History of Rutgers University in Timeline
Rutgers University, officially Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a public land-grant research university with three campuses in New Jersey. Chartered in 1766 as Queen's College, it is the eighth-oldest college in the United States, the second-oldest in New Jersey, and one of nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution. Originally affiliated with the Dutch Reformed Church, Rutgers has evolved into a major public research university.
1900: Scarlet Officially Adopted as School Color
In 1900, the board of trustees at Rutgers University officially adopted scarlet as the school color. This decision followed a proposal in May 1869, which highlighted scarlet's striking appearance and easy availability, solidifying Rutgers' identity and traditions.
1906: Establishment of Rutgers Day
Rutgers Day, an annual festival, was established in 1906. It has become a longstanding tradition that celebrates the university's community and showcases its various programs and activities to the public.
1914: Establishment of College of Engineering
In 1914, the Rutgers Scientific School expanded and a part of it became the College of Engineering, marking a significant step in the university's development of specialized programs.
1915: Selman A. Waksman graduates from Rutgers
Selman A. Waksman graduated from Rutgers University in 1915. He later earned a Nobel Prize in Medicine, contributing significantly to the field.
1916: Selman A. Waksman earns a master's from Rutgers
In 1916, Selman A. Waksman earned his master's degree from Rutgers University, preceding his significant contributions to medicine that earned him a Nobel Prize.
1918: Establishment of New Jersey College for Women
Rutgers established the New Jersey College for Women in 1918, marking an important step in the history of coeducation and expanding opportunities for women in higher education.
1919: Paul Robeson graduates from Rutgers
In 1919, Paul Robeson, a notable alumni who became a singer, athlete, attorney, and Civil Rights Movement activist, graduated from Rutgers University. He later became the namesake of cultural centers and libraries across Rutgers campuses.
1921: Accreditation by the Commission on Higher Education
In 1921, Rutgers University received accreditation from the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, marking a significant milestone in its academic recognition.
1921: Establishment of College of Agriculture
The Rutgers Scientific School further divided and established the College of Agriculture in 1921, expanding the university's focus on agricultural education and research.
1924: Ozzie Nelson's Role at Rutgers
In 1924, Ozzie Nelson, who would later become famous for 'The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,' was the quarterback for the Rutgers football team while serving as an arts editor for the Chanticleer magazine. His involvement highlighted the intersection of athletics and arts at Rutgers during this period.
1924: Establishment of School of Education
Rutgers founded the School of Education in 1924, reflecting a growing emphasis on teacher training and educational research within the university.
1924: Rutgers Becomes a University
With the expansion of graduate studies and various schools, Rutgers officially became a university in 1924, marking a significant milestone in its growth and development.
1925: Chanticleer Adopted as Mascot
In 1925, Rutgers University adopted the Chanticleer, a fighting rooster, as its mascot. This choice was influenced by the student humor magazine of the same name and introduced during a football game against Lafayette College, although it was later replaced due to ridicule.
1926: End of Ozzie Nelson's Quarterback Tenure
By 1926, Ozzie Nelson concluded his role as quarterback for the Rutgers football team. His tenure was marked by notable participation in both sports and arts, contributing to the university's diverse student activities.
1930: Louis Gluck graduated from Rutgers
In 1930, Louis Gluck graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science degree. He is known as the 'father of neonatology.'
1932: Milton Friedman graduates from Rutgers
In 1932, Milton Friedman graduated from Rutgers University. He later went on to become a Nobel laureate in economics, contributing significantly to economic theory.
1935: Establishment of University of Newark
The University of Newark, which later became part of Rutgers University, was established in 1935, expanding educational opportunities in the Newark area.
1945: Founding of University College
In 1945, Rutgers University established University College to cater to part-time and commuting students, expanding access to higher education for diverse populations.
1945: Rutgers Becomes State University
In 1945, Rutgers University officially became the State University of New Jersey.
1946: Rutgers joins Middle Three Conference
In 1946, Rutgers University became a member of the Middle Three Conference, a collegiate athletic conference. This affiliation marked a shift from Rutgers' previous status as an independent institution in athletics.
1946: University of Newark Joins Rutgers
In 1946, Rutgers University expanded by absorbing the University of Newark, creating the Rutgers University-Newark campus.
1950: South Jersey Institutions Join Rutgers
In 1950, Rutgers University expanded further by merging with the College of South Jersey and South Jersey Law School, creating Rutgers University-Camden.
