Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs Purdue 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
Purdue University-Main Campus
Top program: Computer Science
97/100
Starting Salary
$72,734
$81,749
Listed Price
$36,993
$22,567
What You Pay
$24,406
$13,945
What You'd Really Pay
$105,459
$62,886
Typical Debt
$21,500
$19,500
Graduation Rate
83.6%
83.1%
Pays for Itself In
2.5 yrs
1.2 yrs
Salary Boost
+142%
+172%
Ahead After 10 Years
$621,881
$754,604
Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs Purdue University-Main Campus Comparison
MetricRutgers University-New BrunswickPurdue University-Main Campus
Starting Salary$72,734$81,749
Listed Price$36,993$22,567
What You Pay$24,406$13,945
What You'd Really Pay$105,459$62,886
Typical Debt$21,500$19,500
Graduation Rate83.6%83.1%
Pays for Itself In2.5 yrs1.2 yrs
Salary Boost+142%+172%
Ahead After 10 Years$621,881$754,604

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on Value Score, Purdue 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 Purdue University-Main Campus?

The top-earning program at Purdue University-Main Campus (Computer Science) has a median salary of $81,749/yr after graduation. Salaries vary significantly by major.

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

Rutgers University-New Brunswick has a net cost of $24,406/yr vs $13,945/yr at Purdue University-Main Campus. True total cost (including loan interest) is $105,459 vs $62,886.

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.