Rutgers University - New Brunswick SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Rutgers is test-optional, but with about half of applicants submitting SAT scores, a strong result can still sharpen your case. Aim for the upper half of the 1270–1480 SAT range, especially if you are applying to a competitive major; ACT submitters should think roughly 28–33.
⬡ LangSmith330bddbc-db1a-4870-b56b-4d3a75a4b818Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Rutgers University - New Brunswick facts and stats
Rutgers University - New Brunswick enrolls 37,985 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Rutgers has a 93% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and an 84% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1.
⬡ LangSmitha5d92898-5dc4-44fe-8173-1f055f794805New Brunswick, NJ
How do your scores compare at Rutgers?
Key Rutgers University - New Brunswick application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
February 1
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
December 1
Financial Aid Priority
December 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Rutgers, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year for retakes, then aim for the October SAT or September ACT as the last retake for scores to arrive by the November 1 Early Action deadline.
⬡ LangSmith9c15bc5d-1306-47c7-ab92-cc2cc099c0dfWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Rutgers University - New Brunswick?
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What you'll actually pay
Rutgers, a public Big Ten university, lists in-state tuition at $14,222 and out-of-state tuition at $33,734. With an average merit award of $10,071, out-of-state students may find scholarship opportunities worth reviewing. Submit the FAFSA by the December 1 priority deadline for aid consideration.
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For out-of-state students, Rutgers’ tuition is $33,734, while in-state tuition is $14,222; room and board adds about $15,714. About 35% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $14,373. Merit awards average $10,071, with scholarships such as the Francis B. and Paige D. L’Hommedieu Scholarship available for students with a 3.80+ GPA. Graduates leave with an average debt of $28,227.
⬡ LangSmithab311f81-31e9-43f6-b3cc-d3ccb2a22527Student life at Rutgers University - New Brunswick
41% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: No guarantee
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJAcceptance rate: 78.3%
SAT: 1120–1310
ACT: 23–29
The College of New Jersey
Ewing, NJAcceptance rate: 62.4%
SAT: 1140–1320
ACT: 26–31
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJAcceptance rate: 65.1%
SAT: 1235–1460
ACT: 28–31
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJAcceptance rate: 87.9%
SAT: 930–1200
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