1951: End of Middle Three Conference membership
By 1951, Rutgers University ended its membership with the Middle Three Conference, concluding its five-year association with the conference.
1951: Bernard Marcus graduated from Rutgers
In 1951, Bernard Marcus graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science degree. He later became the founder of the hardware retail company Home Depot.
1952: Waksman Wins Nobel Prize for Medicine
In 1952, Selman Waksman, a Rutgers University researcher, received the Nobel Prize for Medicine for his discovery of streptomycin, a groundbreaking antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis, cementing his legacy in medical science.
1955: Transition to the Scarlet Knight Mascot
In 1955, Rutgers University transitioned from the Chanticleer to the Scarlet Knight as its mascot following a campus-wide election. This change marked a new era in school spirit and identity, driven by a desire to avoid negative associations with the previous mascot.
1956: Rutgers Establishes Board of Governors
Due to disputes over control of university affairs, the state of New Jersey established a Board of Governors for Rutgers University in 1956.
1956: Stanley N. Cohen graduated from Rutgers
Stanley N. Cohen graduated from Rutgers University in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He became a pioneering geneticist in the field of gene splicing.
1956: Rutgers Designated as State University
The state legislature of New Jersey reaffirmed Rutgers' status as the state university in 1956, solidifying its public status and ensuring its continued growth and development.
1958: Rutgers joins Middle Atlantic Conference
In 1958, Rutgers University joined the Middle Atlantic Conference, marking a new chapter in its athletic affiliations.
1959: Separation of Rutgers Preparatory School
In 1959, the Queen's College Grammar School, which had been affiliated with Rutgers since its founding, separated from the university and became the independent Rutgers Preparatory School.
1960: Bill Rasmussen graduated from Rutgers
In 1960, Bill Rasmussen earned his MBA from Rutgers University. He went on to found ESPN, a major sports network.
1961: Rutgers football team ranked fifteenth
In 1961, the Rutgers football team achieved a high ranking of fifteenth in major college football polls, a significant milestone for the team at the time.
1961: End of Middle Atlantic Conference membership
The year 1961 saw Rutgers University ending its membership in the Middle Atlantic Conference, which it had joined in 1958.
1962: Robert Pinsky graduates from Rutgers
In 1962, Robert Pinsky graduated from Rutgers University. He later became the United States Poet Laureate, contributing greatly to American literature.
1962: Development of Science Library
In 1962, Rutgers University began developing a library focused on science, leading to the establishment of the Library of Science and Medicine, which serves as a central resource for scientific research and education.
1963: David Stern graduated from Rutgers
In 1963, David Stern graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He went on to become the commissioner of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
1963: Ruth Bader Ginsburg started teaching at Rutgers
In 1963, Ruth Bader Ginsburg began her tenure as a professor at Rutgers Law School. She taught there for 9 years before becoming an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
July 1964: Establishment of the Library of Science and Medicine
In July 1964, Rutgers University officially established the Library of Science and Medicine on the Busch Campus in Piscataway, creating a dedicated facility for science and medicine resources, including a U.S. patent collection.
1966: Duncan MacMillan graduated from Rutgers
In 1966, Duncan MacMillan graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science degree. He co-founded Bloomberg L.P., a financial data and media company.
1967: Peter C. Schultz graduated from Rutgers
In 1967, Peter C. Schultz graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science degree. He is a co-inventor of fiber optics.
1967: Loss of NSF Grant
In 1967, Rutgers' Physics Department faced a setback when it lost a Centers of Excellence Grant from the NSF due to disagreements with the governor and chancellor over tenure conditions.
1969: Establishment of Livingston College
In 1969, Rutgers established Livingston College with the aim of addressing the educational needs and promoting the interests of ethnically diverse students in New Jersey.
September 10, 1970: Rutgers College Admits Women
On September 10, 1970, after extensive discussions and debates, the board of governors at Rutgers made the historic decision to admit women into Rutgers College, marking a significant step towards gender equality in education.
1970: Establishment of Rutgers Medical School
Rutgers Medical School was established in 1970, expanding the university's involvement in medical education and research.
1971: Separation of Rutgers Medical School
In 1971, Rutgers Medical School was separated from Rutgers University and became part of the New Jersey College of Medicine and Dentistry, leading to disruptions and the departure of some faculty, including Dean Dewitt Stetten.
1971: Louis Freeh graduates from Rutgers
Louis Freeh graduated from Rutgers University in 1971. He later served as the director of the FBI, contributing significantly to law enforcement in the United States.
