Head-to-Head Comparison
Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs Villanova University
- Rutgers University-New Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 15
- Villanova Wins
- 17
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Villanova University achieves a higher graduation rate (92% vs 84%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $43,756 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.
50 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 $19,350 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,500, the lower of the two
Villanova
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $100,423 ten years after enrollment, 35% more than Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Higher grad rate: 92% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 27% 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); Villanova in Business & Marketing (23%). 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 Villanova University over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Median earnings of $100,423 ten years after enrollment vs $74,479.
Pick Rutgers University-New Brunswick over Villanova University. Net price $24,406 vs $43,756.
Pick Villanova University over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. 92% 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 Villanova University are close on paper, but Villanova University 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
Villanova University is the harder admit. It takes 27% of applicants, while Rutgers University-New Brunswick takes 58%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,410 to 1,460.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Villanova 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 $19,350 a year below Villanova University's $43,756. Graduates of Rutgers University-New Brunswick also borrow less: median debt of $21,500, against $25,874.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $77,400 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, Villanova University graduates report median earnings of $100,423, compared with $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. That is a 35% advantage. Set against borrowing, Villanova University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 35% 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
Villanova University graduates a larger share of its students, 92% 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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick to keep costs and debt down; pick Villanova 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 $19,350 a year, yet Villanova University graduates earn $25,944 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 Villanova University leans toward Engineering, Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Villanova University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick's enrollment of 37,751 far exceeds Villanova University's 6,938.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $43,756 runs well above Rutgers University-New Brunswick's $24,406.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,874, against $21,500 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Villanova University's enrollment, and Rutgers University-New Brunswick is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Villanova 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) 6 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.
Villanova University
Villanova, PA · Private nonprofit
At Villanova University, students can expect a tight-knit campus environment with an enrollment of just under 7,000. This university is a great fit for those pursuing degrees in Business and Marketing, Engineering, Social Sciences, Health Professions, and Communications. With an acceptance rate of 27%, it attracts motivated students who are ready to engage deeply in their studies and community.
Looking ahead, graduates from Villanova see impressive outcomes. The average earnings a decade after graduation sit at $100,423, which speaks volumes about the value of a Villanova degree in today’s job market. The school's strong graduation rate of 92% indicates that students not only enroll but also complete their degrees, setting them up for success in their chosen fields.
When it comes to the financial side, the net price after financial aid is $43,756, which is important to consider alongside the median debt level of $25,874. This suggests that while the costs can be significant, many students manage to navigate their financial responsibilities effectively. Those who thrive here are often driven, engaged, and ready to leverage the resources Villanova offers to propel their careers forward.
Rankings They Appear On
Villanova University is featured on the Best Communications Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 19% of Rutgers University-New's student body and 23% of Villanova's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rutgers University-New) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Villanova).
The two schools feed different job markets. Rutgers University-New Brunswick is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while Villanova University concentrates in Social Sciences. 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 Villanova University?
Villanova University is harder to get into, admitting 27% of applicants compared with 58% at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Which is more affordable, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Villanova University?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick is more affordable, with an average net price of $24,406 after aid versus $43,756 at Villanova University.
Do Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Villanova University graduates earn more?
Villanova University graduates earn more: median earnings of $100,423 ten years after enrollment, versus $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
Which has a better graduation rate, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Villanova University?
Villanova University has the higher graduation rate, 92% versus 84%.
Should you choose Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Villanova University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Rutgers University-New Brunswick if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Villanova 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 Villanova 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.
