Head-to-Head Comparison
Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs University of California-Los Angeles
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
- Rutgers University-New Wins
- 10
- Tied
- 11
- California-Los Angeles Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-Los Angeles offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $12,548 vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick's $24,406, University of California-Los Angeles delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of California-Los Angeles's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
42 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Rutgers University-New
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
California-Los Angeles
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,511 ten years after enrollment, 11% more than Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,548, roughly $11,858 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 9% 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); California-Los Angeles in Social Sciences (25%). 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 University of California-Los Angeles over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Median earnings of $82,511 ten years after enrollment vs $74,479.
Pick University of California-Los Angeles over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Net price $12,548 vs $24,406.
Pick University of California-Los Angeles over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. 93% 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 University of California-Los Angeles are close on paper, but University of California-Los Angeles 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
University of California-Los Angeles is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while Rutgers University-New Brunswick takes 58%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of California-Los Angeles 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, University of California-Los Angeles comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $12,548, about $11,858 a year below Rutgers University-New Brunswick's $24,406. Graduates of University of California-Los Angeles also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $21,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $47,432 before any change in aid. Choosing University of California-Los Angeles leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of California-Los Angeles graduates report median earnings of $82,511, compared with $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. That is a 11% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of California-Los Angeles has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.17x 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
University of California-Los Angeles graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 84%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 8% 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 University of California-Los Angeles 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. Rutgers University-New Brunswick concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Health Professions, while University of California-Los Angeles leans toward Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $24,406 runs well above University of California-Los Angeles's $12,548.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,500, against $14,000 at University of California-Los Angeles.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of California-Los Angeles's enrollment, and Rutgers University-New Brunswick is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of California-Los Angeles has less business program depth, and Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
California-Los Angeles 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) 2 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
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.
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Public
Only 9% of applicants gain admission to the University of California-Los Angeles, making it one of the most selective public universities in the country. With an enrollment of nearly 33,500 students, UCLA combines a competitive environment with a high graduation rate of 93%. This commitment to student success reflects the university's dedication to academic excellence.
Graduates from UCLA see strong financial outcomes, with a median earnings of $82,511 a decade after graduation. While specific mobility metrics are not available, the university's programs in fields like Social Sciences, Biology, and Engineering contribute to its reputation for fostering upward economic mobility among its graduates. The 28% of students receiving Pell Grants highlights its support for low-income students, balancing accessibility with high achievement.
Attending UCLA comes with a net price of $12,548 and a median debt of $14,000, making it a financially viable option for many students. Those who thrive here are often driven, academically inclined, and eager to engage in a vibrant campus culture. With a strong focus on research and a diverse student body, UCLA is well-suited for those looking to make an impact in their chosen fields.
Rankings They Appear On
University of California-Los Angeles is featured on the Best Biology Colleges in California ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Rutgers University-New's top program is Business Administration (19% of enrollment), while California-Los Angeles leads with Sociology (25%).
Rutgers University-New
California-Los Angeles
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rutgers University-New) and Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for California-Los Angeles).
The two schools feed different job markets. Rutgers University-New Brunswick is strongest in Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Health Professions, while University of California-Los Angeles concentrates in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology. 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.
Rutgers University-New
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Rutgers University-New Brunswick or University of California-Los Angeles?
University of California-Los Angeles is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 58% at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Which is more affordable, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or University of California-Los Angeles?
University of California-Los Angeles is more affordable, with an average net price of $12,548 after aid versus $24,406 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Do Rutgers University-New Brunswick or University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn more?
University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,511 ten years after enrollment, versus $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Which has a better graduation rate, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or University of California-Los Angeles?
University of California-Los Angeles has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 84%.
Should you choose Rutgers University-New Brunswick or University of California-Los Angeles?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of California-Los Angeles 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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