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Head-to-Head Comparison

Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Rutgers University-New Wins
21
Tied
18
Worcester Polytechnic Wins
11

Direct Answer

For overall financial value, Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Worcester Polytechnic Institute achieves a higher graduation rate (89% vs 84%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $43,071 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 $18,665 a year less
  • 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

Worcester Polytechnic

  • Higher earnings: Median earnings of $103,470 ten years after enrollment, 39% more than Rutgers University-New Brunswick
  • Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair

The Actual Decision

What are you really choosing between?

Rutgers University-New graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (19% of degrees); Worcester Polytechnic in Engineering (58%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.

If you want… Choose
Engineering Worcester Polytechnic
Business & entrepreneurship Rutgers University-New
Pre-med & health Rutgers University-New
Psychology Rutgers University-New
Economics & public policy Rutgers University-New
Computer science & AI Worcester Polytechnic
Communications & media Rutgers University-New
Lab & physical sciences Either

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?

Maximizing post-grad earnings → Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Pick Worcester Polytechnic Institute over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Median earnings of $103,470 ten years after enrollment vs $74,479.

Keeping costs down → Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Pick Rutgers University-New Brunswick over Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Net price $24,406 vs $43,071.

Graduation certainty → Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Pick Worcester Polytechnic Institute over Rutgers University-New Brunswick. 89% completion rate vs 84%.

Key Metrics at a Glance

Graduation Rate

84%
Rutgers University-New
vs
89%
Worcester Polytechnic

Earnings (10yr)

$74,479
Rutgers University-New
vs
$103,470
Worcester Polytechnic

Avg Net Price

$24,406
Rutgers University-New
vs
$43,071
Worcester Polytechnic

Median Debt

$21,500
Rutgers University-New
vs
$27,000
Worcester Polytechnic

The Analysis

Verdict

Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Worcester Polytechnic Institute 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

Rutgers University-New Brunswick is the harder admit. It takes 58% of applicants, while Worcester Polytechnic Institute takes 60%.

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 $18,665 a year below Worcester Polytechnic Institute's $43,071. 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 $74,660 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, Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates report median earnings of $103,470, compared with $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. That is a 39% advantage. Set against borrowing, Worcester Polytechnic Institute has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.29x.

So what: An earnings gap of 39% 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

Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates a larger share of its students, 89% versus 84%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.

So what: A completion gap of 5% 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute 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 $18,665 a year, yet Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates earn $28,991 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 Business & Marketing, Health Professions, while Worcester Polytechnic Institute leans toward Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Rutgers University-New Not for everyone
  • Engineering-focused students: Worcester Polytechnic Institute has the stronger engineering programs.
  • Students who want a smaller campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick's enrollment of 37,751 far exceeds Worcester Polytechnic Institute's 5,447.
Worcester Polytechnic Not for everyone
  • Cost-conscious students: net price of $43,071 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: Worcester Polytechnic Institute has less business program depth, and Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers the stronger options.

Full Data Breakdown

Inside the admissions office

Worcester Polytechnic 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
Public
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
New England
37,751
Enrollment
5,447
No
HBCU
No
Admissions
4 metrics
58%
Acceptance Rate
60%
1410
SAT Average
30
ACT Midpoint
1310-1500
SAT Range
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set)
6 metrics
Yield Rate
9%
SAT Submitted
9%
ACT Submitted
7%
Not offered
Early Decision
Offered
ED Admit Rate
19.0%
ED Share of Class
29%
Cost & Financial Aid
9 metrics
$17,929
In-State Tuition
$60,965
$37,441
Out-of-State Tuition
$60,965
$24,406
Average Net Price
$43,071
$16,343
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$24,018
$16,210
Net Price ($30-48K)
$24,452
$18,282
Net Price ($48-75K)
$32,350
$35,016
Net Price ($110K+)
$49,716
28%
Pell Grant Rate
12%
35%
Federal Loan Rate
52%
Academics
5 metrics
84%
Graduation Rate
89%
93%
Retention Rate
94%
53%
Full-Time Faculty
83%
$14,593
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,376
35%
First-Gen Students
13%
Student Body
6 metrics
55%
Female
36%
30%
White
64%
16%
Hispanic
9%
7%
Black
3%
34%
Asian
13%
0.76
Diversity Index
0.56
Outcomes
6 metrics
$61,263
Earnings (6yr)
$85,038
$67,665
Earnings (8yr)
$100,553
$74,479
Earnings (10yr)
$103,470
$21,500
Median Debt
$27,000
0.29x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.26x
76%
Earning Above HS Grad
90%
Social Mobility (Chetty)
4 metrics
Mobility Rate
2.18%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
67.6%
From Bottom 20%
3.2%
Parent Median Income (today's $)
$148,772
Social Capital
3 metrics
1.76
Economic Connectedness
1.76
0.02
Friending Bias
-0.01
7.4%
Volunteering Rate
6.2%
Online Education (IPEDS)
2 metrics
9.9%
% Exclusively Online
13.5%
64.4%
% Any Online
44.9%

The Overviews

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ · Public

58% accept 84% grad $74,479 earnings $24,406 net

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.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA · Private nonprofit

60% accept 89% grad $103,470 earnings $43,071 net

At Worcester Polytechnic Institute, nearly 5,500 students engage deeply in hands-on learning, particularly in engineering, computer science, biology, and the arts. With a 60% acceptance rate, it attracts a diverse group of learners who thrive in a practical, project-oriented environment. The school's commitment to experiential education stands out, offering students opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, which is crucial for those aiming to bridge theory and practice.

Looking beyond graduation, WPI graduates can expect solid financial returns, with a median earnings figure of $103,470 just ten years after earning their degree. This kind of earning potential is significant, especially considering the school's 89% graduation rate, which suggests that most students not only complete their degrees but also move into well-paying jobs. Affordability is a factor too; with a net price of $43,071 after aid, many students find that the investment pays off in their career trajectories.

When it comes to the financial bottom line, WPI students graduate with a median debt of $27,000, a manageable amount considering their earning potential. This is particularly relevant for those who are mindful of their financial future. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are driven, curious, and ready to tackle challenges head-on in a collaborative atmosphere. Overall, WPI is a solid choice for students looking to make a meaningful impact in their fields while achieving strong financial outcomes.

Rankings They Appear On

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is featured on the Best Engineering Colleges in Massachusetts ranking.

Explore all rankings →

Top Degree Programs

Rutgers University-New's top program is Business Administration (19% of enrollment), while Worcester Polytechnic leads with Mechanical Engineering (58%).

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 Worcester Polytechnic).

The two schools feed different job markets. Rutgers University-New Brunswick is strongest in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, while Worcester Polytechnic Institute concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, 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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute?

Rutgers University-New Brunswick is harder to get into, admitting 58% of applicants compared with 60% at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Which is more affordable, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?

Rutgers University-New Brunswick is more affordable, with an average net price of $24,406 after aid versus $43,071 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Do Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more?

Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduates earn more: median earnings of $103,470 ten years after enrollment, versus $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.

Which has a better graduation rate, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?

Worcester Polytechnic Institute has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 84%.

Should you choose Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Worcester Polytechnic Institute?

It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Rutgers University-New Brunswick if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Worcester Polytechnic Institute 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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