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Arizona State University vs Rutgers University

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

88.0% ASU acceptance
68.0% Rutgers acceptance
$16,336 ASU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

ASU
Tempe, Arizona
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
83,446
Setting
Urban
Rutgers
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Public
Founded
1766
Enrollment
51,000
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition ASU saves $3,264
ASU
$31,200
Rutgers
$34,464
Acceptance Rate Rutgers more selective
ASU
88.0%
Rutgers
68.0%
Graduation Rate Rutgers higher
ASU
69%
Rutgers
82%
Avg SAT Score Rutgers higher
ASU
1230
Rutgers
1340
Starting Salary Rutgers higher
ASU
$60,100
Rutgers
$67,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric ASU Rutgers Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,200$34,464ASU
Tuition (In-State)$12,479$16,499ASU
Room & Board$14,000$14,820ASU
Acceptance Rate88.0%68.0%Rutgers
Graduation Rate69%82%Rutgers
Average SAT12301340Rutgers
Student-Faculty Ratio18:116:1Rutgers
Enrollment83,44651,000-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$14,500Rutgers
Starting Salary$60,100$67,200Rutgers
Endowment$1.5B$2.0BRutgers
Campus Size1,695 acres2,685 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

ASU
$180,800
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Rutgers
$197,136
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: ASU = $131,200 | Rutgers = $139,136. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

ASU Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringPsychologyBiologySupply Chain

Rutgers Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ASUUrban
RutgersSuburban
Campus Size
ASU1,695 ac
Rutgers2,685 ac
Athletics
ASUNCAA D1
RutgersNCAA D1
Region
ASUWest
RutgersNortheast
Founded
ASU1885
Rutgers1766
Enrollment
ASU83,446
Rutgers51,000

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is ASU or Rutgers harder to get into?+
Rutgers is more selective with an acceptance rate of 68.0% compared to 88.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, ASU or Rutgers?+
At sticker price, ASU costs less over 4 years ($180,800 vs $197,136). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. ASU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while Rutgers offers $14,500/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for ASU and Rutgers?+
The average SAT score at ASU is 1230 and at Rutgers it is 1340. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do ASU or Rutgers graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Rutgers have a higher average starting salary ($67,200 vs $60,100). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
ASU has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Rutgers has 16:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do ASU and Rutgers compare for campus life?+
ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona (urban setting) with a 1,695-acre campus. Rutgers is in New Brunswick, New Jersey (suburban setting) with 2,685 acres. ASU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Rutgers in NCAA D1.