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 2.8 yrs vs 5.1 yrs).
| Measure | Rutgers University-New BrunswickNJ | Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusPA |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $74,479 | $63,435 |
| Years to recoup four-year net cost | 2.8 yrs | 5.1 yrs |
| Average net price per year | $24,406 | $32,875 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year | $36,993 | $39,694 |
| Share earning above a high-school grad | 73.4% | 70.2% |
| Six-year graduation rate | 83.6% | 86.1% |
| First-year retention (full-time) | 93% | 92.6% |
| Admission rate | 58.1% | 60.6% |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $21,500 | $25,000 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 37,751 | 42,284 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI) | 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 2.8 yrs vs 5.1 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 actually pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (2024-25); 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.