Rutgers University

Also known as Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Rutgers, rutgers.edu, State University of New Jersey Rutgers, Rutgers State University of New Jersey, Rutgers--the State University, newbrunswick.rutgers.edu

multi-campus public research university in New Jersey, United States

Key facts

Former names: Queen's College, (1766–1825), Rutgers College, (1825–1924), Rutgers University, (1924–1945)
Motto: Sol iustitiae et occidentem illustra ( Latin )
Motto in english: Sun of righteousness, shine also upon the West.
Type: Private college (1766–1945) , Public land-grant research university
Established: November 10, 1766 ; 259 years ago ( 1766-11-10 )
Accreditation: MSCHE
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian - historically Dutch Reformed
Academic affiliation: AAU CUMU ORAU URA sea-grant space-grant
Endowment: $2.35 billion (2025), (system-wide)
President: William F. Tate IV
Academic staff: 4,314
Administrative staff

Article

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, commonly referred to as Rutgers University or simply Rutgers (/ˈrʌtɡərz/ RUT-gərz), is a large public land-grant research university consisting of three campuses in New Jersey. Chartered in 1766, Rutgers was originally called Queen's College and was affiliated with the Dutch Reformed Church. It is the eighth-oldest college in the United States, the second-oldest in New Jersey (after Princeton University), and one of nine colonial colleges that were chartered before the American Revolution.

In 1825, Queen's College was renamed Rutgers College in honor of Colonel Henry Rutgers, whose substantial gift to the school had stabilized its finances during a period of uncertainty. From its founding to the mid 20th century, Rutgers was a private liberal arts college. It has evolved into a major public research university since being designated the State University of New Jersey by the state's legislature in 1945 and 1956.