November 6, 1972: First intercollegiate Ultimate Frisbee competition
On November 6, 1972, Rutgers University participated in the first intercollegiate Ultimate Frisbee competition against Princeton University, winning the game 29–27. This event marked the 103rd anniversary of the first intercollegiate football game.
1972: Ruth Bader Ginsburg ended teaching at Rutgers
Ruth Bader Ginsburg concluded her teaching career at Rutgers Law School in 1972. She later became a prominent Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
1974: Louis Freeh earns a Juris Doctor from Rutgers
In 1974, Louis Freeh earned his Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers University, setting the stage for his future role as FBI director.
1974: Introduction of Women's Crew
In 1974, Rutgers University expanded its rowing program by introducing women's crew, enhancing opportunities for female athletes and demonstrating a commitment to gender equality in sports.
1976: Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men's Basketball reaches Final Four
In 1976, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men's basketball team reached the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament's Final Four, ending the season ranked fourth in the United States after losses to the University of Michigan and UCLA.
December 16, 1978: Rutgers plays in Garden State Bowl
On December 16, 1978, Rutgers University's football team played in the Garden State Bowl, where they lost to Arizona State University with a score of 34–18. This was a significant bowl appearance for the team at the time.
1978: Rutgers joins Atlantic 10 Conference
In 1978, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights became a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference, expanding their athletic participation into a new conference.
1980: Rutgers maintains athletic rivalries
As of 1980, Rutgers University maintained historic athletic rivalries with several institutions like Princeton, Columbia, and others, though they hadn't met in football competition since that year. These rivalries persisted in other sports.
1982: Centralization of Liberal Arts Faculties
In 1982, President Edward J. Bloustein led the centralization of liberal arts faculties at Rutgers into a single Faculty of Arts and Sciences, while maintaining separate residential colleges for students.
1982: Rutgers women's basketball wins AIAW National Championship
In 1982, the Rutgers women's basketball team won the AIAW National Championship, establishing the program's competitive presence in collegiate sports.
1982: Mario Batali graduated from Rutgers
Mario Batali graduated from Rutgers University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He became a renowned chef and television personality.
1983: James Gandolfini graduated from Rutgers
In 1983, James Gandolfini graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He later became a well-known actor, famous for his role in 'The Sopranos.'
January 1987: Non-Teaching Staff Strike
In January 1987, approximately 2,800 non-teaching staff members at Rutgers went on strike for nine days to demand higher salaries, eventually reaching an agreement with the administration.
1989: Membership in the Association of American Universities
In 1989, Rutgers University became a member of the Association of American Universities, joining an elite group of 62 leading research universities in North America, enhancing its reputation as a research institution.
1990: Dev Ittycheria graduated from Rutgers
Dev Ittycheria graduated from Rutgers University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He later became CEO of MongoDB Inc.
1991: Angela Christiano earned Ph.D. from Rutgers
In 1991, Angela Christiano earned her Ph.D. from Rutgers University. She became recognized for her work in molecular genetics.
1991: Rutgers joins Big East Conference for football
In 1991, Rutgers University joined the Big East Conference specifically for football, enhancing its competitive athletic profile.
1991: Rutgers men's basketball plays in NCAA tournament
In 1991, the Rutgers men's basketball team participated in the NCAA tournament, a significant milestone for the program at the time.
1992: Junot Díaz graduates from Rutgers
Junot Díaz graduated from Rutgers University in 1992. He later won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2008, making significant contributions to literature.
1994: David Levering Lewis won Pulitzer Prize
In 1994, David Levering Lewis, a history professor at Rutgers, won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography for his biography of W. E. B. Du Bois.
1995: All sports programs join Big East Conference
By 1995, all sports programs at Rutgers New Brunswick became affiliated with the Big East Conference, unifying the university's athletic teams under one conference.
1997: Men's soccer wins Big East Conference tournament
In 1997, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men's soccer team won the Big East Conference tournament title, marking a significant achievement for the program.
1999: Inception of Rutgers Dance Marathon
In 1999, Rutgers University initiated its Dance Marathon, a student-run organization that raises funds for the Embrace Kids Foundation through a series of events culminating in a 32-hour marathon. This tradition has raised over $1.3 million, showcasing the philanthropic spirit of the Rutgers community.
2000: Michael R. Douglas won Sackler Prize
In 2000, Michael R. Douglas, a string theorist and director at Rutgers, won the Sackler Prize in theoretical physics.
