Why Did Rutgers Have to Rutgers?

[-RUFAN4LIFE-]

Backstory - Rutgers, despite it's good education, is not favorably looked upon in my area of Bergen County. The kids treat it like it's a school for lepers. So convincing one of my children to take a campus visit specifically for their major was a bit of a win.

(start of rant)

The show pretty much started immediately. During the registration process, Rutgers asked for almost no information like the dozen other college tours we've taken. After it was completed, Rutgers was the only school not to provide any parking information. For me, that wouldn't have been a big deal but I wasn't able to be there so it was a big deal for my wife and kid who were unfamiliar with New Brunswick and all the current construction didn't help matters.

When they arrived there wasn't a single person from Admissions or the Nursing school there. An alumni, likely in his 40s, was doing the information session. This immediately raised a red flag based on all the prior tours both general and degree specific that we've been on. This person couldn't answer half the questions, admitted he hadn't been around campus much since graduation and then proceeded to provide bad information like telling a family that Early Action and Early Decision were the same thing. IYKYK that is the furthest thing from the truth as the latter locks you in immediately to the school. He also told the group that they admitted 700-800 students last year even though he stated there were only 350 spots in the program each year.

On top of it all, they could not see the labs that they would be spending a lot of time in due to renovations. Why have an information session for the program without being able to show a key piece of the program? To boot, they were told that the program had relocated to two floors in the office building they were in (not an RU building) for the foreseeable future without much reason given even though there is a Nursing hall on campus, which they also did not see.

So Rutgers basically shot themselves in the foot in terms of any real interest now after I worked so hard to get my kid to give them a chance. Why Rutgers Why !@?#*

(Rant over)

 

[Anon1754923206]

That’s not a good look…SMH. All that effort snuffed by the very school you sought to push

 

[Knight Shift]

Backstory - Rutgers, despite it's good education, is not favorably looked upon in my area of Bergen County. The kids treat it like it's a school for lepers. So convincing one of my children to take a campus visit specifically for their major was a bit of a win.

(start of rant)

The show pretty much started immediately. During the registration process, Rutgers asked for almost no information like the dozen other college tours we've taken. After it was completed, Rutgers was the only school not to provide any parking information. For me, that wouldn't have been a big deal but I wasn't able to be there so it was a big deal for my wife and kid who were unfamiliar with New Brunswick and all the current construction didn't help matters.

When they arrived there wasn't a single person from Admissions or the Nursing school there. An alumni, likely in his 40s, was doing the information session. This immediately raised a red flag based on all the prior tours both general and degree specific that we've been on. This person couldn't answer half the questions, admitted he hadn't been around campus much since graduation and then proceeded to provide bad information like telling a family that Early Action and Early Decision were the same thing. IYKYK that is the furthest thing from the truth as the latter locks you in immediately to the school. He also told the group that they admitted 700-800 students last year even though he stated there were only 350 spots in the program each year.

On top of it all, they could not see the labs that they would be spending a lot of time in due to renovations. Why have an information session for the program without being able to show a key piece of the program? To boot, they were told that the program had relocated to two floors in the office building they were in (not an RU building) for the foreseeable future without much reason given even though there is a Nursing hall on campus, which they also did not see.

So Rutgers basically shot themselves in the foot in terms of any real interest now after I worked so hard to get my kid to give them a chance. Why Rutgers Why !@?#*

(Rant over)

My youngest did not even do the tour. He obliged in submitting an application, got into the HC with like 75% covered in scholarships, and he declined. He chose a small school instead. He was not a big school type of student. We remain happy with the choice.

 

[Fat Koko]

Thank you for the real time, street level intel.

Rutgers, like the UC schools in California, University of Texas, and University of Florida, have been spoiled by their rising tides of state demographics, lifted by large, growing immigration populations who send their kids en masse to state universities. This situation has allowed the best public schools in these states to rise in the rankings.

Contrast this to states with a different demographic profile, such as Pennsylvania. See chart. If you want me to add other schools, let me know.

Rutgers must up its recruitment game with a sense of urgency because Rutgers is not immune from the broader demographic cliff of fewer college bound Americans. The Rutgers leadership seems oblivious to the fact that situations such Brower Commons - a permanent demolition zone across from the student center, gym, and bus stop - turns off prospective students and their parents.

I reached out to Rutgers offering to represent the school at Long Island college fairs and have not heard a response. I will push again this fall.

