Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

New Brunswick, NJ — San Luis Obispo, CA

Metric
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Location New Brunswick, NJ San Luis Obispo, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 37,751 21,996
Acceptance Rate 58.1% 31.3%
SAT Average 1,410
In-State Tuition $17,929 $13,596
Out-of-State Tuition $37,441 $34,665
Avg Net Price $24,406 $16,665
Median Debt at Graduation $21,500 $18,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 84.3% 85.7%
Retention Rate 93.0% 95.5%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $61,263 $72,358
Median Earnings (10 yr) $74,479 $90,768
Loan Repayment Rate 1636000.0% 437700.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Rutgers University-New Brunswick and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick (New Brunswick, NJ) has an acceptance rate of 58.1%, in-state tuition of $17,929, and median 10-year earnings of $74,479. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA) has an acceptance rate of 31.3%, in-state tuition of $13,596, and median 10-year earnings of $90,768.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $90,768 vs $74,479. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is the more affordable option at $16,665 per year versus $24,406.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.7% vs 84.3%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025