Rutgers University-Newark vs. VCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Rutgers University Newark in Newark, NJ with Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia Commonwealth University is larger than Rutgers University-Newark based on total student enrollment (28,464 students vs. 11,315 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rutgers University Newark is located in Newark, NJ (Large City setting); Virginia Commonwealth University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Rutgers University Newark is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rutgers University Newark 14:1; Virginia Commonwealth University 17:1.

Rutgers University-Newark vs. VCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rutgers University-Newark or VCU? 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 VCU ($18,276 vs. $26,836).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rutgers University Newark are 11.9% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($16,074 vs. $18,254).
• Rutgers University Newark is 1.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCU (about $305 more per year; $17,250.00 vs. $16,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.1% higher at VCU than at Rutgers University Newark (about $3,347 more per year; $40,109.00 vs. $36,762.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia Commonwealth University than at Rutgers University Newark (88% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rutgers University Newark students is 22.7% larger than aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students ($17,405 vs. $14,186).

Rutgers University-Newark vs. VCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rutgers University-Newark or VCU? 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 VCU and Rutgers University-Newark.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rutgers University Newark (1150) is 10 points higher than at VCU (1140).
• Incoming VCU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Rutgers University-Newark).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rutgers University Newark 1030/1270; Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rutgers University Newark 21/28; Virginia Commonwealth University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rutgers University-Newark - Test-free; VCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCU Jan 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VCU students have a 0.52 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Rutgers University-Newark (3.23).
• VCU has a higher acceptance rate (92.6%) than Rutgers University-Newark (71.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.1% at Rutgers University-Newark vs. 21.6% at VCU.

Rutgers University-Newark vs. VCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rutgers University-Newark and VCU? 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).

• Rutgers University Newark's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Virginia Commonwealth University's (53%).
• Graduates from Rutgers University Newark earn a median of about $18,700 more per year than VCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,200 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rutgers University Newark graduates have a $1,035 lower median loan debt than VCU graduates ($22,215 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Rutgers University-Newark graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCU graduates ($229 vs. $240).
• More Rutgers University-Newark graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCU students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 56%)

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.