2000: Baseball team wins Big East Conference tournament
In 2000, the Rutgers baseball team secured the Big East Conference tournament title, highlighting a key victory for the team.
2000: Women's basketball team reaches Final Four
In 2000, the Rutgers women's basketball team reached the Final Four, showcasing their strength and competitiveness in the NCAA Women's Championship Tournament.
2001: David Levering Lewis won second Pulitzer Prize
David Levering Lewis won his second Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography in 2001 for the continuation of his biography on W. E. B. Du Bois.
December 27, 2005: Rutgers football team plays in Insight Bowl
On December 27, 2005, Rutgers University's football team participated in the Insight Bowl, where they faced Arizona State University and lost 45 to 40. This marked Rutgers' first bowl appearance since 1978.
2005: Mario Szegedy won Gödel Prize
In 2005, Mario Szegedy, affiliated with Rutgers, won the Gödel Prize for his advancements in theoretical computer science.
2005: Men's track & field wins Big East Conference tournament
The year 2005 saw the Rutgers men's track & field team win the Big East Conference tournament title, showcasing the team's competitive success.
November 9, 2006: Rutgers football team defeats Louisville Cardinals
On November 9, 2006, Rutgers University's football team achieved a significant victory over the third-ranked, undefeated Louisville Cardinals. This win elevated Rutgers' rankings in major college football polls to historic heights.
December 28, 2006: Rutgers wins Texas Bowl
On December 28, 2006, Rutgers University's football team won the inaugural Texas Bowl, defeating Kansas State University 37–10. This victory capped off an impressive season, with the team finishing ranked twelfth in the final AP poll, the highest in its history.
2006: Discontinuation of Men's Crew Financial Support
In 2006, Rutgers University discontinued financial support for the men's crew program, prompting alumni and private donors to fund the team. Despite this challenge, the crew continued to compete at a high level in the Eastern Association of Rowing Colleges.
2006: Women's basketball team ranks in Top 25
In 2006, under Head Coach C. Vivian Stringer, the Rutgers women's basketball team consistently ranked among the Top 25 teams in the country and participated in the NCAA Women's Championship Tournament.
2007: Launch of Rutgers Future Scholars Program
In 2007, Rutgers University launched the Rutgers Future Scholars Program, aimed at supporting low-income 7th graders from local areas to achieve academic success and become first-generation college students. The program offers mentoring and college prep courses, with full tuition scholarships for those admitted to the university.
2007: Merger and Creation of School of Arts and Sciences
In 2007, Rutgers merged several colleges and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences to create a unified School of Arts and Sciences, marking the end of Rutgers College as a separate institution after 241 years.
2007: Baseball and women's basketball win Big East titles
In 2007, both the Rutgers baseball team and women's basketball team won the Big East Conference tournament titles, marking a year of significant success for Rutgers athletics.
2007: Discontinuation of six sports at Rutgers
In the fall of 2007, Rutgers University discontinued six NCAA Division I sports, including men's swimming and diving, men's crew, and tennis, citing budget cuts. Some programs continued as club teams, while others were disbanded entirely.
2007: Women's basketball team wins Big East Championship
The 2006–2007 season saw the Rutgers women's basketball team win their first-ever Big East Conference Tournament Championship, marking a historic achievement for the program.
2008: Junot Díaz wins Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
In 2008, Junot Díaz, a Rutgers alumni, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, recognizing his impactful contributions to literature.
2008: Phi Delta Epsilon at Rutgers
In 2008, Rutgers University hosted a chapter of Phi Delta Epsilon, the only active co-ed pre-medical fraternity on the New Brunswick campus. This addition marked Rutgers' commitment to diverse and inclusive Greek life, catering to specific academic interests like pre-medical studies.
2008: Rutgers-Newark Ranked Most Diverse Campus
In 2008, U.S. News & World Report recognized Rutgers University–Newark as the most diverse university campus in the United States, highlighting the institution's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
2010: Rutgers A Cappella Achievements
In 2010, Rutgers University's a cappella group, The OrphanSporks, achieved significant success by placing second in the semifinals of the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella. This event highlighted the university's strong tradition of musical excellence and participation in competitive a cappella events.
2010: Financial Aid Distribution in 2010
In the 2010 academic year, Rutgers University distributed $492,260,845 in financial aid to undergraduates and $182,384,256 to graduate students, with a significant portion coming from federal sources. 81.4% of undergraduates and 81.5% of graduates received aid.
