Head-to-Head Comparison
Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs Syracuse University
- Rutgers University-New Wins
- 24
- Tied
- 15
- Syracuse Wins
- 10
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $24,406 vs Syracuse University's $38,793, 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.
49 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 $14,387 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,500, the lower of the two
Syracuse
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $79,164 ten years after enrollment, 6% more than Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- More selective: Admits 46% 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); Syracuse in Social Sciences (13%). 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 Syracuse University over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Median earnings of $79,164 ten years after enrollment vs $74,479.
Pick Rutgers University-New Brunswick over Syracuse University. Net price $24,406 vs $38,793.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Syracuse University are close on paper, but Rutgers University-New Brunswick 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
Syracuse University is the harder admit. It takes 46% of applicants, while Rutgers University-New Brunswick takes 58%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,410 to 1,375.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Syracuse 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 $14,387 a year below Syracuse University's $38,793. Graduates of Rutgers University-New Brunswick also borrow less: median debt of $21,500, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $57,548 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, Syracuse University graduates report median earnings of $79,164, compared with $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. That is a 6% advantage. Set against borrowing, Rutgers University-New Brunswick has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.29x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 6% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Rutgers University-New Brunswick to keep costs and debt down; pick Syracuse 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 $14,387 a year, yet Syracuse University graduates earn $4,685 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 Computer Science & IT, Health Professions, while Syracuse University leans toward Social Sciences, Communications. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick's enrollment of 37,751 far exceeds Syracuse University's 15,477.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $38,793 runs well above Rutgers University-New Brunswick's $24,406.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $26,000, against $21,500 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Syracuse University's enrollment, and Rutgers University-New Brunswick is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: Syracuse University has less business program depth, and Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 1 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
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.
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit
With nearly 15,500 students, Syracuse University creates a vibrant community for those interested in fields like Communications, Business & Marketing, and Visual & Performing Arts. The acceptance rate of 46% means it's fairly selective, but there's a good chance for dedicated applicants to find their place here. The strong graduation rate of 82% speaks to the supportive environment designed to help students succeed, both academically and personally.
Looking at life after graduation, alumni earn an impressive average of $79,164 within ten years of completing their degrees. This level of earning potential highlights the value of the programs here, especially for those who dive into in-demand fields. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating some affordability challenges, the outcomes suggest that many graduates move up the economic ladder, benefiting from the skills and networks developed during their time at Syracuse.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price after aid sits at $38,793, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. The median debt of $26,000 is reasonable for many students, especially when weighed against their post-graduation salaries. Those who thrive here tend to be driven, engaged in campus life, and ready to take advantage of the resources available, setting them up for future success in their careers.
Rankings They Appear On
Syracuse University is featured on the Highest-Paying Online MBA Programs ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Rutgers University-New's top program is Business Administration (19% of enrollment), while Syracuse leads with Sociology (13%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rutgers University-New) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Syracuse).
The two schools feed different job markets. Rutgers University-New Brunswick is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Health Professions, Engineering, while Syracuse University concentrates in Social Sciences, Communications, Visual & Performing Arts. 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 Syracuse University?
Syracuse University is harder to get into, admitting 46% of applicants compared with 58% at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Which is more affordable, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Syracuse University?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick is more affordable, with an average net price of $24,406 after aid versus $38,793 at Syracuse University.
Do Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Syracuse University graduates earn more?
Syracuse University graduates earn more: median earnings of $79,164 ten years after enrollment, versus $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Which has a better graduation rate, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Syracuse University?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 82%.
Should you choose Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Syracuse University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Rutgers University-New Brunswick if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Syracuse 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Rutgers University-New and Syracuse stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.