Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is one of America’s oldest and most prestigious public research universities. Founded in 1766, Rutgers stands among the top public universities in the U.S., known for academic excellence, global diversity, and strong professional outcomes.
With over 70,000 students across its three main campuses — New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden, Rutgers offers more than 150 undergraduate majors and 400 graduate programs, making it a powerhouse in public higher education.
This guide covers everything prospective students need to know — from admissions and tuition to top programs like MBA, MSW, DPT, Nursing, Data Science, and more.
About Rutgers University
Established: 1766 (as Queen’s College)Rutgers is classified as an R1: Doctoral University (Very High Research Activity), indicating world-class research productivity and global impact.
Rankings and Reputation
| Ranking (2025) | Position |
|---|---|
| U.S. News National Universities | #40 |
| U.S. Public Universities | #15 |
| QS World University Rankings | #115 |
| Best Graduate Schools for Nursing | Top 25 |
| Best MBA (Rutgers Business School) | Top 50 |
| Best MSW Program | #17 (U.S. News) |
Rutgers consistently earns top placements for engineering, business, social work, computer science, and healthcare sciences, cementing its global reputation.
Rutgers University Campuses
1. Rutgers–New BrunswickMain campus and flagship location — home to the School of Engineering, Rutgers Business School, and the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy.
Known for law, public administration, and healthcare programs.
Focused on liberal arts, nursing, and criminal justice.
Each campus provides access to unique research centers, student housing, sports facilities, and extensive internship pipelines across the tri-state area.
Admissions Overview
Acceptance Rate: ~67% (varies by program)
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Application: Common App or Rutgers Application Portal
- GPA: 3.5 average recommended
- SAT: 1230–1470 | ACT: 26–33 (optional)
- Official transcripts
- Personal essay and recommendation letters
- English Proficiency: TOEFL ≥ 79 / IELTS ≥ 6.5
Important Deadlines (2025):
- Fall Priority: December 1, 2024
- Regular Decision: February 1, 2025
- Transfer Deadline: March 1, 2025
Graduate Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA: 3.0 (competitive programs require higher)
- GRE/GMAT for select programs
- Statement of Purpose + Resume/CV
- Two or more recommendations
- English proficiency test for international students
Graduate Application Portal: gradstudy.rutgers.edu
Tuition and Fees (2025)
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $17,760 | $34,360 |
| Graduate | $19,500 | $32,700 |
| MBA (Full-Time) | $32,200 | $50,000 |
| MSW | $21,000 | $37,000 |
| DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) | $43,000 | $63,000 |
| RN-to-BSN (Online) | $700 per credit | $900 per credit |
Additional Costs:
- Housing & Meals: ~$15,000 per year
- Health Insurance: ~$3,000 per year
- Books & Supplies: ~$1,200
Financial Aid:
Rutgers offers both need-based and merit-based scholarships, along with Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and work-study programs.
Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Loans
- Office of Financial Aid: financialaid.rutgers.edu
- FAFSA Code: 002629
- Scholarships: Presidential, Scarlet, Transfer Excellence Awards
- Grants: NJ Tuition Aid Grant (TAG), Federal Pell Grant
- Student Loans: Federal Direct, PLUS, and private lenders
- Veterans Benefits: Eligible for GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program
Rutgers also supports student loan forgiveness and assistantship opportunities for graduate students.
Rutgers Business School (MBA & Mini MBA)
Rutgers Business School ranks among the top 50 globally for its MBA and executive programs.
MBA Programs
- Full-Time MBA: 2 years | Avg GMAT: 680 | Tuition: $32,200
- Part-Time MBA: Flexible 2–3 years for working professionals
- Online MBA: Fully virtual, same curriculum as on-campus
- Mini MBA: Short-term 12-week program in areas like Digital Marketing, Leadership, and Finance
Specializations:
Supply Chain Management, Finance, Data Analytics, Global Business
Dual Degree Options:
- MBA + MS in Data Science
- MBA + JD (Law)
- MBA + MD (Medicine)
School of Social Work (MSW Program)
Rutgers’ Master of Social Work (MSW) program is one of the best in the country.
Formats Available:
- On-Campus MSW
- Online MSW (synchronous + asynchronous)
- Advanced Standing MSW (for BSW graduates)
Tuition: ~$21,000 in-state | $37,000 out-of-state
Duration: 2 years (full-time) or 3 years (part-time)
Application Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (preferably in social sciences)
- GPA ≥ 3.0
- Statement of Purpose & 3 references
Rutgers School of Nursing
Programs Offered:
- BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
- Accelerated BSN (ABSN) – 14-16 months
- RN-to-BSN (online or hybrid)
- MSN and DNP programs
- Nurse Practitioner (FNP, PNP, AGNP)
Admission:
- RN License (for RN-BSN)
- Prerequisite science courses
- GPA ≥ 3.0
Tuition: $700–$900 per credit (online); clinical courses may vary.
