Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Side-by-side comparison based on real salary, cost, and graduation data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Metric
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Top program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
96/100
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Top program: Petroleum Engineering
97/100
Starting Salary
$72,734
$80,718
Listed Price
$36,993
$39,694
What You Pay
$24,406
$32,875
What You'd Really Pay
$105,459
$140,610
Typical Debt
$21,500
$25,000
Graduation Rate
83.6%
86.1%
Pays for Itself In
2.5 yrs
2.8 yrs
Salary Boost
+142%
+169%
Ahead After 10 Years
$621,881
$666,570
Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus Comparison
MetricRutgers University-New BrunswickPennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Starting Salary$72,734$80,718
Listed Price$36,993$39,694
What You Pay$24,406$32,875
What You'd Really Pay$105,459$140,610
Typical Debt$21,500$25,000
Graduation Rate83.6%86.1%
Pays for Itself In2.5 yrs2.8 yrs
Salary Boost+142%+169%
Ahead After 10 Years$621,881$666,570

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?

Based on Value Score, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus scores higher at 97/100 for its top program. Compare all metrics including salary, cost, and graduation rate to decide which is the better fit for your major.

What is the average salary for graduates of Rutgers University-New Brunswick?

The top-earning program at Rutgers University-New Brunswick (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing) has a median salary of $72,734/yr after graduation. Salaries vary significantly by major.

What is the average salary for graduates of Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?

The top-earning program at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (Petroleum Engineering) has a median salary of $80,718/yr after graduation. Salaries vary significantly by major.

How much does Rutgers University-New Brunswick cost vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?

Rutgers University-New Brunswick has a net cost of $24,406/yr vs $32,875/yr at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. True total cost (including loan interest) is $105,459 vs $140,610.

Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Comparison shows each school's top-earning bachelor's degree program. Learn about our methodology.