 

[Jtung230]

What type of tour is this? I did one 3 yrs ago and you start at the visitor center in Piscataway. Parking is across the street. After the presentation at the visitor center (which was very good), then the bus tour starts (which was bad). We got out once on Busch to see the students center.

 

[-RUFAN4LIFE-]

What type of tour is this? I did one 3 yrs ago and you start at the visitor center in Piscataway. Parking is across the street. After the presentation at the visitor center (which was very good), then the bus tour starts (which was bad). We got out once on Busch to see the students center.

This one was specifically for the Nursing program not the General tour. They were told to go to an address on Albany St. where they spent the entire time and saw nothing.

 

[-RUFAN4LIFE-]

My youngest did not even do the tour. He obliged in submitting an application, got into the HC with like 75% covered in scholarships, and he declined. He chose a small school instead. He was not a big school type of student. We remain happy with the choice.

I thought I was only going to get an application submission as well but then got them at a weak moment (LOL) and convinced them to do it since they also went to Delaware as well last week. Maybe I shot myself in the foot thinking seeing it in person would help.

 

[Knight Shift]

I thought I was only going to get an application submission as well but then got them at a weak moment (LOL) and convinced them to do it since they also went to Delaware as well last week. Maybe I shot myself in the foot thinking seeing it in person would help.

Which schools are high on their list?

 

[Jtung230]

This one was specifically for the Nursing program not the General tour. They were told to go to an address on Albany St. where they spent the entire time and saw nothing.

Sorry to hear. I always thought they should do smaller tours by major. I guess it’s all about execution. We liked the HC tour much better than the general.

 

[-RUFAN4LIFE-]

Which schools are high on their list?

They are interested in Tennessee, Virginia, Clemson, Boston College and a few others as they are all highly ranked programs for that major. No favorite right now so that's why I was hoping a visit could put Rutgers in good contention.

 

[e5fdny]

Backstory - Rutgers, despite it's good education, is not favorably looked upon in my area of Bergen County. The kids treat it like it's a school for lepers. So convincing one of my children to take a campus visit specifically for their major was a bit of a win.

(start of rant)

The show pretty much started immediately. During the registration process, Rutgers asked for almost no information like the dozen other college tours we've taken. After it was completed, Rutgers was the only school not to provide any parking information. For me, that wouldn't have been a big deal but I wasn't able to be there so it was a big deal for my wife and kid who were unfamiliar with New Brunswick and all the current construction didn't help matters.

When they arrived there wasn't a single person from Admissions or the Nursing school there. An alumni, likely in his 40s, was doing the information session. This immediately raised a red flag based on all the prior tours both general and degree specific that we've been on. This person couldn't answer half the questions, admitted he hadn't been around campus much since graduation and then proceeded to provide bad information like telling a family that Early Action and Early Decision were the same thing. IYKYK that is the furthest thing from the truth as the latter locks you in immediately to the school. He also told the group that they admitted 700-800 students last year even though he stated there were only 350 spots in the program each year.

On top of it all, they could not see the labs that they would be spending a lot of time in due to renovations. Why have an information session for the program without being able to show a key piece of the program? To boot, they were told that the program had relocated to two floors in the office building they were in (not an RU building) for the foreseeable future without much reason given even though there is a Nursing hall on campus, which they also did not see.

So Rutgers basically shot themselves in the foot in terms of any real interest now after I worked so hard to get my kid to give them a chance. Why Rutgers Why !@?#*

(Rant over)

Sounds similar to mine and my older son’s experience.

I was excited and hopeful he would pick Rutgers for civil engineering.

The accepted students day itinerary was lacking IMO. The Weeks building was just about completed and they never even mentioned it.

Our alma mater ended up being the silver medal for both of my boys.

 

[-RUFAN4LIFE-]

Sounds similar to mine and my older son’s experience.

I was excited and hopeful he would pick Rutgers for civil engineering.

The accepted students day itinerary was lacking IMO. The Weeks building was just about completed and they never even mentioned it.

Our alma mater ended up being the silver medal for both of my boys.

In this situation Rutgers may not even place on a HS track podium (8 places)...lol. One silver lining is that there is a graduate program for what they ultimately want to pursue in nursing that Rutgers may have a shot at with them.

 

[Section124]

My daughter wanted a bigger school as well, but if your daughter wants nursing she is better off applying to schools like Quinnipiac, Sacred Heart, Fairfield, Scranton, etc. All better nursing programs than the big schools, easier for clinicals and better connections for job placement.