Accelerated Nursing Program: Offered at Newark and New Brunswick campuses, allowing non-nursing graduates to earn a BSN in under two years.
School of Health Professions (DPT, OT, and Speech Pathology)
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Duration: 3 years | Tuition: ~$43,000 (in-state)
- GRE required (waiver available)
- Offered at Newark campus
Occupational Therapy (OTD)
- 3-year program with fieldwork and capstone project
- Admission: Bachelor’s + GRE + prerequisite courses
Speech-Language Pathology (MS):
- Focus: Speech disorders, audiology, and communication science
- Duration: 2 years
Rutgers Engineering and Data Science
School of Engineering (New Brunswick):
- BS, MS, and PhD in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, and Biomedical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering Ranking: Top 40 in the U.S.
- Research-based graduate programs with industry internships
Data Science Programs:
- BS in Data Science (interdisciplinary)
- MS in Data Science: 36 credits | Duration: 1.5–2 years
- Certificates in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Tuition: ~$29,000 per year (graduate, out-of-state).
Clinical Psychology and Mental Health
Rutgers offers one of the strongest psychology programs in the U.S., particularly in clinical, counseling, and neuropsychology.
- Degrees: BA, MA, and PhD in Psychology
- PhD in Clinical Psychology: APA-accredited | Funded
- Master’s in Applied Psychology: Online available
- Counseling Licensure: Meets NJ and NY requirements
Dual Degree and Accelerated Pathways
Rutgers provides integrated degree pathways allowing students to fast-track their education.
Examples:
- BS + MS in Data Science
- BS + MD Program (New Brunswick – in partnership with Robert Wood Johnson Medical School)
- BA + MBA Dual Degree
- BSN + DNP Nursing Track
These programs help reduce overall cost and duration while enhancing career outcomes.
Rutgers Online and Continuing Education
Rutgers Online offers 150 + hybrid and 100 % online programs.
Popular Online Programs:
- Online MBA
- Online MSW
- RN-to-BSN
- Online MS in Data Science
- Online Project Management Certification
Mini MBA and Bootcamps:
- Digital Marketing Bootcamp
- Coding and Cybersecurity Bootcamp (24 weeks)
Online students receive full access to Rutgers libraries, career services, and virtual tutoring.
Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy & DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT):
- 3-year program emphasizing evidence-based rehabilitation.
- Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Admission: Bachelor’s + GRE + prerequisites (Anatomy, Physiology, Psychology).
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD):
Focuses on improving patient independence and well-being.Both DPT and OTD include hands-on clinical rotations across healthcare centers in New Jersey.
Project Management and Professional Certifications
Rutgers Center for Management Development (CMD) offers specialized professional courses:
- Project Management Certification
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
- Mini MBA in Digital Marketing or Finance
- Nonprofit Leadership Development Program
These programs attract mid-career professionals and are offered both online and on campus.
Transfer Admissions and Credits
Transfer Acceptance Rate: ~60 %
Requirements:
- Minimum GPA: 3.0 (varies by program)
- 12 + transferable college credits
- Official college transcripts and personal essay
Transfer Credits: Evaluated individually via transfer.rutgers.edu
Health Insurance and Student Support
Rutgers requires all full-time students to maintain health insurance coverage.
Plans are available through University Health Plans (UHP).
Students also receive:
- Mental health counseling
- Disability and veteran support services
- Career placement and co-op programs
Enrollment and Student Life
- Total Enrollment: 70,000 +
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- 500 + student organizations
- NCAA Division I athletics – “Scarlet Knights”
Rutgers offers a vibrant campus life — from research labs to cultural events and leadership development workshops.
Why Choose Rutgers University
World-class education at public university tuition
Top programs in Business, Nursing, Engineering, and Health Sciences
Diverse student body and inclusive environment
Strong internship & research opportunities in NYC metro area
Hybrid, online, and accelerated program options
Rutgers provides the academic depth of an Ivy League institution with the accessibility and affordability of a public university.
Contact Information
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
📞 +1 (732) 445-4636
🌐 www.rutgers.edu
✉️ admissions@rutgers.edu
FAQs About Rutgers University
Q1. What is Rutgers University’s acceptance rate?
Around 67 %, varying by campus and program.
Q2. Does Rutgers offer online degrees?
Yes, Rutgers Online provides 100 + online and hybrid degrees.
Q3. What GPA is needed for admission?
A GPA of 3.3–3.8 is recommended for competitive programs.
Q4. How much does tuition cost?
In-state ≈ $17,760/year; out-of-state ≈ $34,360/year.
Q5. What programs is Rutgers best known for?
MBA, MSW, Nursing, Data Science, Engineering, and Public Health.
Q6. Does Rutgers provide financial aid?
Yes, through FAFSA, scholarships, and state grants.
Q7. Does Rutgers have a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program?
Yes, the CAPTE-accredited DPT is offered at the Newark campus.
Q8. Are transfer students accepted?
Yes, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and at least 12 transferable credits.
