Rutgers: Newark Vs. New Brunswick

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to apply to both Rutgers Newark and New Brunswick. One key difference between the two campuses is size: Rutgers New Brunswick is much larger, with a greater population and more acreage, which leads to increased opportunities for academics, social life, and campus life in general. New Brunswick is also more selective, which may be a positive indicator of its academic rigor. However, Rutgers Newark has its own advantages, including smaller class sizes, which can facilitate stronger relationships with professors, and a more intimate and commuter-friendly environment. Additionally, Newark is considered more convenient for those seeking city life and is closer to New York City. Both campuses offer a similar quality of education, and students can attend events and career fairs at either location regardless of their enrolled campus. Transferring between the two campuses is possible but may be challenging in terms of class requirements and graduation timelines.

Campus size and location

Rutgers University–New Brunswick is a public research university founded in 1766. It is the flagship campus of New Jersey's state university and is located in the city of Piscataway, New Jersey. The campus size is 2,656 acres and is split into five mini campuses, each with a unique setting and identity, student center, and dining options. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 36,344 (as of fall 2022) and utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.

Rutgers University–Newark, on the other hand, is located in Newark, New Jersey's largest city. The campus is centrally located and easily accessible, with the address 195 University Ave, Newark, NJ 07102. The Health Sciences Campus is also located in Newark. Unfortunately, I could not find specific information on the campus size or acreage of Rutgers University–Newark. However, Rutgers University as a whole spans 6,000 acres across New Jersey.

Both campuses offer a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. Rutgers University–New Brunswick has a highly ranked Graduate School of Education and is home to unique institutions such as the Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. The university also boasts a diverse range of student clubs and organizations, with more than 500 options, including over 80 fraternities and sororities.

Rutgers University–Newark, as part of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS), offers various research and academic programs in the health sciences field. While specific enrollment figures for Rutgers University–Newark were not found, Rutgers University as a whole has a diverse student population, with students from all 50 states and more than 120 countries.

Social life and opportunities

Rutgers University, founded in 1766 and located in the heart of the New Jersey-New York-Pennsylvania region, has a lot to offer in terms of social life and opportunities at its New Brunswick campus.

The School of Social Work, present at all Rutgers University locations, including New Brunswick, prepares students to become global leaders in their field. The school offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree with a social work major and is ranked among the nation's top social work programs. Students have access to nationally recognized faculty, rigorous academics, and real-world experience through initiatives such as field placements and study abroad options.

The New Brunswick campus provides a diverse and vibrant community for students to engage with. The School of Arts and Sciences offers a wide range of majors and minors, allowing students to explore various academic interests. The campus also organizes events, workshops, and conferences, providing opportunities for students to connect and network.

Additionally, New Brunswick's location offers easy access to nearby cities like New York and Philadelphia, opening up even more social and cultural opportunities for students.

Rutgers University-Newark, located in New Jersey's largest and most dynamic city, offers a unique social life and opportunities for its students. Being a part of the fabric of Newark, students can engage with the local community and tackle urban issues like social injustice, food insecurity, and literacy through initiatives such as Community Engagement Day.

The campus is situated in a thriving multicultural scene, with easy access to global cuisine, nightlife, art, and activism. The nearby Ironbound neighborhood is known for its restaurants, clubs, and one-of-a-kind European shops.

Rutgers-Newark offers over 100 clubs and organizations, including professional clubs, honor societies, and cultural organizations, providing students with numerous opportunities to get involved, make friends, and make a difference on and off-campus.

The university is committed to social justice and diversity, creating an inclusive environment for all students. It also offers resources and support for students of all backgrounds, including undocumented students, LGBTQIA+ students, and international students.

With its central location and strong community connections, Rutgers-Newark provides a rich and engaging social life for its students, allowing them to immerse themselves in the city's civic, cultural, and economic life.

Safety and security

Rutgers University is committed to ensuring a safe environment for everyone across its campuses. The Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) operates multiple fully staffed police headquarters 24 hours a day, all year round. In the case of an emergency, students are advised to dial 9-1-1, and there are also emergency phones ("blue" light phones) located across the campuses.

The RUPD offers a range of services to help students feel safe on campus, including security escorts upon request. The RUPD also provides the Rave Guardian app, which is a free mobile safety app designed to help students, staff, and faculty stay connected and access important campus safety resources. The app is available for all Rutgers University students, staff, and guests subscribed to the university's Emergency Notification System (ENS).

The Rutgers University–New Brunswick campus advises students to take certain precautions to ensure their safety, such as signing up for text alerts to receive emergency updates, staying alert and aware of their surroundings, and avoiding walking alone after dark. The Knight Mover Shuttle service and on-campus walking escorts provide extra security for students getting around campus after hours.

The Rutgers University–Newark campus provides detailed information on emergency procedures, including evacuation plans and what to do in the case of a weather emergency. The Newark Division of the Rutgers Police Department operates out of two locations and provides phone numbers for students to report suspicious activity. The RUPD–Newark Division is committed to fostering a safe and secure environment and works actively with the community to prevent crime and enhance the quality of life for all students.

Academic reputation and selectivity

Rutgers University–New Brunswick is the flagship campus of New Jersey's state university. It is ranked #40 in National Universities and #15 in Top Public Schools, according to U.S. News & World Report. The university has a strong academic reputation, with a large undergraduate enrollment of 36,344 students (as of fall 2022) and a wide range of academic programs. Rutgers–New Brunswick is also home to unique institutions such as the Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, where students can take hands-on courses in the sciences. The university is particularly well-known for its highly ranked Graduate School of Education and for awarding one of the highest numbers of doctorate degrees per year among U.S. schools.

In terms of selectivity, Rutgers–New Brunswick is considered more selective than Rutgers–Newark. This suggests that the admissions process is more competitive and rigorous at Rutgers–New Brunswick. However, it's important to note that both campuses share a significant number of professors and offer similar academic programs, especially in the business school and education.

On the other hand, Rutgers University–Newark is a leading urban research university known for its diverse student and faculty population. It is recognised as one of the most ethnically diverse campuses in the United States and is committed to civic engagement and boundary-crossing scholarship. Rutgers–Newark is also an anchor institution in the city, supporting the local community. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and has a strong reputation for its research capabilities.

Both campuses have their unique characteristics, but they are part of the same Rutgers University system and offer a Rutgers degree. Ultimately, the decision to apply to one or both campuses depends on your personal preferences, academic goals, and the specific programs you are interested in pursuing.

Transferring between campuses

Rutgers University allows students to transfer between campuses. The process for transferring between campuses varies depending on the specific campus and program you are transferring to and from.

Transferring to Rutgers Business School (RBS) New Brunswick

Students who are registered at another Rutgers University School during the spring semester and will have attained a minimum of 24 Rutgers credits by the end of that semester can apply to RBS New Brunswick for the subsequent fall semester using a school-to-school transfer application. The application is available on the school-to-school transfer website, and RBS New Brunswick only accepts these applications for the fall semester. The application period is between February 1st and April 30th, and decisions are sent out on June 30th.

Admission is competitive, and students are admitted into the second and third years of the program upon meeting specific course and GPA requirements. It is important to note that applications will be reviewed once spring grades have been posted, and summer coursework completed after the application has closed will not be included in the review.

Transferring between other Rutgers campuses

Currently enrolled undergraduate students working towards a degree who wish to apply for admission to another school within the university should submit the online school-to-school transfer application. If you are transferring to Rutgers–New Brunswick from either Rutgers–Newark or Rutgers–Camden and want to sign up for an orientation program, you can email orientation @echo.rutgers.edu.

Credit Transfer

Rutgers University accepts credit transfers for courses taken at accredited colleges and institutions if they are equivalent to Rutgers courses and a grade of at least a C has been earned. The maximum number of credits that can be transferred depends on the type of institution you are transferring from. Students transferring from two-year institutions can receive up to 60 credits, while those transferring from four-year institutions can receive up to 90 credits.

Transferring from a New Jersey Community College

New Jersey community college students can refer to NJtransfer.org for a preliminary unofficial transcript evaluation. The NJ State-Wide Transfer Agreement provides additional information about transferring from a New Jersey community college. Students who have earned an A.A. or A.S. degree from a New Jersey community college will enter Rutgers as a junior with 60 credits. During course registration, they will meet with an adviser for a full credit evaluation to determine the specific requirements to complete their major and graduate.

Frequently asked questions