Rutgers-Newark An Opportunity University
November 24, 2025
Rutgers University–Newark has been designated an Opportunity College and University, a category created for the first time by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education to recognize schools that excel at helping economically disadvantaged students find careers that pay competitive wages.
Rutgers-Newark was among 478 schools nationwide selected for the designation. “The majority of students apply to college with the hope it is a path to opportunity, and the job they’ve dreamt about,” said Timothy F.C. Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation. “This work is about ensuring that institutions are recognized when they empower students to reach their goals and succeed.”
The recognition comes as U.S. News & World Report named Rutgers-Newark #5 nationwide and #1 in New Jersey for Social Mobility for the second year in a row. Rutgers-Newark has accomplished these standings while also being recognized as a top 40 public institution (#36), based on metrics that include higher graduation rates compared to the national average, lower student debt upon graduation, lower faculty-student ratios, and competitive faculty salaries.