Head-to-Head Comparison
New York University vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- New York Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 18
- Rutgers University-New Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers a significantly safer investment tier. While New York University achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 84%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $37,050 compared to Rutgers University-New Brunswick's $24,406 for in-state paths. Students who choose Rutgers University-New Brunswick benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $74,479 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
New York
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,509 ten years after enrollment, 11% more than Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 9% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Rutgers University-New
- Lower cost: Average net price of $24,406, roughly $12,644 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
New York graduates concentrate in Visual & Performing Arts (16% 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 New York University over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Median earnings of $82,509 ten years after enrollment vs $74,479.
Pick Rutgers University-New Brunswick over New York University. Net price $24,406 vs $37,050.
Pick New York University over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. 88% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
New York University and Rutgers University-New Brunswick are close on paper, but New York University 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
New York University is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while Rutgers University-New Brunswick takes 58%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,520 to 1,410.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, New York 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, Rutgers University-New Brunswick comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $24,406, about $12,644 a year below New York University's $37,050. Graduates of New York University also borrow less: median debt of $20,500, against $21,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $50,576 before any change in aid. Choosing Rutgers University-New Brunswick leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, New York University graduates report median earnings of $82,509, compared with $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. That is a 11% advantage. Set against borrowing, New York University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 11% 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
New York University graduates a larger share of its students, 88% versus 84%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% 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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick to keep costs and debt down; pick New York University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Rutgers University-New Brunswick saves about $12,644 a year, yet New York University graduates earn $8,030 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. New York University concentrates enrollment in Visual & Performing Arts, Social Sciences, while Rutgers University-New Brunswick leans toward Computer Science & IT, Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $37,050 runs well above Rutgers University-New Brunswick's $24,406.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of New York University's enrollment, and Rutgers University-New Brunswick is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: New York University has less business program depth, and Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers the stronger options.
No strong negative signals — Rutgers University-New competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
New York offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Rutgers University-New 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
New York University
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 9%, New York University attracts driven students who are ready to dive deep into their passions. This urban campus is ideal for those interested in fields like Visual & Performing Arts, Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Humanities. It’s a place where creativity meets practicality, and students can thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment.
After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median salary of $82,509 ten years after completing their degree. That’s a significant number, especially when you consider the potential for upward mobility in competitive fields. The financial investment in an NYU education often pays off, making it a compelling choice for those who are eager to make their mark.
When it comes to the cost, the net price after aid sits at $37,050, with a median debt of $20,500. This means many students graduate with manageable debt, especially considering their earnings potential. NYU tends to attract motivated individuals who are ready to engage with the world around them and capitalize on the myriad opportunities available in New York City.
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
New York University and Rutgers University-New Brunswick appear together in 2 rankings. On the Best MBA Programs for Supply Chain Management, New York University ranks #10 — New York University outranks Rutgers University-New Brunswick by 14 positions.
Top Degree Programs
New York's top program is Studio Art / Fine Arts (BFA) (16% 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 New York) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rutgers University-New).
The two schools feed different job markets. New York University is strongest in Visual & Performing Arts, Social Sciences, while Rutgers University-New Brunswick concentrates in 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 New York University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
New York University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 58% at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Which is more affordable, New York University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick is more affordable, with an average net price of $24,406 after aid versus $37,050 at New York University.
Do New York University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates earn more?
New York University graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,509 ten years after enrollment, versus $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Which has a better graduation rate, New York University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
New York University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 84%.
Should you choose New York University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Rutgers University-New Brunswick if affordability and lower debt come first; choose New York University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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