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Rutgers University vs University of Texas at Austin

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

68.0% Rutgers acceptance
29.0% UT Austin acceptance
$16,264 Rutgers cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Rutgers
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Public
Founded
1766
Enrollment
51,000
Setting
Suburban
UT Austin
Austin, Texas
Public
Founded
1883
Enrollment
52,384
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Rutgers saves $6,606
Rutgers
$34,464
UT Austin
$41,070
Acceptance Rate UT Austin more selective
Rutgers
68.0%
UT Austin
29.0%
Graduation Rate UT Austin higher
Rutgers
82%
UT Austin
87%
Avg SAT Score UT Austin higher
Rutgers
1340
UT Austin
1370
Starting Salary UT Austin higher
Rutgers
$67,200
UT Austin
$68,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric Rutgers UT Austin Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$34,464$41,070Rutgers
Tuition (In-State)$16,499$11,448UT Austin
Room & Board$14,820$12,280UT Austin
Acceptance Rate68.0%29.0%UT Austin
Graduation Rate82%87%UT Austin
Average SAT13401370UT Austin
Student-Faculty Ratio16:117:1Rutgers
Enrollment51,00052,384-
Avg Financial Aid$14,500$14,990UT Austin
Starting Salary$67,200$68,500UT Austin
Endowment$2.0B$44.9BUT Austin
Campus Size2,685 acres431 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Rutgers
$197,136
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UT Austin
$213,400
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Rutgers = $139,136 | UT Austin = $153,440. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Rutgers Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

UT Austin Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceBiologyCommunication

Campus & Student Life

Setting
RutgersSuburban
UT AustinUrban
Campus Size
Rutgers2,685 ac
UT Austin431 ac
Athletics
RutgersNCAA D1
UT AustinNCAA D1
Region
RutgersNortheast
UT AustinSouth
Founded
Rutgers1766
UT Austin1883
Enrollment
Rutgers51,000
UT Austin52,384

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rutgers or UT Austin harder to get into?+
UT Austin is more selective with an acceptance rate of 29.0% compared to 68.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Rutgers or UT Austin?+
At sticker price, Rutgers costs less over 4 years ($197,136 vs $213,400). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Rutgers offers an average of $14,500/year in aid while UT Austin offers $14,990/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Rutgers and UT Austin?+
The average SAT score at Rutgers is 1340 and at UT Austin it is 1370. 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 Rutgers or UT Austin graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UT Austin have a higher average starting salary ($68,500 vs $67,200). 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?+
Rutgers has a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UT Austin has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Rutgers and UT Austin compare for campus life?+
Rutgers is located in New Brunswick, New Jersey (suburban setting) with a 2,685-acre campus. UT Austin is in Austin, Texas (urban setting) with 431 acres. Rutgers competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UT Austin in NCAA D1.