Head-to-Head Comparison
Harvard University vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Harvard Wins
- 24
- Tied
- 17
- Rutgers University-New Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Harvard University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $19,066 vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick's $24,406, Harvard University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Harvard University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Harvard
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $101,817 ten years after enrollment, 37% more than Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Lower cost: Average net price of $19,066, roughly $5,340 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 97% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 4% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Rutgers University-New
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Harvard graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (27% 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 Harvard University over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Median earnings of $101,817 ten years after enrollment vs $74,479.
Pick Harvard University over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Net price $19,066 vs $24,406.
Pick Harvard University over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. 97% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Harvard University and Rutgers University-New Brunswick are close on paper, but Harvard University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Harvard University is the harder admit. It takes 4% of applicants, while Rutgers University-New Brunswick takes 58%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,410.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Harvard University 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, Harvard University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $19,066, about $5,340 a year below Rutgers University-New Brunswick's $24,406. Graduates of Harvard University also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $21,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $21,360 before any change in aid. Choosing Harvard University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Harvard University graduates report median earnings of $101,817, compared with $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. That is a 37% advantage. Set against borrowing, Harvard University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.14x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 37% 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
Harvard University graduates a larger share of its students, 97% versus 84%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 13% 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 Harvard University 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. Harvard University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Mathematics & Statistics, while Rutgers University-New Brunswick leans toward Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Harvard University's enrollment, and Rutgers University-New Brunswick is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: Harvard University 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 Harvard University's $19,066.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,500, against $14,000 at Harvard University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick's enrollment of 37,751 far exceeds Harvard University's 7,601.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Rutgers University-New offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Harvard 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
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 4%, Harvard University is a place where the most driven and ambitious students find their footing. It’s especially suitable for those drawn to rigorous academic programs like Social Sciences, Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences. The environment here encourages intellectual curiosity and a commitment to excellence, attracting a diverse group of scholars who are ready to engage deeply with their studies.
After graduation, the financial outlook is promising, with alumni earning an average of $101,817 within ten years. This level of earning power is a significant motivator for students considering their future. While the cost of education is an important factor, many graduates see a strong return on their investment, which makes the financial commitment worthwhile for those who can navigate the admissions process.
When we look at the practical aspects, the net price after aid stands at $19,066, and the median debt is relatively manageable at $14,000. This financial structure allows students to focus on their education without being overwhelmed by debt. Those who thrive at Harvard often share a passion for learning and a desire to make a difference in the world, making the most of the resources and opportunities available to them.
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
Harvard University is featured on the Colleges With the Highest Graduation Rates ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Harvard's top program is Sociology (27% of enrollment), while Rutgers University-New leads with Business Administration (19%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Harvard) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rutgers University-New).
The two schools feed different job markets. Harvard University is strongest in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Mathematics & Statistics, while Rutgers University-New Brunswick concentrates in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Engineering. 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 Harvard University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Harvard University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 58% at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Which is more affordable, Harvard University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Harvard University is more affordable, with an average net price of $19,066 after aid versus $24,406 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Do Harvard University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates earn more?
Harvard University graduates earn more: median earnings of $101,817 ten years after enrollment, versus $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Which has a better graduation rate, Harvard University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, 97% versus 84%.
Should you choose Harvard University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Harvard University 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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