 

[mdk02]

My daughter wanted a bigger school as well, but if your daughter wants nursing she is better off applying to schools like Quinnipiac, Sacred Heart, Fairfield, Scranton, etc. All better nursing programs than the big schools, easier for clinicals and better connections for job placement.

Penn? It was over 40 years ago but my sister went there for nursing. Job placement was automatic

 

[seansherm]

In this situation Rutgers may not even place on a HS track podium (8 places)...lol. One silver lining is that there is a graduate program for what they ultimately want to pursue in nursing that Rutgers may have a shot at with them.

Completely weird and OT question, but does your child prefer you call him/her them, or are you going so just to hide identity? In addition to the typical RU story, it stood out to me you said kid and them. No need to answer if it's an issue you don't wish to discuss.

 

[Knight Shift]

Completely weird and OT question, but does your child prefer you call him/her them, or are you going so just to hide identity? In addition to the typical RU story, it stood out to me you said kid and them. No need to answer if it's an issue you don't wish to discuss.

Sometimes it is not worth poking the bear. Not attacking you in any way. Pronouns used to be a "Get off my lawn" type of thing. Not anymore. Anyway, a man much wiser than all of us once said:

 

[S_Janowski]

My daughter wanted a bigger school as well, but if your daughter wants nursing she is better off applying to schools like Quinnipiac, Sacred Heart, Fairfield, Scranton, etc. All better nursing programs than the big schools, easier for clinicals and better connections for job placement.

These schools are like $75-$85K a year.

If my kid is pursuing a nursing degree I’m definitely not suggesting any of these schools with this type of price tag.

 

[Knight Shift]

My daughter wanted a bigger school as well, but if your daughter wants nursing she is better off applying to schools like Quinnipiac, Sacred Heart, Fairfield, Scranton, etc. All better nursing programs than the big schools, easier for clinicals and better connections for job placement.

Went through same thing for PA programs. Picked Quinnipiac. Outstanding for health sciences, PA, nursing, PT, etc. Small classes, beautiful campus, excellent placement reputation for PA's. Kid has been extremely happy there. They also had guaranteed entry for students in the pre-PA program if they had a minimum GPA. Rutgers did not.

 

[Knight Shift]

These schools are like $75-$85K a year.

If my kid is pursuing a nursing degree I’m definitely not suggesting any of these schools with this type of price tag.

That is extremely short-sighted. "These schools" offer scholarships. We did the math. As a comparison for PA programs.
Rutgers for 6 years runs around $300K total all in (Tuition, room/board, etc).
Quinnipiac runs around $400-450K. Our kid got about $125K in scholarships, bringing that down to about $275-325K.

Never go on sticker price. Can say hands down, for our kid, Quinnipiac provided a superior education at the undergraduate level, with many opportunities that may not have been had at Rutgers, including a semester abroad in Europe and a public health fellowship in South America for 6 weeks. Not every kid wants to be bussing between campuses and sitting in introductory chemistry and biology classes with 200 other students.

 

[RU Jeep]

I've just gone through the process with both of my kids. My son choose RU in spite of the less than inspiring tour and Brower demolition zone. My daughter wouldn't be caught dead there. I feel that RU "shows" better than it ever has but still lesser than every other school we visited (Florida, Florida State, Miami, USF, Clemson, South Carolina, and Penn State )

 

[Knight Shift]

I've just gone through the process with both of my kids. My son choose RU in spite of the less than inspiring tour and Brower demolition zone. My daughter wouldn't be caught dead there. I feel that RU "shows" better than it ever has but still lesser than every other school we visited (Florida, Florida State, Miami, USF, Clemson, South Carolina, and Penn State )

Which school did your daughter choose?

 

[RU206]

My daughter wanted a bigger school as well, but if your daughter wants nursing she is better off applying to schools like Quinnipiac, Sacred Heart, Fairfield, Scranton, etc. All better nursing programs than the big schools, easier for clinicals and better connections for job placement.

Keep in mind there is a lack of nurses overall, so job placement is fairly easy. My niece went to the U for a nursing degree and was offered multiple jobs in FL when she graduated. But she wanted to move back to NJ, and was offered multiple jobs in NJ. There is a lack of nurses in hospitals, as well as the public school systems throughout the country.

