Rutgers, founded in 1766 in New Brunswick, is the eighth oldest college in the United States and a member of the Association of American Universities.

University College–Newark offers undergraduate programs that cater to non-traditional or part-time adult students who have obligations during the day and attend class in the evening or on Saturday.

The school also provides educational programs that fulfill public service obligations by helping to address the needs of criminal justice agencies within the city, state, nation, and world.

A number of Rutgers–Newark faculty members have been awarded the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship and named as Fulbright Fellows.

Specifically, Rutgers–Newark was classified in the Outreach and Partnerships category, recognizing the university for its ability to apply and provide collaboratively institutional resources that benefit both campus and community.

Rutgers University in Newark receives almost 17,000 freshman and transfer applications and enrolls about 1,700 new students each year.

Admissions decisions are based on academic potential as demonstrated by grades, grade-point average, class rank and test scores as well as extracurricular activities and demonstrated leadership such as volunteer work, school clubs and organizations, community service and paid employment.

Merit scholarships are offered at the acceptance stage to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.

Currently under construct, 5-story mixed use development will include a 391-bed honors dorm,[10] and a university owned parking garage at 155 Washington Street is set to become an 18-story market rate residential building.

A limited number of family apartment options are available for married or domestic partners and students with children in university-owned brownstones.

The American Insurance Company Building at 15 Washington Park provides graduate student housing [12] and includes public performance spaces and a penthouse for the school's chancellor.

It offers a variety of diverse musical and talk-show programs and can be heard by residents in student housing on radio dial 103.9 FM.

Security cameras in residence halls, parking lots, and in other locations act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and serve as an investigative tool.

[citation needed] Each year, the Division of Public Safety conducts workshops for students at orientation, in residence halls, and through “RU Safe” events, which are broadcast over the Rutgers television network.

The university is a member in the Division III level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) for most of its sports since the 1985–86 academic year;[14] except men's volleyball, which the NJAC does not sponsor.

Rutgers–Newark competes in 14 intercollegiate varsity sports (7 each for men and women): Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer, track & field (indoor and outdoor) and volleyball; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, track & field (indoor and outdoor) and volleyball.