College Comparison
Rutgers University vs Wake Forest University: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ
School
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Rutgers | Wake Forest |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 65.3% | 21.6%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1270–1480 | 1390–1510wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–33 | 32–34wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $36,001wins | $64,758 |
| Avg Net Price | $23,519wins | $28,746 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $74,479 | $78,158wins |
| Graduation Rate | 85.0% | 90.9%wins |
| Retention Rate | 92.6% | 94.7%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 15:1 | 9:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 36,357wins | 5,471 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Wake Forest edges out Rutgers on 7 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Rutgers Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $36,001
- ✓Avg Net Price: $23,519
- ✓Total Enrollment: 36,357
Wake Forest Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 21.6%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1390–1510
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 32–34
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $78,158
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