Head-to-Head Comparison
Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs Stevens Institute of Technology
- Rutgers University-New Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 12
- Stevens Technology Wins
- 18
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Stevens Institute of Technology achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 84%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $41,346 compared to Rutgers University-New Brunswick's $24,406. 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.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Rutgers University-New
- Lower cost: Average net price of $24,406, roughly $16,940 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,500, the lower of the two
Stevens Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, 46% more than Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 48% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Rutgers University-New graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (19% of degrees); Stevens Technology in Engineering (45%). 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 Stevens Institute of Technology over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment vs $74,479.
Pick Rutgers University-New Brunswick over Stevens Institute of Technology. Net price $24,406 vs $41,346.
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology 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
Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Stevens Institute of Technology are close on paper, but Stevens Institute of Technology wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Stevens Institute of Technology is the harder admit. It takes 48% of applicants, while Rutgers University-New Brunswick takes 58%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,410 to 1,446.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Stevens 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, Rutgers University-New Brunswick comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $24,406, about $16,940 a year below Stevens Institute of Technology's $41,346. Graduates of Rutgers University-New Brunswick also borrow less: median debt of $21,500, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $67,760 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, Stevens Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $108,772, compared with $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. That is a 46% advantage. Set against borrowing, Stevens Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 46% 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
Stevens Institute of Technology 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 Stevens 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 $16,940 a year, yet Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn $34,293 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. Rutgers University-New Brunswick concentrates enrollment in Health Professions, while Stevens Institute of Technology leans toward Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Stevens 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 Stevens Institute of Technology's 4,222.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,346 runs well above Rutgers University-New Brunswick's $24,406.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $21,500 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
- Business and consulting-track students: Stevens Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Stevens Technology 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
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
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.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ · Private nonprofit
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, is a great fit for students who are driven by a passion for technology and innovation. With 4,222 enrolled students and an acceptance rate of 48%, it attracts individuals looking for a solid education in fields like Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and the Arts. One standout aspect is the school's high graduation rate of 88%, which speaks volumes about student support and engagement throughout their academic journey.
After graduation, students from Stevens can expect impressive earning potential, with an average salary of $108,772 within ten years of completing their degree. This financial success reflects the value of a degree from Stevens, especially in high-demand areas like engineering and tech. The cost of attendance can be manageable, particularly when considering the school’s financial aid options, though it's important to weigh the net price against potential earnings.
When looking at the practical aspects of attending Stevens, the net price after aid stands at $41,346, which means students should prepare for a significant investment. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $27,000. The environment here tends to be ideal for those who are eager to engage with their studies and are committed to making the most of their college experience. This is a community that thrives on ambition and collaboration, setting students up for success both during and after their time at Stevens.
Rankings They Appear On
Stevens Institute of Technology is featured on the Highest-Paying Colleges for Visual ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Rutgers University-New's top program is Business Administration (19% of enrollment), while Stevens Technology leads with Mechanical Engineering (45%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rutgers University-New) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Stevens Technology).
The two schools feed different job markets. Rutgers University-New Brunswick is strongest in Health Professions, while Stevens Institute of Technology concentrates in Mathematics & Statistics. 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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Stevens Institute of Technology is harder to get into, admitting 48% of applicants compared with 58% at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Which is more affordable, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick is more affordable, with an average net price of $24,406 after aid versus $41,346 at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Do Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, versus $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Which has a better graduation rate, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Stevens Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 84%.
Should you choose Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Stevens Institute of Technology?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Rutgers University-New Brunswick if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Stevens 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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