent for a 2-bed home is $2,116, 43% more than the US average, and the median home price is $345,000, with a median price per square foot of $363.

Newark, on the other hand, has a cost of living that is 21% higher than the national average. Housing expenses are 52% higher than the national average, with utility prices 13% higher, and transportation expenses 12% higher. Grocery prices are 5% higher than the national average, while healthcare costs are 7% lower.

When it comes to safety, some consider the campus of Rutgers-Newark to be safer than the surrounding area, with daytime classes adding an extra layer of security. However, the city of Newark is considered more dangerous than New Brunswick.

In terms of employment, both cities have similar prospects, with companies such as Prudential Financial, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and JP Morgan Chase & Co. being top employers for Rutgers-New Brunswick and Rutgers-Newark students respectively.

Commuting between Jersey City and New Brunswick is possible but can be challenging due to traffic. New Brunswick is an express stop on the North East Corridor, making it a quicker option for commuters. Living near the train station in New Brunswick is recommended for those commuting to New York City, as it is only a 45-minute train or bus ride away.

Considering the provided information, New Brunswick appears to be the more expensive option when compared to Newark, with higher costs of living, housing, and transportation. However, it is important to note that income levels and employment opportunities may also play a significant role in the overall cost of living in each city.

Campus size

Rutgers University–New Brunswick is the flagship campus of New Jersey's state university. It is split into five mini campuses, each with a unique setting and identity, student centre and dining options. The campus size is 2,656 acres.

Rutgers University–Newark, on the other hand, is located on a campus of 38 acres in Newark's University Heights neighbourhood. This is within blocks of the commercial centre of the city and is located near mass transit (bus, rail, and light rail stations).

Rutgers University–New Brunswick has a total undergraduate enrolment of 36,344, while Rutgers University–Newark has more than 12,000 students (more than 7,500 undergraduate).

Rutgers University–Newark is a small commuter campus, whereas Rutgers University–New Brunswick is almost too big.

Social life

New Brunswick offers a more lively college experience with a greater variety of social activities compared to Newark. It is considered more social and lively, with more opportunities for socialising and networking. The campus is larger, with a greater student population, which leads to more opportunities for social interaction and activities.

New Brunswick is often chosen for its social life, offering the typical "college experience". It is seen as a more traditional college experience, with a bigger and nicer campus, and is considered more fun with lots to do, especially for students living in dorms.

Newark, on the other hand, is described as a commuter school with a smaller campus and a less vibrant atmosphere. It is considered less social, with fewer students living on campus. However, it is located closer to New York City, offering easier access to the city's social and cultural scene.

In terms of safety, New Brunswick is generally considered safer than Newark, although it is worth noting that different areas of the New Brunswick campus have significantly different crime rates. The Rutgers-New Brunswick campus is regarded as safer than the surrounding area of the city, while the Rutgers-Newark campus is described as being in a less safe part of town.

When it comes to social life, the choice between New Brunswick and Newark depends on individual preferences. New Brunswick offers a more traditional and lively college experience, while Newark is a more low-key option that may be preferable for those seeking a smaller and more intimate setting.

Academic reputation

New Brunswick is considered to be the main campus of Rutgers University, and is ranked higher than Newark. It is perceived to be more academically rigorous, and is more selective. However, some students have noted that there is little difference between the two campuses in terms of academic offerings, with the same faculty teaching at both campuses, and the same degree being awarded regardless of campus.

New Brunswick has a higher graduation rate than Newark. It also has a larger student population, which leads to more opportunities for academic, social, and other activities. New Brunswick's business school is considered to be better than Newark's, and it is also considered to be more selective. However, some students have noted that the classes at New Brunswick may be more difficult, as the students there are generally full-time and do not work, whereas those at Newark often have other commitments alongside their studies.

In terms of rankings, New Brunswick is ranked #3 among universities in New Jersey, while Newark is ranked #6. New Brunswick is also ranked higher nationally, at #86, compared to Newark's ranking of #136.

Newark's strengths appear to lie in specific fields, such as business, criminal justice, and nursing. It is considered to be one of the best in the state for business, and its nursing program was ranked #80, compared to New Brunswick's ranking of #100. However, it is important to note that Rutgers has merged some of its programs, including nursing and business, to boost its overall ranking.

Overall, New Brunswick appears to have a stronger academic reputation, with higher rankings, a more selective admissions process, and a higher graduation rate. However, Newark also has its strengths in specific fields, and the same degree is awarded from both campuses.

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