Head-to-Head Comparison
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, GA
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ
- Georgia Technology-Main Wins
- 27
- Tied
- 16
- Rutgers University-New Wins
- 9
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $12,116 vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick's $24,406, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $102,772 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Georgia Technology-Main
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $102,772 ten years after enrollment, 38% more than Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,116, roughly $12,290 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 14% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Rutgers University-New
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Georgia Technology-Main graduates concentrate in Engineering (42% of degrees); Rutgers University-New in Business & Marketing (19%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Georgia Institute of Technology over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Median earnings of $102,772 ten years after enrollment vs $74,479.
Pick Georgia Institute of Technology over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Net price $12,116 vs $24,406.
Pick Georgia Institute of Technology over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. 93% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Georgia Institute of Technology and Rutgers University-New Brunswick are close on paper, but Georgia Institute of Technology wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Georgia Institute of Technology is the harder admit. It takes 14% of applicants, while Rutgers University-New Brunswick takes 58%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,480 to 1,410.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Georgia Institute of Technology sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Georgia Institute of Technology comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $12,116, about $12,290 a year below Rutgers University-New Brunswick's $24,406. Graduates of Rutgers University-New Brunswick also borrow less: median debt of $21,500, against $21,672.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $49,160 before any change in aid. Choosing Georgia Institute of Technology leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Georgia Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $102,772, compared with $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. That is a 38% advantage. Set against borrowing, Georgia Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 38% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Georgia Institute of Technology graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 84%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 9% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Georgia Institute of Technology to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Georgia Institute of Technology concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while Rutgers University-New Brunswick leans toward Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Georgia Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $24,406 runs well above Georgia Institute of Technology's $12,116.
- Engineering-focused students: Georgia Institute of Technology has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick's enrollment of 37,751 far exceeds Georgia Institute of Technology's 18,785.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Rutgers University-New offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Georgia Technology-Main does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, GA · Public
Georgia Institute of Technology has an impressive graduation rate of 93%, showcasing its commitment to student success. This high rate indicates that most students not only enroll but also complete their degrees, a critical factor for anyone considering their future at this institution.
Graduates from Georgia Tech see significant financial returns, earning a median salary of $102,772 a decade after finishing their degrees. This strong earning potential underscores the effectiveness of the education provided, particularly in high-demand fields like engineering and computer science. The school plays an important role in enhancing economic mobility, although specific rates for low-income students are not available.
With a net price of $12,116 and a median debt of $21,672, Georgia Tech presents a financially manageable option for many students. Those who thrive here are typically driven, with a focus on STEM fields, and come from diverse backgrounds. The competitive acceptance rate of 14% reflects the school's selectivity, attracting students who are ready to engage in rigorous academic challenges.
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ · Public
With an enrollment of over 37,000 students, Rutgers University-New Brunswick is a great fit for those who thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment. The school stands out for its strong programs in Business and Marketing, Computer Science, Engineering, Health Professions, and Biology. If you're looking to dive into a field with solid job prospects and a supportive academic community, this could be your place.
When we look at what happens after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates earn an average of $74,479 within a decade of finishing their degrees. That’s a solid return on investment, especially when you consider the affordability of Rutgers. The net price after financial aid is $24,406, which is reasonable given the earning potential. This environment supports students not just in their studies, but in launching successful careers.
Now, let’s talk about the practical side of things. With a median debt of $21,500, students often leave with manageable loans, especially if they utilize financial aid options. The blend of affordability and strong career outcomes suggests that students who put in the effort here tend to thrive, especially those who are driven and engaged. If you're ready to take on challenges and make the most of your education, Rutgers can be a great stepping stone to your future.
Rankings They Appear On
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus is featured on the Best Public Universities ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Georgia Technology-Main's top program is Mechanical Engineering (42% of enrollment), while Rutgers University-New leads with Business Administration (19%).
Georgia Technology-Main
Rutgers University-New
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Georgia Technology-Main) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rutgers University-New).
The two schools feed different job markets. Georgia Institute of Technology is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, while Rutgers University-New Brunswick concentrates in Health Professions. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Georgia Institute of Technology or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Georgia Institute of Technology is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 58% at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Which is more affordable, Georgia Institute of Technology or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Georgia Institute of Technology is more affordable, with an average net price of $12,116 after aid versus $24,406 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Do Georgia Institute of Technology or Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates earn more?
Georgia Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $102,772 ten years after enrollment, versus $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Which has a better graduation rate, Georgia Institute of Technology or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Georgia Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 84%.
Should you choose Georgia Institute of Technology or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Georgia Institute of Technology if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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