Rutgers University-New Brunswick's published cost of attendance is $35,232 per year—that's $17,239 in-state tuition ($36,001 out-of-state), $14,715 for room and board, and $1,391 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $23,519 after financial aid, representing savings of $11,713 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $35,232 |
| Tuition and Fees | $36,001 |
| Room and Board | $14,715 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,391 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,713 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $23,519 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $15,885 |
| $30–48k | $15,532 |
| $48–75k | $17,578 |
| $75–110k | $24,020 |
| $110k+ | $33,460 |
Rutgers University-New Brunswick's published cost of attendance is $35,232 per year—that's $17,239 in-state tuition ($36,001 out-of-state), $14,715 for room and board, and $1,391 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $23,519 after financial aid, representing savings of $11,713 from the sticker price. This net price exceeds the peer median of $15,590 by $7,929, indicating higher costs than comparable institutions.
The financial aid system provides meaningful support across income levels, though middle and upper-income families face substantial out-of-pocket expenses. New Jersey residents benefit from lower base tuition rates, while out-of-state students face significantly higher charges that impact affordability calculations. The university's location in an expensive metropolitan area contributes to higher room and board costs compared to institutions in lower-cost regions.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Rutgers graduates carry median debt of $21,500, slightly above the peer median of $20,000 but within reasonable range for four-year degree completion. Student debt spans from $10,044 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating meaningful variation in borrowing patterns among graduates.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 represents manageable burden, with typical graduates earning $2.89 for every dollar of debt carried. This ratio compares favorably to concerning debt levels that approach or exceed annual earnings, suggesting sustainable repayment capacity.
Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $23,971 with monthly payments of $316, representing additional family financial obligations beyond student borrowing. The combination of modest student debt levels and strong earnings outcomes creates favorable conditions for debt repayment and long-term financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
The educational investment at Rutgers demonstrates strong return potential through graduate earnings performance exceeding expectations. With graduates earning $5,251 beyond expectations and ranking at the 74.6th percentile for earnings uplift, the university adds measurable value to student outcomes.
Median earnings of $74,479 place graduates in the 90.0th percentile nationally and $13,936 above peer institution graduates, justifying higher net prices through superior career outcomes. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 indicates sustainable financial burden relative to income-generating potential, supporting positive return on investment.
Low-income graduates earning $73,900 rank among the top 5% nationally, demonstrating exceptional mobility outcomes that validate institutional investment for disadvantaged students. Strong retention (92.6%) and completion rates (85.0%) reduce the risk of non-completion that could undermine investment value.
The university serves 27.2% Pell-eligible students, above the national average for moderately selective institutions, indicating meaningful access for lower-income families. The $11,713 difference between sticker price and average net price demonstrates substantial financial aid awards across the student body.
Aid distribution favors lower-income students most significantly, with families earning under $30,000 receiving the largest subsidies. The progressive aid structure helps explain how Rutgers maintains both accessibility for lower-income students and revenue sustainability.
Net price patterns suggest that need-based aid rather than merit aid drives most financial assistance, consistent with public university missions. The gap between the university's net price ($23,519) and peer median ($15,590) indicates that even with aid, Rutgers remains more expensive than typical alternatives.
