Head-to-Head Comparison
Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ
- Massachusetts Technology Wins
- 23
- Tied
- 17
- Rutgers University-New Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $20,111 vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick's $24,406, Massachusetts Institute of Technology delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Massachusetts Institute of Technology's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
51 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Massachusetts Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $143,372 ten years after enrollment, 92% more than Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Lower cost: Average net price of $20,111, roughly $4,295 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,768, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 5% 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?
Massachusetts Technology graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (35% 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Median earnings of $143,372 ten years after enrollment vs $74,479.
Pick Massachusetts Institute of Technology over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Net price $20,111 vs $24,406.
Pick Massachusetts Institute of Technology over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. 96% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Rutgers University-New Brunswick are close on paper, but Massachusetts Institute of Technology 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
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the harder admit. It takes 5% of applicants, while Rutgers University-New Brunswick takes 58%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,560 to 1,410.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Massachusetts 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, Massachusetts Institute of Technology comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $20,111, about $4,295 a year below Rutgers University-New Brunswick's $24,406. Graduates of Massachusetts Institute of Technology also borrow less: median debt of $14,768, against $21,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $17,180 before any change in aid. Choosing Massachusetts Institute of Technology leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $143,372, compared with $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. That is a 92% advantage. Set against borrowing, Massachusetts Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.1x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 92% 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
Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates a larger share of its students, 96% versus 84%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 12% 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 Massachusetts 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. Massachusetts Institute of Technology concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Mathematics & Statistics, while Rutgers University-New Brunswick leans toward Business & Marketing, Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology's $20,111.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,500, against $14,768 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
- Engineering-focused students: Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology's 4,535.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Rutgers University-New offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Massachusetts Technology 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) 3 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
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 5%, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology attracts a highly motivated and academically driven student body. This is a place for those who excel in challenging fields, particularly in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physical sciences, and biology. Students here are often hands-on learners, engaging in rigorous projects and research that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Once students graduate, they typically see significant financial returns on their investment. With an average salary of $143,372 after ten years, graduates are well-positioned in the job market. This level of earning power speaks volumes about the value of the education they receive here. The affordability of attending is also noteworthy; with a net price of $20,111 after aid, many students leave with a manageable median debt of $14,768, making the financial landscape more navigable.
The practical aspects of attending MIT align well with the ambitions of its students. Those who thrive here are often those who embrace intense academic rigor and collaborative environments. With a graduation rate of 96%, it’s clear that the supportive community helps students succeed. The combination of a strong educational foundation and a network of driven peers prepares graduates for a range of career paths and success in their chosen fields.
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
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is featured on the Colleges With the Highest-Earning Graduates ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Massachusetts Technology's top program is Computer Science (35% of enrollment), while Rutgers University-New leads with Business Administration (19%).
Massachusetts Technology
Rutgers University-New
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Massachusetts Technology) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rutgers University-New).
The two schools feed different job markets. Massachusetts Institute of Technology is strongest in Mathematics & Statistics, Physical Sciences, while Rutgers University-New Brunswick concentrates in Business & Marketing, 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 58% at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Which is more affordable, Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is more affordable, with an average net price of $20,111 after aid versus $24,406 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Do Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates earn more?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $143,372 ten years after enrollment, versus $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Which has a better graduation rate, Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 84%.
Should you choose Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Massachusetts 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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