Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs UMass Amherst: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Rutgers University-New Brunswick and University of Massachusetts-Amherst, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs UMass Amherst at a glance
Rutgers University-New Brunswick admits 58.2% of applicants and UMass Amherst 59.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $24,897 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and $22,857 at UMass Amherst. Six-year graduation rates are 83.9% and 81.2%, 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 UMass Amherst 59.7%, 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 $22,857 at UMass Amherst; UMass Amherst costs $2,040 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $15,090 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and $10,294 at UMass Amherst.
- 83.9% of students graduate within six years at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, against 81.2% at UMass Amherst.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $80,490 for Rutgers University-New Brunswick and $80,486 for UMass Amherst; Rutgers University-New Brunswick is $4 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $18,974 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and $21,500 at UMass Amherst.
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick enrolls 37,751 students (small city) and UMass Amherst 23,671 (large suburb).
Side by side
Rutgers University-New Brunswick and UMass Amherst 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 | UMass Amherst |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 58.2% | 59.7% |
| Applicants | 43,161 | 42,540 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1310–1500 | 1310–1500 |
| ACT middle 50% | 28–33 | 30–33 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $24,897 | $22,857 |
| Tuition, in state | $18,824 | $18,487 |
| Tuition, out of state | $39,649 | $41,759 |
| Cost of attendance | $36,096 | $36,842 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $15,090 | $10,294 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $17,496 | $10,343 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $18,838 | $12,020 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $24,156 | $17,769 |
| Over $110,000 | $34,232 | $33,795 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 83.9% | 81.2% |
| First-year retention | 93% | 91.9% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $80,490 | $80,486 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $18,974 | $21,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $216 | $244 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 37,751 | 23,671 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | Suburb: Large |
| Location | New Brunswick, NJ | Amherst, MA |
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 UMass Amherst 73; 58 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs UMass Amherst
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Rutgers University-New Brunswick or UMass Amherst?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Rutgers University-New Brunswick admits 58.2% of applicants and UMass Amherst admits 59.7%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Rutgers University-New Brunswick 1310–1500; UMass Amherst 1310–1500.
Which is cheaper, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or UMass Amherst?
UMass Amherst has the lower average net price after grants: $24,897 a year at Rutgers University-New Brunswick against $22,857 at UMass Amherst. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $15,090 and $10,294. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Rutgers University-New Brunswick or UMass Amherst graduates earn more?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates earn more at the median: $80,490 ten years after entry for Rutgers University-New Brunswick and $80,486 for UMass Amherst. Median federal debt at graduation is $18,974 and $21,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or UMass Amherst?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick does: 83.9% of Rutgers University-New Brunswick students graduate within six years, against 81.2% at UMass Amherst.
How big are Rutgers University-New Brunswick and UMass Amherst?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick has 37,751 students in New Brunswick, NJ and UMass Amherst has 23,671 students in Amherst, MA.