Head-to-Head Comparison
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ
- Rose-Hulman Technology Wins
- 11
- Tied
- 7
- Rutgers University-New Wins
- 25
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $24,406 vs Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513, Rutgers University-New Brunswick delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Rutgers University-New Brunswick's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
43 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Rose-Hulman Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, 36% more than Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Rutgers University-New
- Lower cost: Average net price of $24,406, roughly $18,107 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 84% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 58% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Rose-Hulman Technology graduates concentrate in Engineering (73% 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment vs $74,479.
Pick Rutgers University-New Brunswick over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Net price $24,406 vs $42,513.
Pick Rutgers University-New Brunswick over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. 84% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Rutgers University-New Brunswick are close on paper, but Rutgers University-New Brunswick 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
Rutgers University-New Brunswick is the harder admit. It takes 58% of applicants, while Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,427 to 1,410.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Rutgers University-New Brunswick 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 $18,107 a year below Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513. Graduates of Rutgers University-New Brunswick also borrow less: median debt of $21,500, against $25,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $72,428 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, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $101,253, compared with $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. That is a 36% advantage. Set against borrowing, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 36% 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
Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates a larger share of its students, 84% versus 80%. 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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 $18,107 a year, yet Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn $26,774 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. Rose-Hulman 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
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $42,513 runs well above Rutgers University-New Brunswick's $24,406.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,000, against $21,500 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
- Business and consulting-track students: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers the stronger options.
- Engineering-focused students: Rose-Hulman 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's 2,309.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Rutgers University-New offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Rose-Hulman 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 Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN · Private nonprofit
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn an impressive average of $101,253 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential highlights the value of a degree from this private nonprofit institution, with a focus on engineering and technical disciplines.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for Rose-Hulman, making it challenging to assess economic mobility comprehensively. However, the school's 80% graduation rate suggests that most students are successfully completing their programs. This retention rate is crucial for students considering their long-term career prospects and financial outcomes.
Students at Rose-Hulman face a net price of $42,513, with a median debt of $25,000 upon graduation. Despite the cost, the earnings potential can make this investment worthwhile. Those who thrive here typically have a strong interest in STEM fields, as the top programs are concentrated in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and the sciences.
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
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is featured on the Best Engineering Colleges in Indiana ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Rose-Hulman Technology's top program is Mechanical Engineering (73% of enrollment), while Rutgers University-New leads with Business Administration (19%).
Rose-Hulman Technology
Rutgers University-New
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rose-Hulman Technology) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rutgers University-New).
The two schools feed different job markets. Rose-Hulman 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick is harder to get into, admitting 58% of applicants compared with 77% at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick is more affordable, with an average net price of $24,406 after aid versus $42,513 at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Do Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates earn more?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, versus $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Which has a better graduation rate, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 80%.
Should you choose Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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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