Rutgers University-Newark vs. TCNJ

Comparable Facts

Compare Rutgers University Newark in Newark, NJ with The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rutgers University Newark is larger than TCNJ based on total student enrollment (11,315 students vs. 8,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rutgers University Newark is located in Newark, NJ (Large City setting); The College of New Jersey is in Ewing, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Rutgers University Newark is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The College of New Jersey is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rutgers University Newark 14:1; The College of New Jersey 14:1.

Rutgers University-Newark vs. TCNJ Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rutgers University-Newark or TCNJ? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Rutgers University Newark than TCNJ ($18,276 vs. $25,580).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The College of New Jersey are 6.8% lower than at Rutgers University Newark ($14,976 vs. $16,074).
• The College of New Jersey is 13.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rutgers University-Newark (about $2,382 more per year; $19,632.00 vs. $17,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.8% higher at Rutgers University-Newark than at The College of New Jersey (about $11,010 more per year; $36,762.00 vs. $25,752.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rutgers University Newark than at The College of New Jersey (72% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rutgers University Newark students is 30.3% larger than aid received by The College of New Jersey students ($17,405 vs. $13,360).

Rutgers University-Newark vs. TCNJ Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rutgers University-Newark or TCNJ? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between TCNJ and Rutgers University-Newark.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The College of New Jersey (1240) is 90 points higher than at Rutgers University-Newark (1150).
• Incoming TCNJ students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at Rutgers University-Newark).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rutgers University Newark 1030/1270; The College of New Jersey 1140/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rutgers University Newark 21/28; The College of New Jersey 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rutgers University-Newark - Test-free; TCNJ - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: TCNJ Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman TCNJ students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.29) than students at Rutgers University-Newark (3.23).
• Rutgers University-Newark has a higher acceptance rate (71.4%) than TCNJ (62.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.1% at Rutgers University-Newark vs. 19.7% at TCNJ.

Rutgers University-Newark vs. TCNJ Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rutgers University-Newark and TCNJ? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• The College of New Jersey's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Rutgers University Newark's (68%).
• Graduates from Rutgers University Newark earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than TCNJ graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,200 vs. $62,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rutgers University Newark graduates have a $1,035 lower median loan debt than TCNJ graduates ($22,215 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Rutgers University-Newark graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than TCNJ graduates ($229 vs. $240).
• More TCNJ graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rutgers University-Newark students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 68%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.