2011: Financial Aid Distribution in 2011
During the 2011 academic year, Rutgers University provided extensive financial aid to students, with 81.4% of undergraduates and 81.5% of graduates receiving funding from federal, state, university, and private sources, illustrating the institution's support for its students.
2011: Proposed Merger with Rowan University
In 2011, a proposal by Governor Chris Christie to merge Rutgers-Camden with Rowan University faced strong opposition from the Rutgers community and was ultimately rejected.
2011: Rutgers Tuition Protests
In 2011, students at Rutgers organized protests against rising tuition costs and reduced state subsidies, advocating for affordable education.
2011: Closure of the New Jersey Museum of Agriculture
In 2011, the New Jersey Museum of Agriculture, located on the Rutgers University campus, closed its doors, marking the end of its role in promoting agricultural history and education.
June 20, 2012: Rutgers Integrates New Brunswick Theological Seminary Land
On June 20, 2012, Rutgers University announced its plan to integrate five acres of land from the New Brunswick Theological Seminary into its College Avenue Campus. In exchange, Rutgers agreed to rebuild the seminary on a different location.
November 2012: Rutgers leaves Big East Conference
In November 2012, Rutgers University, alongside Louisville, Connecticut, and Cincinnati, left the Big East Conference to form the American Athletic Conference, marking a significant change in its athletic affiliations.
2012: Endre Szemerédi awarded the Abel Prize
Endre Szemerédi, associated with Rutgers, was awarded the Abel Prize in 2012 for his contributions to mathematics.
2012: New Jersey Medical and Health Sciences Education Restructuring Act
In 2012, the New Jersey Medical and Health Sciences Education Restructuring Act led to the dissolution of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, resulting in the merger of its schools into the new Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences by 2013.
2012: Tuition Costs for 2012 Academic Year
In the 2012 academic year, Rutgers University estimated tuition costs for in-state undergraduate students living on-campus at $25,566 and $30,069 for graduate students. Out-of-state students faced higher costs, with undergraduates paying $38,228 and graduates $39,069.
August 2013: Relocation of Rutgers Grease Trucks
In August 2013, the iconic Rutgers Grease Trucks were relocated from their designated lot to accommodate the construction of a new student apartment complex. Three trucks remained on the College Avenue Campus, while the others moved to the Cook/Douglass Campus, marking a significant change in campus culture.
2013: Medical School Reintegrated with Rutgers
After the dissolution of the University of Medicine and Dentistry, Rutgers Medical School was reintegrated into Rutgers University in 2013.
2013: Rutgers faculty recognized by National Academies
As of 2013, 37 Rutgers faculty members in science, engineering, and medicine were recognized as members of the four National Academies, highlighting their contributions to their respective fields.
2013: Rutgers transition to American Athletic Conference
During the 2012-2013 season, Rutgers University transitioned to the American Athletic Conference after leaving the Big East, amidst several other schools shifting conferences.
2013: Tuition Costs for 2013 Academic Year
For the 2013 academic year, in-state students at Rutgers University paid $13,073 in tuition, while out-of-state students were charged $26,393. Room and board costs were $11,412, reflecting the university's financial structure.
2013: Formation of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
In 2013, Rutgers University formed Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences by integrating schools from the dissolved University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, enhancing its focus on medical and health education.
2013: Rutgers Merges with UMDNJ
In 2013, Rutgers University merged with most of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), creating Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences. This brought the New Jersey Medical School and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School under the Rutgers umbrella.
2013: Rutgers Updates Alma Mater Lyrics
In 2013, Rutgers University updated the lyrics of its alma mater, "On the Banks of the Old Raritan," to be more inclusive. The line about fathers sending their sons to Rutgers was changed to reflect a broader range of students.
2013: Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Established
In 2013, following the merger with UMDNJ, Rutgers created Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) as an umbrella organization for its health-related schools, centers, and institutes.
July 1, 2014: Rutgers joins Big Ten Conference
Effective July 1, 2014, Rutgers University transitioned from the American Athletic Conference to the Big Ten Conference, becoming the easternmost school in the conference, surpassing Penn State.
2015: Gregory Pardlo won Pulitzer Prize for Poetry
In 2015, Gregory Pardlo, both an alumnus and faculty member at Rutgers, won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.
2015: Dance Marathon Fundraising Achievement
In 2015, Rutgers University's Dance Marathon, an annual philanthropic event, raised $692,046 for the Embrace Kids Foundation. This significant achievement demonstrated the commitment and dedication of Rutgers students to supporting children with cancer and blood disorders.
