Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Rutgers University-New Brunswick reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($74,479 vs $63,435). Rutgers University-New Brunswick recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 3.1 yrs vs 5.8 yrs).
| Measure | Rutgers University-New BrunswickNJ | Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusPA |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry2020-21 | $74,479 | $63,435 |
| Years to recoup four-year net costearnings 2020-21, net price 2024-25 | 3.1 yrs | 5.8 yrs |
| Average net price per year2024-25 | $24,406 | $32,875 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year2024-25 | $36,993 | $39,694 |
| Six-year graduation rate2024-25 | 83.6% | 86.1% |
| First-year retention (full-time)2024-25 | 93% | 92.6% |
| Admission rate2024-25 | 58.1% | 60.6% |
| Median federal debt at graduation2020-21 | $21,500 | $25,000 |
| Undergraduate enrollment2024-25 | 37,751 | 42,284 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI)IPEDS FY2022-23 | 2.1 | 4.6 |
Highlighted cells mark the stronger figure on measures with a clear better direction (admission rate and enrollment are shown for context only, with no winner). “Years to recoup” divides four-year net cost by the annual earnings premium over a state high-school graduate. A transparent data comparison, not an Ibex endorsement or a guarantee of any individual outcome; your program and aid package will differ.
Is Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus a better value?
On the transparent payback measure, Rutgers University-New Brunswick recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 3.1 yrs vs 5.8 yrs). Value depends on your program, your net price after aid, and your goals. Use the table as a starting point and check each school's profile for peer context.
Which costs more, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick's average net price is $24,406 per year and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus's is $32,875 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
Compare other schools
Build your own head-to-head in the dashboard, or see who pays back fastest.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (data year under each measure); earnings baselines from the U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year. Compiled by Ibex Insights. For informational planning only, not financial advice. See the methodology.