Rutgers University

6 days ago

5 min read

I recently traveled through New Jersey and had the chance to tour Rutgers University. If you're looking for a college with serious history, big-school energy, research opportunities, Division I athletics, and an enormous alumni network, Rutgers might deserve a spot on your college list. I found a bustling campus, engaged students, and endless opportunities available.

History:

Rutgers was founded in 1766, ten years before the Declaration of Independence was signed. Originally called Queen's College, it was established under a charter signed by New Jersey Royal Governor William Franklin, the son of Benjamin Franklin. That makes Rutgers one of only nine colonial colleges established before the American Revolution.

The college's name changed in 1825, when Queen's College became Rutgers College in honor of Colonel Henry Rutgers, a Revolutionary War veteran, philanthropist, and benefactor.

Rutgers' connection to American history is particularly strong. When the Revolutionary War began, classes were suspended and students and faculty participated in the war effort. Rutgers students have continued to play roles in American public life, science, politics, education, and culture for generations.

Rutgers evolved dramatically during the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1864, Rutgers Scientific School was established and Rutgers became New Jersey's land-grant institution. In 1924, Rutgers College became Rutgers University. By 1956, state legislation formally designated Rutgers as The State University of New Jersey.

Today, Rutgers has major university locations in New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden, as well as Rutgers Health.

Fun Facts:

Rutgers Is the Birthplace of College Football

The first intercollegiate football game was played at Rutgers on November 6, 1869.

Rutgers played Princeton in a game that looked quite different from modern football. Each team had 25 players, and the rules allowed players to use both their hands and feet. Rutgers won 6–4.

That historic game helped launch what would become one of America's biggest collegiate traditions: college football.

And the Rutgers–Princeton rivalry continued for more than a century, making it one of the oldest rivalries in college sports.

Why Is Rutgers' Color Scarlet?

Rutgers students adopted scarlet as the school's color in 1869, the same year as that historic football game. According to Rutgers, one story says students originally considered orange because of the university's Dutch heritage but settled on scarlet.

Today, scarlet is everywhere: on game days, around campus, on sweatshirts, flags, signs, and, of course, the famous Scarlet Knights mascot.

The Scarlet Knight

Rutgers' mascot is the Scarlet Knight, a symbol that has become synonymous with the university.

But the Scarlet Knight wasn't always Rutgers' mascot. Rutgers previously used the Chanticleer, or rooster, and before that the school was sometimes represented by the Queensmen. The Scarlet Knight was selected by a campus vote in 1955.

Today, you'll find a Scarlet Knight statue near The Yard, one of the gathering spots on the New Brunswick campus.

"On the Banks of the Old Raritan"

One of the most recognizable Rutgers traditions is the university's alma mater:

"On the Banks of the Old Raritan."

The song dates to the 19th century and celebrates Rutgers' location along the Raritan River. It remains an important part of university ceremonies and school spirit.

Another Rutgers tradition is "The Bells Must Ring," the school's fight song. The song was inspired by the bell in the cupola of Old Queens. The bell originally signaled the beginning and end of classes and is now associated with important university occasions and celebrations.

If you attend Rutgers, you'll quickly discover that knowing the songs and chants is part of becoming a Scarlet Knight.

Homecoming Is a Big Deal

Rutgers' annual Homecoming & Family Weekend brings together current students, families, alumni, and fans.

Events include football, tailgating, entertainment, and other campus activities. Rutgers even hosts an annual Homecoming Charity Bed Race, giving students another opportunity to participate in a quirky campus tradition beyond the football game.

For students who love the energy of a large university, weekends like this are one of the ways Rutgers' size becomes an advantage.

By the Numbers:

Rutgers is enormous, but its size is part of what makes the academic possibilities so extensive.

According to Rutgers' current information there are:

71,000+ students across the university
51,400+ undergraduate students
19,400+ graduate students
Students from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and 135 countries
29 schools and colleges
150+ undergraduate majors
400+ graduate programs
300+ research centers and institutes
26 libraries
617,000+ alumni worldwide
More than 9,930 faculty members
More than 17,400 staff members

Rutgers also granted more than 18,150 degrees during 2025–26, bringing the university's total number of degrees awarded since its founding to more than 728,950.

Student Body:

Rutgers attracts students from throughout New Jersey, across the United States, and around the world.

Approximately 81% of students are New Jersey residents, while 19% come from outside the state. Rutgers reports students from 135 countries, creating a campus environment with significant geographic and cultural diversity.

Rutgers' universitywide full-time enrollment is also notably diverse, including students identifying as Asian, Hispanic, Black/African American, international, multiracial, White, and other groups.

For prospective students, that means there are opportunities to meet people with backgrounds and experiences very different from your own.

Research:

Rutgers isn't simply a large undergraduate university. It is a major research institution.

The university has 300+ research centers and institutes and reported nearly $1 billion in research grants and sponsored programs during fiscal year 2025. Rutgers says it spends more on research and development than all other New Jersey colleges and universities combined.

That can be especially exciting for students interested in fields such as:

Engineering
Computer science
Biology
Environmental science
Medicine
Public policy
Psychology
Business
Agriculture
Arts and humanities

At a university this large, students can potentially find research opportunities that simply aren't available at smaller colleges.

Yes, Rutgers Has Its Own Tomato:

Here's one of the more unexpected Rutgers fun facts: the Rutgers tomato.

Rutgers agricultural research helped produce the famous Rutgers tomato in 1934, and the variety became enormously influential in American commercial agriculture. Rutgers' agricultural legacy continues today through research and newer developments such as the Rutgers Scarlet strawberry.

So when you're touring campus, remember: Rutgers' contributions aren't limited to football and academics. The university has also had a significant impact on what Americans eat!

Arts and Culture:

Rutgers isn't only about STEM and athletics.

The university is home to the Mason Gross School of the Arts, as well as extensive programs in theater, dance, visual art, music, and other creative disciplines. Rutgers' history also includes influential figures such as Paul Robeson, the Rutgers Class of 1919 graduate who became an internationally recognized actor, singer, athlete, and activist.

Rutgers also has connections to major cultural figures including James Dickson Carr, the first African American to graduate from Rutgers, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who taught at Rutgers Law School and served as the first faculty adviser of the Women's Rights Law Reporter.

And because Rutgers is located in New Jersey, students also have access to the cultural and professional opportunities of the New York City and Philadelphia region.

I was impressed with all I discovered. If Rutgers sounds like a good fit, I encourage you to take a tour in person and go online to Explore Rutgers University.