2015: Rutgers football team's losing season
The 2015 season was challenging for the Rutgers football team, with a 4–8 record, continuing a period of struggle for the program.
November 10, 2016: Rutgers Celebrates 250th Anniversary
On November 10, 2016, Rutgers University marked its 250th anniversary with a series of events. Earlier that year, President Barack Obama became the first sitting president to deliver a commencement address at Rutgers.
November 2016: Rutgers Releases Research on Founders' Ties to Slavery
In November 2016, Rutgers University published research revealing the involvement of some of its founders in slavery and the displacement of Native Americans from the land where the university was built.
2016: Sigma Chi Fundraising Record
In 2016, the Iota Psi chapter of Sigma Chi at Rutgers University set a national Greek record by raising $300,007 for the Children's Miracle Network. This achievement was made possible with the collaboration of seven sororities and marked a significant philanthropic milestone for Greek life at Rutgers.
2016: Rutgers football team's losing season
In 2016, the Rutgers football team faced challenges, ending the season with a 2–10 record, marking a difficult period for the program.
March 23, 2019: Rutgers wins first NCAA wrestling championships
On March 23, 2019, Nick Suriano and Anthony Ashnault won national titles in wrestling, earning Rutgers University its first two NCAA wrestling championships.
January 2020: Jonathan Holloway Becomes Rutgers' First Black President
Jonathan Holloway was appointed president of Rutgers University in January 2020, making history as the first African American and person of color to hold the position.
July 1, 2020: Jonathan Holloway Assumes Presidency
Jonathan Holloway officially began his term as president of Rutgers University on July 1, 2020.
2020: National Merit Scholarship Sponsorship
In 2020, Rutgers University sponsored 21 National Merit Scholarship awards as part of the National Merit Scholarship Program, supporting talented students in their academic pursuits.
2020: CWUR Ranking in 2020
In the 2020-2021 period, the Center for World University Rankings placed Rutgers-New Brunswick 29th nationally and 50th globally, underscoring its strong academic reputation.
2021: CWUR Ranking in 2021
During 2021, Rutgers-New Brunswick was ranked 29th nationally by the Center for World University Rankings, affirming its status as a leading academic institution.
2021: National Merit Scholars in 2020-2021
During the 2020-2021 academic year, 29 freshman students at Rutgers University were recognized as National Merit Scholars, highlighting the institution's commitment to academic excellence.
2021: Class of 2025 Admission Statistics
In 2021, the New Brunswick campus of Rutgers University received 43,161 applications for the Class of 2025, admitting 29,419 students, a 68.2% acceptance rate. The yield rate was 24.2%, with 7,105 students enrolling.
2021: Rutgers men's basketball returns to NCAA tournament
In 2021, the Rutgers men's basketball team was selected to participate in the NCAA tournament, marking the program's first appearance since 1991.
2022: QS World University Ranking in 2022
In 2022, QS Top Universities ranked Rutgers-New Brunswick 264th globally, reflecting its international academic standing.
2022: Rutgers men's lacrosse reaches Final Four
In 2022, the Rutgers men's lacrosse team reached their first-ever Final Four in the NCAA Division I tournament after defeating Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, though their season ended with a loss to Cornell.
April 9, 2023: First Academic Strike in Rutgers History
On April 9, 2023, three unions at Rutgers University went on strike due to stalled contract negotiations. This marked the first academic strike in the university's history.
April 15, 2023: Rutgers Strike Ends with Tentative Agreement
The strike by Rutgers University academics ended on April 15, 2023, when a tentative agreement was reached between the unions and university officials.
July 18, 2023: RBHS renamed to Rutgers Health
On July 18, 2023, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) officially changed its name to Rutgers Health.
2023: Value of Henry Rutgers' Donation
As of 2023, the $5,000 bond donated by Henry Rutgers in 1826 is equivalent to $135,000, demonstrating the significant impact of his contribution to the college's financial stability.
2024: 2024 U.S. News & World Report Rankings
In 2024, the U.S. News & World Report ranked Rutgers University's New Brunswick campus 40th among national universities and 15th among public universities. Several graduate programs were also highly ranked, reflecting the university's academic strengths.
2025: Class of 2025 Admission Statistics
For the Class of 2025, enrolling in fall 2021, Rutgers University’s New Brunswick campus received 43,161 applications, accepting 29,419 students, which is 68.2% of applicants. The enrollment rate was 7,105 students, with a yield rate of 24.2%.
