Rowan University vs Rutgers University – Which Is Better in 2025?. If you are planning to study in New Jersey, two names stand out: Rowan University and Rutgers University. Both are respected public universities, but they differ in size, reputation, tuition, and student life. In this guide, we compare Rowan vs Rutgers in 2025 to help you decide which one fits your academic and career goals.
🏫 Overview of Rowan University
- Location: Glassboro, New Jersey
- Founded: 1923
- Enrollment: ~22,000 students
- Reputation: Growing research university (Carnegie R2 – High Research Activity)
- Strengths: Engineering, Business, Education, Health Sciences
- Tuition (In-State): Around $15,000 per year
Rowan is known for affordability, smaller class sizes, and expanding professional schools including a medical school and veterinary school.
🏫 Overview of Rutgers University
- Location: Multiple campuses (New Brunswick, Newark, Camden)
- Founded: 1766 (8th oldest college in the U.S.)
- Enrollment: Over 69,000 students
- Reputation: Flagship state university, member of the Big Ten
- Strengths: Research, Law, Medicine, Engineering, Social Sciences
- Tuition (In-State): Around $16,000 – $18,000 per year
Rutgers is widely recognized nationally and internationally, with strong research output, large alumni networks, and highly ranked graduate programs.
📊 Side-by-Side Comparison – Rowan vs Rutgers
| Feature | Rowan University | Rutgers University |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Mid-sized (~22k students) | Large (~69k students) |
| Ranking (U.S. News 2025) | Top 200 National Universities | Top 100 National Universities |
| Research Classification | R2 – High Research Activity | R1 – Very High Research Activity |
| Tuition (In-State) | ~$15,000 | ~$16,000 – $18,000 |
| Campus Environment | Suburban, close-knit | Urban/suburban mix, diverse |
| Student Life | Division III sports, smaller clubs | NCAA Division I sports, large student orgs |
| Best For | Students seeking affordability and smaller class sizes | Students seeking prestige, research, and global recognition |
🎓 Career Opportunities
- Rowan Graduates: Strong outcomes in engineering, business, education, and healthcare. Alumni average salaries: $50,000 – $65,000.
- Rutgers Graduates: Larger global alumni network, higher national visibility, and strong placement in law, medicine, and finance. Alumni average salaries: $60,000 – $75,000.
✅ Which Should You Choose?
It depends on your priorities:
- Choose Rowan University if you want:
- Affordable tuition
- Smaller classes with more personalized attention
- Growing programs in health sciences and engineering
- A suburban campus close to Philadelphia
- Choose Rutgers University if you want:
- Global recognition and stronger rankings
- Large research facilities and diverse programs
- Vibrant student life and Division I athletics
- A bigger alumni network for career connections
📌 Final Thoughts
Both Rowan University and Rutgers University are excellent choices in 2025. Rowan shines in affordability and close-knit student experiences, while Rutgers offers prestige, research, and global reach. The right choice depends on whether you value cost and community (Rowan) or reputation and opportunities (Rutgers).