How to Get Into Rutgers University: Admissions Data & Strategies (2024)

Rutgers University’s prized New Brunswick campus is ranked among the top 25 public institutions in the country. Possessing standout programs in engineering, computer science, business, and nursing, Rutgers’ flagship campus attracts scores of talented students not only from its home state of New Jersey but also from around the globe. In fact, the university (across all levels) is home to students from all 50 states as well as 9,000 international students from 125 countries. With rising application numbers and dropping acceptance rates, access to the New Brunswick campus is a more selective process than some may realize.

Given this competitive environment, the intent of this article is to give those considering applying to Rutgers University information such as:

• Rutgers University’s Class of 2027 acceptance rate
• SAT, GPA, and class rank of accepted Rutgers University applicants
• Admissions stats by academic discipline/school
• Admissions trends from the Class of 2027
• Rutgers University’s system for rating applicants
• A look at the demographics of current undergraduates
• The percent of accepted students that attend Rutgers University (yield rate)
• Tips for applying to the Rutgers University
• How to assess whether applying to Rutgers University is even worth the $70 application fee (for you)

Let’s begin with an examination of the most recent admissions data.

Rutgers University Acceptance Rate – Class of 2025

There were approximately 43,347 applications for admission into the Rutgers Class of 2027; 28,326 were accepted. This means that the Rutgers acceptance rate is 65%.

Historical Rutgers acceptance rates are as follows:

Rutgers In-State vs. Out-of-State Acceptance Rate

If you hail from outside New Jersey, you’ll have an easier time gaining acceptance to Rutgers. For students entering the Class of 2027, the Rutgers—New Brunswick in-state acceptance rate was 62% while the out-of-state acceptance rate was 72%.

Rutgers Admissions Statistics by School – Class of 2027

It’s also important to take a close look at the admitted student profile for your school of choice within the larger university:

School of Arts and Sciences

• SAT mid-50% range: 1330-1510
• ACT mid-50% range: 30-34
• High school GPA range: 3.8-4.2
• High school percentile rank range: 75-95

Rutgers Business School

• SAT mid-50% range: 1370-1510
• ACT mid-50% range: 30-34
• High school GPA range: 3.8-4.2
• High school percentile rank range: 78-95

School of Engineering

• SAT mid-50% range: 1360-1520
• ACT mid-50% range: 30-34
• High school GPA range: 3.8-4.3
• High school percentile rank range: 75-95

Rutgers Acceptance Rate — Continued

School of Environmental and Biological Sciences

• SAT mid-50% range: 1290-1470
• ACT mid-50% range: 29-34
• High school GPA range: 3.7-4.2
• High school percentile rank range: 69-95

School of Nursing–New Brunswick

• SAT mid-50% range: 1260-1440
• ACT mid-50% range: 29-32
• High school GPA range: 4.1-4.3
• High school percentile rank range: 82-95

Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy

• SAT mid-50% range: 1380-1520
• ACT mid-50% range: 31-34
• High school GPA range: 4.1-4.4
• High school percentile rank range: 85-95

Mason Gross School of the Arts

• SAT mid-50% range: 1280-1450
• ACT mid-50% range: 29-33
• High school GPA range: 3.7-4.1
• High school percentile rank range: 74-95

What class rank do you need to get accepted to Rutgers?

Among enrolled 2023-24 first-year students, 92% hailed from the top half. Moreover, 66% placed in the top quarter and 30% in the top tenth.

What is the minimum SAT or ACT score for Rutgers?

Approximately 56% of enrolled Class of 2027 students chose to submit test scores. Of that bunch, the mid-50% SAT range was 1270-1480; the ACT range was 28-33.

Admissions Trends & Notes

• Rutgers New Brunswick received a record-breaking number of applications this past cycle.
• 84% of the incoming class were New Jersey residents.
• 37% of the student body is the first in their family to attend college.
• The Class of 2027 was one of the most diverse classes in school history.

How Rutgers University Rates Applicants

Rutgers University considers only two factors as “very important” to the admissions process: rigor of high school course load and GPA. Three items are designated as “important”: the application essay, character/personal qualities, and extracurricular activities. “Considered” factors are: class rank, standardized test scores, an interview, geographical residence, talent/ability, work experience, volunteer work, first-generation status, and state residency.

Straight from the Rutgers admissions office:

• “The number of applicants Rutgers admits is determined by the quality of the applicant pool, which changes from year to year and varies by college/school, and the space in the entering class.”
• “We conduct a holistic review of each student’s application that takes into consideration many more factors than test scores and cumulative grade-point averages.”

Who Actually Gets Into Rutgers University?

Let’s now take a look at the demographics of the Rutgers University undergraduate student body.

Historically, the states that send the highest number of students to Rutgers are:

1. New Jersey
2. New York
3. Pennsylvania
4. California
5. Maryland

The greatest number of international students typically come from the following countries:

1. China
2. India
3. South Korea
4. Taiwan
5. Mexico
6. Canada

Rutgers Acceptance Rate — Continued

In terms of ethnic identity, the breakdown is as follows for the Class of 2027:

• White: 29%
• Asian: 37%
• Hispanic: 15%
• Black or African American: 6%
• Two or More Races: 4%
• International: 7%

A look at the gender split reveals that the Class of 2027 enrolled a fairly even number of men and women:

• Men: 48%
• Women: 52%

Rutgers University’s Yield Rate

Rutgers University’s yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted—is 27%, slightly higher than previous years. However, this figure is significantly lower than other powerhouse state universities like the University of Florida (44%), University of Michigan (47%), and UVA (42%).

Tips for Applying to Rutgers University

If you plan on joining the 43,000+ Rutgers University hopefuls for the next admissions cycle, you should know the following:

• Rutgers extended its test-optional policy through the 2024-25 admissions cycle.
• Apply early by November 1, if possible. You will receive a decision by January 31.
• Rutgers University does not consider “demonstrated interest” so you will not be judged on whether or not you made a campus visit, contacted an admissions officer, etc.
• Current high school seniors must complete a Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR).
• Rutgers typically does not require any supplemental essays, so pour your energy into the Common App personal statement required by Rutgers.

Should I Apply to Rutgers University?

Students who pursued a reasonably rigorous high school course load and earned a mixture of A’s and B’s will be viable candidates for the New Brunswick campus. SAT scores above a 1300 will put applicants on solid footing, but the temporary test-optional policy can be utilized by those without strong standardized test results. Moreover, out-of-state teens will face an easier road to acceptance.

Rutgers University Acceptance Rate — Final Thoughts

Of course, it goes without saying that all teens applying to a school of Rutgers University’s caliber—particularly in certain strong programs/colleges— also need to have a proper mix of “target” and “safety” schools on their college list. More on creating a balanced college list can be found here.

Ready to begin crafting your college applications? Check out the following resources:

• Should You Start College Applications in the Summer?
• What is Demonstrated Interest?
• Do Colleges Look at Social Media?
• College Fair Advice for High School Students
• How to Complete the Common App Activities List
• How to Quickly Format Your Common App Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topic Ideas
• Should I Complete Optional College Essays?