Rutgers Commencement Facts 2026

An estimated 18,160 graduates will receive degrees, certificates and diplomas from Rutgers this year (13,631 from Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences; 2,817 from Rutgers University-Newark, and 1,712 from Rutgers University-Camden). They include approximately 11,550 baccalaureate degrees, 4,594 master's degrees, 1,958 doctorates (including professional doctorates), and 58 professional certificates.

Since its founding in 1766, Rutgers has awarded 728,958 academic degrees (excluding the 2025-2026 estimated total).

Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Sunday, May 17, 10 a.m, SHI Stadium, Piscataway, New Jersey

Chris Markus, Rutgers alumnus and Emmy Award-winning screenwriter, will address graduates at the 260th anniversary commencement of Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Rutgers Health. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of her distinguished career in military service, law, and public leadership.

Rutgers University-Camden and Graduate School Commencement, Tuesday, May 19, 1 p.m., Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, Camden, New Jersey

Rutgers University-Camden will hold the Rutgers University-Camden and Graduate School Commencement on Tuesday, May 19, at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. Rutgers-Camden chancellor Antonio Tillis will deliver the keynote address at the ceremony.

Rutgers University-Newark, Thursday, May 21, 9 a.m., Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey

Jonathan Capehart, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and co-anchor of MS NOW's The Weekend, will be the keynote speaker at Rutgers University-Newark's commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 21 at the Prudential Center in Newark. Capeheart will also receive an honorary degree of humane letters.

General Information

Estimated numbers of graduates are from the Office of the University Registrar.

About Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the state of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. Established in 1766, the university is the eighth-oldest higher education institution in the United States. More than 69,000 students and 23,600 faculty and staff learn, work, and serve the public at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers University-Newark, Rutgers University-Camden, and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences.