Rutgers: Newark Vs New Brunswick

Rutgers University has campuses in both Newark and New Brunswick, New Jersey. Both campuses are highly regarded, with Rutgers-New Brunswick being ranked as one of the top 20 public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Rutgers-Newark is also ranked highly, coming in at #53 on the same list. There are several factors to consider when deciding which campus is better, such as the size of the campus, the cost of attendance, and the academic programs offered.

Student population

Rutgers University has several campuses, including Newark and New Brunswick. The total student population of Rutgers University-New Brunswick is approximately 50,411 students, with 33,788 undergraduates and 8,896 graduate students. The gender breakdown of the undergraduate population is roughly equal, with 50% men and 50% women. The graduate student population, however, leans more female, with 61% women and 39% men. The student body is quite diverse, with 50% racial/ethnic minorities, and students from 118 countries, with the majority of international students coming from China, India, and South Korea. The age diversity score is 75.29 out of 100, with 52.94% of students falling within the traditional college age of 18-21.

In comparison, Rutgers University-Newark has a smaller student population, with approximately 13,231 total students, 7,974 undergraduates, and 1,804 graduate students. The undergraduate population has a slightly higher percentage of women, at 57%, while men make up 43%. The graduate student population is evenly split between men and women, with 50% each. Rutgers University-Newark also has a diverse student body, with 60% racial/ethnic minorities, and students from 118 countries. The international student population primarily comes from China, India, and South Korea. The age diversity score for Rutgers University-Newark is 84.33 out of 100, with 37.23% of students within the traditional college age range, which is higher than the national average of 60%.

Both campuses attract a diverse student population in terms of gender, race/ethnicity, and age. Rutgers University-New Brunswick has a significantly larger student population overall, with more than three times the number of students as the Newark campus. This larger size may be a factor to consider when deciding between the two campuses, as it could impact class sizes, campus culture, and the availability of resources and support services.

In terms of academic programs, Rutgers University-Newark is known for its strong business school, while Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers a wider range of programs, including engineering, nursing, and medical programs. The Newark campus is a smaller, commuter campus, while the New Brunswick campus is larger and may offer more opportunities for on-campus housing and student activities.

Both campuses have their unique strengths and characteristics, and the decision between the two depends on individual preferences, academic goals, and the specific programs offered.

Cost of attendance

The cost of attendance for Rutgers University varies based on school affiliation, campus, and program. The tuition fees for the 2022-23 academic year were $16,263 for in-state students and $33,963 for out-of-state students. Adding room and board costs of $12,923 brings the total cost of attendance to $29,186 for in-state students and $46,886 for out-of-state students.

For graduate students, the cost of tuition and fees for the 2022-23 academic year was $21,078 for in-state students and $33,198 for out-of-state students. The cost per credit hour for part-time students is $416 for New Jersey residents and $994 for non-residents.

It is important to note that these costs are estimates and may differ based on the specific school and/or major. Rutgers University also offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, student employment, loans, and tuition payment plans. Additionally, eligible New Jersey students can attend Rutgers tuition-free through a combination of university, federal, and state financial aid programs.

The cost of attendance for a four-year degree at Rutgers, including tuition, fees, room and board, books, and other fees, is estimated to be $139,120 for in-state students and $209,920 for out-of-state students, based on 2022-23 figures.

Acceptance rates

Rutgers University, New Brunswick, is considered the flagship campus of New Jersey's state university. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 36,344 students (as of fall 2022) and is split into five mini campuses. The acceptance rate at Rutgers, New Brunswick, is 66.3%, which means the school is moderately selective.

On the other hand, Rutgers University, Newark, is a medium-sized public university located in Newark, New Jersey, with a total undergraduate enrolment of 8,334 students. The acceptance rate at Rutgers, Newark, is higher at 74-77%, with 77% of students accepted during the 2021-2022 school year. The university is considered to be a high acceptance school, welcoming 51-100% of all applicants.

While Rutgers, New Brunswick, is considered more selective, the difference in acceptance rates may not be the only factor in deciding which campus is better. Other factors to consider include the campus environment, available programs, and graduation rates. For example, Rutgers, Newark, is a small commuter campus, whereas Rutgers, New Brunswick, is much larger. Additionally, it is worth noting that Rutgers, Newark, has a niche in business and is considered the best in the state for this field.

In terms of selectivity, Rutgers, New Brunswick, is more competitive, with a lower acceptance rate compared to Rutgers, Newark. However, both campuses have their unique features and offerings, so the decision of which is better may depend on individual preferences and specific program requirements.

Campus safety

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 an emergency, students, faculty, and guests can dial 9-1-1 or "Call when you can...Text when you can't." Emergency phones can be found in various locations, including buildings, restrooms, and parking decks, and outdoors in New Brunswick and Piscataway.

The Rutgers-Newark campus is located in the heart of downtown Newark, which has experienced strong population growth and massive reinvestment and revitalization in recent years. While some parts of Newark are considered dangerous, the campus itself is safe, and the immediate surrounding areas are also nice. Like any city campus, it is recommended that you don't walk around in the middle of the night, but during the day, both the Rutgers and NJIT campuses are pretty busy and there is always campus police and city police presence. There are around 50,000 university students in the area, and there are always police officers roaming around due to the number of white-collar workers commuting into nearby offices.

Rutgers-New Brunswick has a similar safety setup, with emergency phones and alarms in various locations, including buildings, restrooms, and parking decks, and outdoors. The Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) helps create a safe and secure environment and operates a fully staffed police headquarters 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Knight Mover Shuttle service and on-campus walking escorts provide extra security for getting around campus after hours. Rutgers-New Brunswick also has a Rave Guardian safety app, which is a free mobile app designed to help faculty, staff, students, and guests stay connected and access important campus safety resources.

In terms of campus safety, both Rutgers-Newark and Rutgers-New Brunswick have comprehensive measures in place to ensure the security of their students, faculty, and guests.

Academic reputation

Rutgers University–New Brunswick is the flagship campus of New Jersey's state university and is considered one of the leading research universities in the nation. It is ranked #40 in National Universities and #15 in Top Public Schools. The university offers over 120 majors, 175 research centres, and 750 student organisations, including more than 80 fraternities and sororities. It also has a highly ranked Graduate School of Education and awards one of the highest numbers of doctorate degrees per year among U.S. schools.

Rutgers University–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 and work on community projects. The university's large and diverse range of academic offerings, vibrant campus life, and numerous research opportunities contribute to its strong academic reputation.

On the other hand, Rutgers University–Newark is a highly rated public university with a mid-size student body of 6,335 undergraduates. It offers 40 undergraduate majors and 50 graduate and professional degree programs. The university is known for its diverse and urban-focused education, with small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio. Rutgers-Newark is particularly well-regarded for its business programs and is considered the best in the state for business education.

While Rutgers-New Brunswick may have a slight edge in terms of overall academic reputation, the choice between the two campuses ultimately depends on individual preferences and specific program offerings. Rutgers-Newark, as a smaller commuter campus, may appeal to those seeking a more intimate and urban-focused educational experience, while Rutgers-New Brunswick, with its larger size and wider range of academic programs, may be more suitable for those seeking a more traditional college experience and a broader array of academic options.

Both campuses have their unique strengths and specialisations, so the decision should be based on personal priorities, such as the availability of specific majors, campus culture, location, and the overall fit with one's educational goals and aspirations.

Frequently asked questions