Our Progress and What Comes Next

October 28, 2026

Dear Rutgers–New Brunswick Community,

When we launched our Academic Master Plan, we set out to build on Rutgers–New Brunswick’s strengths and create new opportunities for our students, faculty, staff, and the communities we serve.

Today, I’m pleased to share our Academic Master Plan Progress Report, highlighting what we’ve accomplished together and the students, faculty, staff, and partners who have made that progress possible. I also encourage you to explore our AMP Impact Report webpage, which features stories and achievements from across our university.

We have much to celebrate. Our four-year graduation rate has increased from 61 percent to 70 percent, and 84 percent of our students now graduate within six years. Spending on sponsored projects has grown from approximately $263 million in fiscal year 2022 to more than $324 million in fiscal year 2025. This year, physicist Eva Andrei became the first Rutgers faculty member to receive the Kavli Prize in Nanoscience. And Rutgers–New Brunswick now ranks No. 14 among public universities nationwide, our highest ranking to date.

But the numbers tell only part of the story. Our students are finding the support and opportunities they need to succeed. Our faculty are making discoveries and working across disciplines in new ways. Our staff are strengthening the programs and services that support this work. And together with our community partners, we’re putting Rutgers’ knowledge and expertise to work across New Jersey.

The Academic Master Plan grew out of a shared vision for Rutgers–New Brunswick. More than 4,000 responses from across our university community helped shape the plan and its priorities. Since then, people across Rutgers–New Brunswick have worked to turn those ideas into action.

As we look ahead, we have a strong foundation to build on and more to accomplish together: improving the student experience, advancing academic and research excellence, and deepening our impact in New Jersey and beyond.

Thank you for the ideas, expertise, and commitment you bring to Rutgers–New Brunswick every day. We’ve made meaningful progress together, and I’m excited about what we can accomplish next.

Sincerely,

Francine Conway
Chancellor
Rutgers University–New Brunswick