Head-to-head · 2026
Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs University of Maryland-College Park
Compare average net price ($24,406 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick; $15,678 at University of Maryland-College Park), ROI score (7.63 vs 13.21), ten-year median earnings ($74,479 vs $82,860), and admissions selectivity (58.2% acceptance at Rutgers University-New Brunswick; 44.8% at University of Maryland-College Park) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Maryland-College Park has a 7-0 metric-level edge. University of Maryland-College Park has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | University of Maryland-College Park |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.63 | 13.21 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $24,406 | $15,678 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $74,479 | $82,860 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 58.2% | 44.8% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 83.6% | 88.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $19,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 37,751 | 30,760 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1410 | 1473 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 0 | 7 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Rutgers University-New Brunswick costs $8,728 more per year than University of Maryland-College Park ($24,406 vs $15,678). University of Maryland-College Park graduates report $8,381 higher median earnings after ten years ($82,860 vs $74,479). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Maryland-College Park ahead on projected ROI (13.21 vs 7.63, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Maryland-College Park) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Rutgers University-New Brunswick is accessible at 58.2% acceptance versus 44.8% (selective) at University of Maryland-College Park.
Frequently asked
Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs University of Maryland-College Park, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Rutgers University-New Brunswick or University of Maryland-College Park the better value?
University of Maryland-College Park has the higher EduGradify ROI score (13.21 vs 7.63), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Maryland-College Park is cheaper — average net price $15,678 per year vs $24,406 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. The annual difference of $8,728 adds up to about $34,912 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Maryland-College Park reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $82,860 vs $74,479 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. The annual gap in the federal data is $8,381.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Maryland-College Park is more selective at 44.8% acceptance vs 58.2% at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Rutgers University-New Brunswick reports a B value grade; University of Maryland-College Park reports A.