i was there a few weeks ago. lively campus atmosphere. history. tradition. nice buildings. a vibrant community. places to live, places to eat, places to drink and hang out. and, strong academic programs (better than most think).
of course, it's no comparison to the UNCs and UVAs of the world. but they've parlayed a few good football seasons into a money machine (and now, schiano is back). i was there for the MSU upset in 2005 (the FG contest).
outsiders hear rutgers and they think, armpit of america, highest STD rate, jersey shore, etc. But it really has a lot of positives. if it didnt, the B1G would NOT have come calling for a perennial athletics doormat.
then again, rutgers was founded in the late 1700s. we are 1957.