College Costs in New Brunswick, NJ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,804
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$39,305
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,251
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
New Brunswick Overview
Population
55,181
Student Population
2,177 (3.9%)
Cost of Living Index
137 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
52/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
6.6%
College Cost Calculator for New Brunswick
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$133,408
Total After Financial Aid
$133,408
Annual Cost
$33,352
Annual After Aid
$33,352
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $133,408 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,515 |
| Total Interest | $48,371 |
| Total Loan Cost | $181,779 |
Universities in New Brunswick
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | Public | $15,804 |
| Middlesex College | Community | $5,040 |
New Brunswick has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in New Brunswick vs. National Average
| Category | New Brunswick | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,804 | $10,940 | +$4,864 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,251 | $1,050 | +$201 |
| Cost of Living Index | 137 | 100 | +37 |
New Brunswick's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in New Brunswick
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,177 students
New Brunswick has a total population of 55,181, with approximately 2,177 college students (3.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, New Brunswick offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in New Brunswick
$61,760
Starting Salary
6.6%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in New Brunswick earn a median starting salary of $61,760, which is $26,760 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $133,408 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $16,056 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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