Rutgers-Camden vs Rowan University

Rutgers University-Camden and Rowan University, two prominent institutions of higher learning in New Jersey, offer distinct educational experiences. Rutgers-Camden, a research university with a selective admissions policy, boasts a 68% acceptance rate and a diverse student body representing over 40 countries. Rowan University, on the other hand, is a public research university with a more open admissions policy, reflected in its 85% acceptance rate. While both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, Rutgers-Camden is known for its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences, while Rowan University excels in engineering, business, and health sciences. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more about the differences in acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates, and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and goals.

	Rowan University	Rutgers University-Camden
Overview
Location	Glassboro, New Jersey	Camden, New Jersey
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	83.0%	77.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	83.8%	78.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70
SAT range	1070 - 1280	1040 - 1230
ACT range	23 - 30	17 - 25
Students submitting SAT score	45.0%	32.0%
Students submitting ACT score	3.0%	3.0%
Total number of applicants	11,659	11,156
Total number of admissions given out	9,767	8,780
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,191	604
Yield rate	22.4%	6.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $30,181 Out of state: $39,213	In state: $40,518 Out of state: $57,160
Average net price	$21,425	$10,104
Tuition	In state: $10,302 Out of state: $19,334	In state: $12,536 Out of state: $29,178
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,820 Meal plan: $4,784	Room/dormitory: $9,052 Meal plan: $3,600
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	75.0% Average amount $9,344	93.0% Average amount $14,006
Students receiving federal student loan	53.0% Average amount $5,360	46.0% Average amount $5,062
Students taking out private loans	12.0% Average amount $17,107	4.0% Average amount $14,111

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	15,119 Men 52.5% Women 47.5%	4,856 Men 38.5% Women 61.5%
Graduate students	3,933 Men 41.8% Women 58.2%	1,713 Men 42.7% Women 57.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	5.4%	6.1%
International students	2.3%	3.0%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	6,418	860
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New Jersey Pennsylvania New York Maryland Delaware	New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Illinois California

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Health Professions Education Psychology Engineering	Business Health Professions Legal Profession Psychology Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	68.6%	70.8%
Dropout rate	12.6%	12.6%
Transferred out	16.3%	13.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,964 Year 2: $65,486 Year 3: $82,432 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $77,478 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $77,437 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $70,059 Year 2: $67,899 Year 3: $74,727 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,732 Year 2: $72,742 Year 3: $74,616 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,540 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $72,253 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,819 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $70,490 Medicine (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $58,188 Year 2: $58,387 Year 3: $69,683 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,459 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $68,928 Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $56,140 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $68,138 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,859 Year 2: $60,358 Year 3: $65,227	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $105,618 Year 2: $109,327 Year 3: $125,566 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $125,431 Year 2: $110,432 Year 3: $124,617 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $107,887 Year 2: $112,970 Year 3: $115,126 Biological and Physical Sciences (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $74,298 Year 2: $64,791 Year 3: $102,688 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,934 Year 2: $71,778 Year 3: $90,572 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,734 Year 2: $72,975 Year 3: $81,432 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $69,567 Year 2: $68,079 Year 3: $80,867 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $75,024 Year 2: $77,119 Year 3: $80,766 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,547 Year 2: $60,001 Year 3: $72,957 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,307 Year 2: $64,087 Year 3: $69,320

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Rutgers-Camden and Rowan University?

Rutgers-Camden, as part of the Rutgers University system, offers a more research-focused environment with a strong emphasis on liberal arts and professional programs within a smaller campus setting. Rowan University, on the other hand, is known for its career-oriented programs, particularly in engineering, education, and communication, and boasts a larger, more traditional campus experience. Rutgers-Camden benefits from the prestige and resources of the broader Rutgers system, while Rowan emphasizes hands-on learning and close ties with industry.
Which university is better for engineering programs?

Rowan University is generally considered stronger for engineering programs. They have a dedicated College of Engineering with a wider range of specializations and a strong focus on practical, hands-on experience. While Rutgers-Camden offers engineering-related courses, it doesn't have the same depth or breadth of engineering programs as Rowan.
How do the campus environments compare?

Rutgers-Camden has a smaller, more urban campus located in downtown Camden. This provides easy access to city amenities and internship opportunities but may lack the traditional campus feel. Rowan University has a larger, more suburban campus in Glassboro, offering a more traditional college experience with extensive green spaces, residence halls, and recreational facilities.
Which university is more affordable?

Tuition and fees can vary depending on residency, program, and financial aid. Generally, Rutgers-Camden, as a state university, offers competitive tuition rates, especially for New Jersey residents. Rowan University also offers competitive rates, and it's best to compare the net cost (tuition minus financial aid) at both institutions based on your individual circumstances by using their net price calculators.
What are the strengths of Rutgers-Camden?

Rutgers-Camden excels in areas like law, nursing, criminal justice, and liberal arts. Its connection to the Rutgers University system provides access to extensive resources and research opportunities. Its location in Camden also offers unique internship and community engagement opportunities.
What are the strengths of Rowan University?

Rowan University is strong in engineering, education, communication, and business. It emphasizes hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and career preparation. Its growing research profile and modern facilities make it an attractive option for students seeking practical skills and career opportunities.
How do the class sizes compare?

Rutgers-Camden generally has smaller class sizes, which can lead to more personalized attention from professors. Rowan University's class sizes can vary depending on the program and course level, but they tend to be larger than those at Rutgers-Camden, especially in introductory courses.
Which university is better for students interested in research?

Rutgers-Camden, as part of the Rutgers University system, offers more established research opportunities, particularly in areas like biology, chemistry, and social sciences. Rowan University is growing its research profile, especially in engineering and applied sciences, and offers increasing opportunities for undergraduate research.
How does the student life differ between the two universities?

Rutgers-Camden's student life is influenced by its urban location, with students often engaging in activities both on and off campus. Rowan University offers a more traditional campus-centered student life with a wide range of clubs, organizations, and on-campus events. Both universities offer a variety of student activities, but the overall atmosphere differs due to their respective locations and campus sizes.
Which university is better for career services and job placement?

Both universities offer career services to assist students with internships and job placement. Rowan University's strong industry connections, particularly in engineering and business, may give it a slight edge in those fields. Rutgers-Camden's location in the Philadelphia metropolitan area provides access to a wide range of internship and job opportunities across various sectors.
What is the reputation of each university?

Rutgers-Camden benefits from the strong reputation of the Rutgers University system, known for its research and academic rigor. Rowan University has gained significant recognition in recent years for its rapid growth, innovative programs, and focus on career preparation. Both are respected institutions within New Jersey and the surrounding region.
How do the graduate programs compare?

Rutgers-Camden offers a wider range of graduate programs, particularly in law, nursing, and arts and sciences, leveraging the resources of the Rutgers system. Rowan University's graduate programs are growing, with strengths in education, engineering, and business. The best choice depends on your specific graduate field of study.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.

Rowan

University of Colorado Colorado Springs