Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs University of Delaware: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Rutgers University-New Brunswick and University of Delaware, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs University of Delaware at a glance
Rutgers University-New Brunswick admits 58.2% of applicants and University of Delaware 70.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $24,897 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and $16,337 at University of Delaware. Six-year graduation rates are 83.9% and 78.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick admits 58.2% of applicants and University of Delaware 70.6%, so Rutgers University-New Brunswick is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $24,897 a year at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and $16,337 at University of Delaware; University of Delaware costs $8,560 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $15,090 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and $5,566 at University of Delaware.
- 83.9% of students graduate within six years at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, against 78.3% at University of Delaware.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $80,490 for Rutgers University-New Brunswick and $83,800 for University of Delaware; University of Delaware is $3,310 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $18,974 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and $25,000 at University of Delaware.
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick enrolls 37,751 students (small city) and University of Delaware 19,071 (large suburb).
Side by side
Rutgers University-New Brunswick and University of Delaware in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | University of Delaware |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 58.2% | 70.6% |
| Applicants | 43,161 | 34,111 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1310–1500 | 1190–1370 |
| ACT middle 50% | 28–33 | 28–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $24,897 | $16,337 |
| Tuition, in state | $18,824 | $17,660 |
| Tuition, out of state | $39,649 | $43,220 |
| Cost of attendance | $36,096 | $30,294 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $15,090 | $5,566 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $17,496 | $10,783 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $18,838 | $13,801 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $24,156 | $19,669 |
| Over $110,000 | $34,232 | $23,862 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 83.9% | 78.3% |
| First-year retention | 93% | 92% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $80,490 | $83,800 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $18,974 | $25,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $216 | $284 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 37,751 | 19,071 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | Suburb: Large |
| Location | New Brunswick, NJ | Newark, DE |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Rutgers University-New Brunswick reports 100 bachelor's programs and University of Delaware 94; 69 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Communication and Media Studies
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Public Health
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Questions about Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs University of Delaware
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Rutgers University-New Brunswick or University of Delaware?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Rutgers University-New Brunswick admits 58.2% of applicants and University of Delaware admits 70.6%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Rutgers University-New Brunswick 1310–1500; University of Delaware 1190–1370.
Which is cheaper, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or University of Delaware?
University of Delaware has the lower average net price after grants: $24,897 a year at Rutgers University-New Brunswick against $16,337 at University of Delaware. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $15,090 and $5,566. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Rutgers University-New Brunswick or University of Delaware graduates earn more?
University of Delaware graduates earn more at the median: $80,490 ten years after entry for Rutgers University-New Brunswick and $83,800 for University of Delaware. Median federal debt at graduation is $18,974 and $25,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or University of Delaware?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick does: 83.9% of Rutgers University-New Brunswick students graduate within six years, against 78.3% at University of Delaware.
How big are Rutgers University-New Brunswick and University of Delaware?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick has 37,751 students in New Brunswick, NJ and University of Delaware has 19,071 students in Newark, DE.