Temple University vs Rutgers University - New Brunswick

Temple University vs Rutgers University - New Brunswick

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Temple University and Rutgers University – New Jersey are both established public research universities in the United States, but Rutgers has a greater worldwide image. In QS World University Rankings 2026, Rutgers University ranks 328th worldwide, while Temple University is in the 721–730 range. Rutgers is ranked 156th worldwide and Temple at 360th, based on the US News Global Rankings 2026. In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, Rutgers is ranked in the 301–350 band, while Temple University is ranked in the 351–400 band. Rutgers has a wide variety of high-quality programs in STEM, business, social sciences, and humanities, whereas Temple is particularly known for business, health sciences, education, and the arts.

General Information

Rutgers University – New Jersey, founded in 1766, is one of the oldest and largest public universities in the U.S., with around 50,000 students. It offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs and is a major research hub, especially strong in fields such as life sciences, engineering, law, and social sciences.

Temple University, established in 1884, is a large public research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, serving around 37,000 students. It focuses on providing accessible education, strong industry connections, and career-oriented programs, with key strengths in business, education, health sciences, and the arts.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Temple University maintains a high acceptance rate of 83% with an intent to grant widespread access to higher education to a diverse population. Rutgers University is less accepting, at an acceptance rate of 65%, indicating a more competitive admissions process that prioritizes academic achievement, leadership potential, and interest in research. Both institutions use GPA, personal essays, recommendation letters, and standardized test scores (usually optional) in their admissions processes.

Research Impact & Facilities

Rutgers University is a research behemoth, with state-of-the-art research facilities and grants, especially in life sciences, engineering, social sciences, and public policy. It also has an established research environment with several research institutions, labs, and partnerships around the world.

Temple University has a strong emphasis on applied research and industry-based partnerships, with a greater focus on professional and community-based research projects. It has strong research facilities, especially in health sciences, business, and education, although it is not as much in research impact as Rutgers.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both colleges have lower tuition than private schools, with in-state tuition significantly lower than out-of-state tuition. Rutgers, being a larger research university, has more range of funds for research and provides numerous merit-based and need-based scholarships. Temple University also provides several forms of financial aid with an emphasis on helping diverse and international students.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

Graduates of Rutgers University are extremely competitive in research, business, healthcare, public service, and engineering careers, with the advantage of the university's prestigious academic reputation and global research contribution. Numerous alumni find employment in leading corporations, research institutions, and government agencies.

Temple University alumni generally excel in business, education, healthcare, and creative arts. Its good network in Philadelphia's corporate and nonprofit communities provides students with experience and job opportunities, particularly in applied fields and community-oriented positions.