At the end of September, Rutgers University–Camden achieved its highest-ever ranking in the country, ranking 97 on the 2026 U.S. News & World Report list of all U.S. national universities. This represents a major increase in the campus’ national stature — it has moved up 55 spots since being ranked 152nd in 2021 — and reinforces its position as one of New Jersey’s most affordable and academically competitive public universities.
In addition to its overall rank, Rutgers–Camden was ranked 46th in the nation for “Top Public Schools” and 9th for “Social Mobility.” The latter category recognizes colleges that enroll and graduate large numbers of Pell Grant recipients and first-generation students.
“[These] rankings demonstrate the momentum of our campus and the success of our students,” Rutgers–Camden Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis stated. “Many people still think of Camden based on what the city looked like 20 years ago; however, our students today are walking to internships in Philadelphia, conducting research at Cooper University Hospital, and graduating with significantly less debt than many of their peers who attended private institutions.”
Here are the Rutgers–Camden rankings by the numbers:
• Rutgers-Camden’s national ranking: 97th out of 436.
• Top Public Schools Ranking: 46th.
• Social Mobility: 9th.
• Undergraduate Nursing: 74th.
• Best Colleges for Veterans: 63rd.
• Niche 2025 Overall Grade: B+.
• Best Colleges in New Jersey (Niche): 8th among nearly 50 four-year colleges and universities.
• Best Value Colleges in New Jersey: 3rd.
Metrics related to student success continue to be key factors in Rutgers–Camden’s upward trajectory:
• Acceptance Rate: 77%.
• Tuition (in-state): $18,651.
• Average Net Price After Aid: $18,735.
• Six-Year Graduation Rate: 66%.
• Median Salary Five to Six Years After Graduating: $75,436.
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 12 to 1.
• Total Undergraduate Enrollment: approximately 3,857 students.
While Rutgers-Camden is generally less competitive than Rutgers-New Brunswick and Stevens Institute of Technology, it has comparable or superior wage outcomes for its graduates relative to many of those higher-priced private colleges, and thus is classified as one of the best value colleges in the area.
Comparing Rutgers-Camden to other New Jersey colleges
Ranked #8 in the State by Niche, Rutgers-Camden is in the same tier as major research institutions such as NJIT and Rutgers-Newark. Additionally, its median graduate salary is equivalent to or greater than many higher-priced private colleges. Only three New Jersey colleges were scored higher than Rutgers-Camden in terms of “Value.”
When compared to the rest of New Jersey’s top colleges and universities:
• Princeton leads the nation in terms of national ranking.
• Rutgers-New Brunswick ranks 41st.
• Stevens ranks 80th.
• NJIT ranks 82nd.
• Rutgers-Camden ranks 97th — along with several mid-tier national universities.
For many New Jersey residents, the campus provides a unique combination of convenience, cost-effectiveness, and academic pathway opportunities that make it an increasingly popular option.
A campus on the rise
Campus officials point to specific investments in research, faculty hiring, and student support as reasons for the significant rise in rankings. Despite the long-standing national perception of Camden as a dangerous city, the campus is located in one of the safest areas. Violent crime in the waterfront and medical districts of Camden has fallen by more than 50% since the 2013 restructuring of the police department.
Reviews of Rutgers-Camden from students on Niche praise faculty members as approachable and supportive, and give them A grades. Diversity is also highly rated, while campus life is somewhat mixed because many students travel to and from South Jersey and Philadelphia.
“Our nursing, business, criminal justice, and public affairs programs drive this campus,” said Provost Donna Nickitas. “Our nursing graduates consistently exceed national averages in NCLEX scores. Our business school is AACSB-accredited. And, our law school is among the top 100 in the country. These accomplishments influence career paths for our students.”
Strong return on investment
Independent researchers have estimated the return on investment for Rutgers-Camden at 181%, making it better than many private and regional colleges and universities with higher tuitions. Rutgers-Camden graduates have reported strong job placements in healthcare, public policy, criminal justice, business, and law.
For thousands of first-generation and working-class students, Rutgers-Camden offers the opportunity to attend a nationally-ranked university without the financial burdens associated with many similar programs at other institutions.
Moving forward
Groundbreaking for a $70 million nursing and science building, one of the largest construction projects in the campus’s history, is underway. Campus officials stated that the building will help to further develop research and enhance programs that are already attracting a large number of students.
With new grants, additional faculty, and rising enrollment, Rutgers-Camden officials believe that they can move the campus into the top 80 national universities in the next five years.
Once considered a “second” campus, Rutgers-Camden is now becoming a destination for many New Jersey college-bound students.