 

[RU206]

I've just gone through the process with both of my kids. My son choose RU in spite of the less than inspiring tour and Brower demolition zone. My daughter wouldn't be caught dead there. I feel that RU "shows" better than it ever has but still lesser than every other school we visited (Florida, Florida State, Miami, USF, Clemson, South Carolina, and Penn State )

Both of my daughters are at RU, but I agree RU was the worst visit/tour of all of the school. UConn, Delaware, Penn St, and even Tampa had a better tour. Smalls schools discussed here, Quinnipiac, Sacred Heart, Marist, etc all had better tours.

 

[Local Shill]

I've just gone through the process with both of my kids. My son choose RU in spite of the less than inspiring tour and Brower demolition zone. My daughter wouldn't be caught dead there. I feel that RU "shows" better than it ever has but still lesser than every other school we visited (Florida, Florida State, Miami, USF, Clemson, South Carolina, and Penn State )

I think Florida, FSU, Miami and USF are in a different category due to weather. Not an apples to apples comparison. Outside of 7 football weekends (or 6 in years when the 7th home game is Thanksgiving weekend) and few students are there) State Penn is totally overhyped among the New Jersey crowd.

 

[NotInRHouse]

Thank you for the real time, street level intel.

Rutgers, like the UC schools in California, University of Texas, and University of Florida, have been spoiled by their rising tides of state demographics, lifted by large, growing immigration populations who send their kids en masse to state universities. This situation has allowed the best public schools in these states to rise in the rankings.

Contrast this to states with a different demographic profile, such as Pennsylvania. See chart. If you want me to add other schools, let me know.

Rutgers must up its recruitment game with a sense of urgency because Rutgers is not immune from the broader demographic cliff of fewer college bound Americans. The Rutgers leadership seems oblivious to the fact that situations such Brower Commons - a permanent demolition zone across from the student center, gym, and bus stop - turns off prospective students and their parents.

I reached out to Rutgers offering to represent the school at Long Island college fairs and have not heard a response. I will push again this fall.

View attachment 1390205

Definitely an interesting point. Probably explains UMass, UGA and SUNYs also going up.

 

[NotInRHouse]

That is extremely short-sighted. "These schools" offer scholarships. We did the math. As a comparison for PA programs.
Rutgers for 6 years runs around $300K total all in (Tuition, room/board, etc).
Quinnipiac runs around $400-450K. Our kid got about $125K in scholarships, bringing that down to about $275-325K.

Never go on sticker price. Can say hands down, for our kid, Quinnipiac provided a superior education at the undergraduate level, with many opportunities that may not have been had at Rutgers, including a semester abroad in Europe and a public health fellowship in South America for 6 weeks. Not every kid wants to be bussing between campuses and sitting in introductory chemistry and biology classes with 200 other students.

RU absolutely has study abroad and fellowships.

Also the competitors OP mentioned certainly have large classes.

 

[NotInRHouse]

They are interested in Tennessee, Virginia, Clemson, Boston College and a few others as they are all highly ranked programs for that major. No favorite right now so that's why I was hoping a visit could put Rutgers in good contention.

UVA and maybe, maybe BC but TN or Clemson I don't get for the price. Especially if your kid wants to work in NJ.

I would also suggest taking the kid around yourself, or have a younger alum or current student you know do it in all cases.

 

[NotInRHouse]

I think Florida, FSU, Miami and USF are in a different category due to weather. Not an apples to apples comparison. Outside of 7 football weekends (or 6 in years when the 7th home game is Thanksgiving weekend) and few students are there) State Penn is totally overhyped among the New Jersey crowd.

Also, the OOS tuition for FL schools is competitive with in state tuition in NJ, and I believe they have a program for grandchildren of residents to get cheaper tuition.

Cult has definitely declined in the Shop Rite hierarchy from when it was the be all end all for millennials. Now for Gen Z, it's all about the South- you can film the best TikToks there- but you have to filter out all the strong academic schools like UF, UGA, GT, Vandy, Emory, UVA, UNC- and stick to the Clemsons and U of Tampa.

 

[NotInRHouse]

These schools are like $75-$85K a year.

If my kid is pursuing a nursing degree I’m definitely not suggesting any of these schools with this type of price tag.

A school where the tuition costs more than the average graduation salary is totally fine.

But remember, RU concessions and parking are totally unaffordable.

Also, does anyone have any tips for booking 2 weeks on a yacht in St. Tropez? Chad was just admitted to University of Tampa and Ole Miss and we need to celebrate!

 

[RU206]

Also, the OOS tuition for FL schools is competitive with in state tuition in NJ, and I believe they have a program for grandchildren of residents to get cheaper tuition.

Cult has definitely declined in the Shop Rite hierarchy from when it was the be all end all for millennials. Now for Gen Z, it's all about the South- you can film the best TikToks there- but you have to filter out all the strong academic schools like UF, UGA, GT, Vandy, Emory, UVA, UNC- and stick to the Clemsons and U of Tampa.

Florida grandparents waiver-

https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Grandparent_Waiver_Guidance_for_Parents_Students_Nov_2025.pdf

 

[T2Kplus20]

That is extremely short-sighted. "These schools" offer scholarships. We did the math. As a comparison for PA programs.
Rutgers for 6 years runs around $300K total all in (Tuition, room/board, etc).
Quinnipiac runs around $400-450K. Our kid got about $125K in scholarships, bringing that down to about $275-325K.

Never go on sticker price. Can say hands down, for our kid, Quinnipiac provided a superior education at the undergraduate level, with many opportunities that may not have been had at Rutgers, including a semester abroad in Europe and a public health fellowship in South America for 6 weeks. Not every kid wants to be bussing between campuses and sitting in introductory chemistry and biology classes with 200 other students.

+1
Sticker price isn't that accurate regarding what is actually paid.

 

[T2Kplus20]

Completely weird and OT question, but does your child prefer you call him/her them, or are you going so just to hide identity? In addition to the typical RU story, it stood out to me you said kid and them. No need to answer if it's an issue you don't wish to discuss.

I think the OP is talking about his "kids". As in multiple children going through the college process. Right? LOL!

 

[RUPete90]

I think the OP is talking about his "kids". As in multiple children going through the college process. Right? LOL!

That's how I read it too. All that aside, I always enjoy reading these threads because you gain insight into what some of the issues are at Rutgers. Always good to hear from the actual prospective students and families going through the process.

 

[Section124]

Penn? It was over 40 years ago but my sister went there for nursing. Job placement was automatic

Great school but not easy to get into. Plus nursing classes can be small at the larger schools. And I would not say Penn is a large school like Rutgers or the others he mentioned.

 

[Section124]

These schools are like $75-$85K a year.

If my kid is pursuing a nursing degree I’m definitely not suggesting any of these schools with this type of price tag.

Those schools will all match out of state public tuition for those states. And some kids will get more assistance. Don’t rule out the privates.

 

[T2Kplus20]

That's how I read it too. All that aside, I always enjoy reading these threads because you gain insight into what some of the issues are at Rutgers. Always good to hear from the actual prospective students and families going through the process.

+1
And sadly it shows that things haven't improved much over the past 30 years (since my time as an undergrad and grad student through the 90s/early 2000s). It seemed that RU got most of the big stuff right, but then always dropped the ball on the smaller stuff/details which was annoying AF. And it would leave a negative lasting impression.

 

[T2Kplus20]

Those schools will all match out of state public tuition for those states. And some kids will get more assistance. Don’t rule out the privates.

Lots of privates are hurting and offering big assistance for quality students to reach enrollment goals.

 

[S_Janowski]

That is extremely short-sighted. "These schools" offer scholarships. We did the math. As a comparison for PA programs.
Rutgers for 6 years runs around $300K total all in (Tuition, room/board, etc).
Quinnipiac runs around $400-450K. Our kid got about $125K in scholarships, bringing that down to about $275-325K.

Never go on sticker price. Can say hands down, for our kid, Quinnipiac provided a superior education at the undergraduate level, with many opportunities that may not have been had at Rutgers, including a semester abroad in Europe and a public health fellowship in South America for 6 weeks. Not every kid wants to be bussing between campuses and sitting in introductory chemistry and biology classes with 200 other students.

His main point was that these private schools are better for nursing because of clinical and job placement.

Nurses are in demand and you definitely don’t need to go to these private schools for assurance on job placement lol.

You’re raising points that are unrelated to Nursing and those things can be found at many schools that don’t have sticker tags of $75K - $85K a year (study abroad, not having to bus from campus to campus).

Yes you can get scholarships but most kids are still be paying more in the end. Unless mommy and daddy are footing the bill which is probably your case lol.

 

[rc1980]

It’s called the Rutgers Screw!

 

[rc1980]

My son’s experience was better but he got waitlisted at the Engineering School so he went elsewhere! He still roots for Rutgers!