As one of the oldest states in the country, New Jersey has built up a competitive higher education system, one that offers prospective students a range of educational choices. From small, professionally oriented community colleges to large, nationally recognized public universities, students can find a school that meets their future professional goals. Learn more about colleges in New Jersey, compare institutions using our search tool, read about popular cities to attend school and get further information into the real costs of going to college in the state.
New Jersey College Leaderboard: 2017-2018 Rankings
Selecting a college to attend can be a challenging proposition. Each college has its own unique selling points and drawbacks and tuition never tells the entire story. To help students make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the best colleges in New Jersey based on a blend of factors – from graduation rate to tuition, academic program availability to student-teacher ratios.
Methodology +
Minimum Qualifications
- Located in New Jersey
- Public or private not-for-profit
- Institutionally accredited
- At least 5 total programs
- Median annual alumni earnings 10 years after entering the college
- In-state tuition and fees for undergraduates
- Student/teacher ratio
- % of students receiving institutional financial aid (first-time, full-time undergrads)
- Average amount of institutional aid awarded per student (first-time, full-time undergrads)
- Availability of placement services upon completion
- Availability of academic/career counseling services
- Availability of employment services
- 3-year student cohort loan default rate
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): National Center for Education Statistics
- Latest 'Final Release' data available as of Fall 2016
College Scorecard: U.S. Department of Education
- Latest data available as of Fall 2016
Minimum Qualifications
- Located in New Jersey
- Public or private not-for-profit
- Institutionally accredited
- At least 10 total programs
- Median annual alumni earnings 10 years after entering the college
- In-state tuition and fees for undergraduates
- Student/teacher ratio
- 6-year graduation rate
- % of students receiving institutional financial aid (first-time, full-time undergrads)
- Average amount of institutional aid awarded per student (first-time, full-time undergrads)
- Availability of placement services upon completion
- Availability of academic/career counseling services
- Availability of employment services
- 3-year student cohort loan default rate
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): National Center for Education Statistics
- Latest 'Final Release' data available as of Fall 2016
College Scorecard: U.S. Department of Education
- Latest data available as of Fall 2016
| Rank | School Name | Score | Tuition Fees | Alumni Earnings | Student/Teacher Ratio | Gift Financial Aid | Description | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate | # Online Programs | # Total Programs | Placement Services | Credit for Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Rowan College at Burlington County |
99.5 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
5%
|
22% | N/A | 2 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| 2 |
Mercer County Community College |
98.11 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
1%
|
13% | N/A | 2 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| 3 |
Raritan Valley Community College |
96.45 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
3%
|
19% | N/A | 0 | N/A | No | Yes | |
| 4 |
Camden County College |
95.73 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
1%
|
14% | N/A | 2 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| 5 |
Salem Community College |
95.46 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
10%
|
25% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| 6 |
Middlesex County College |
95.07 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
1%
|
14% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
| 7 |
County College of Morris |
94.42 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
4%
|
22% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| 8 |
Brookdale Community College |
93.82 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
5%
|
21% | N/A | 3 | N/A | No | Yes | |
| 9 |
Sussex County Community College |
93.51 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
6%
|
21% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| 10 |
Ocean County College |
93.31 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
4%
|
29% | N/A | 9 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| 11 |
Cumberland County College |
92.99 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
3%
|
21% | N/A | 1 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| 12 |
Bergen Community College |
92.34 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
N/A
|
17% | N/A | 2 | N/A | Yes | No | |
| 13 |
Union County College |
91.59 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
7%
|
7% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
| 14 |
Passaic County Community College |
91.48 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
13%
|
11% | N/A | 4 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| 15 |
Essex County College |
91.46 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
4%
|
8% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| 16 |
Atlantic Cape Community College |
91.44 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
4%
|
15% | N/A | 6 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| 17 |
Rowan College at Gloucester County |
89.95 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
N/A
|
22% | N/A | 0 | N/A | No | Yes | |
| 18 |
Warren County Community College |
89.26 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
N/A
|
20% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| 19 |
Hudson County Community College |
86 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
1%
|
9% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Rank | School Name | Score | Tuition Fees | Alumni Earnings | Student/Teacher Ratio | Gift Financial Aid | Description | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate | # Online Programs | # Total Programs | Placement Services | Credit for Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology |
99.58 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
79%
|
47% | 36% | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
| 2 |
New Mexico Highlands University |
95.06 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
66%
|
16% | N/A | 3 | N/A | Yes | No | |
| 3 |
New Mexico State University-Main Campus |
93.96 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
39%
|
44% | 70% | 11 | N/A | Yes | No | |
| 4 |
University of New Mexico-Main Campus |
92.99 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
58%
|
45% | 45% | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
| 5 |
University of the Southwest |
89.44 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
98%
|
22% | N/A | 27 | N/A | No | No | |
| 6 |
Northern New Mexico College |
89.28 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
13%
|
N/A | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
| 7 |
Western New Mexico University |
86.83 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
26%
|
16% | N/A | 15 | N/A | Yes | No | |
| 8 |
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus |
86 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
42%
|
29% | 63% | 12 | N/A | Yes | No |
Explore & Research New Jersey Colleges
Finding a school that supports a student's academic needs is vital to setting the stage for future professional success. Individuals interested in attending colleges in New Jersey can use the search tool below to compare different institutions based on their size, location and tuition and find one that best fits their requirements.
College Outreach Programs in New Jersey
Besides choosing a school to attend, there are other matters to address. These issues include qualifying for admission, locating sources of financial aid and submitting applications to target institutions. A variety of statewide college planning resources are available. Below is an overview of three state-based programs open to students.
NJ STARS
NJ Stars is a statewide scholarship program open to New Jersey residents that covers tuition for attendance at each of the state's 19 community colleges. To be eligible, students must rank in the top 15 percent of their high school class, complete required prerequisite coursework and meet minimum course load requirements in college. The program includes NJ STARS II, a scholarship program for community college graduates who meet minimum GPA requirements. They are eligible for a $2,500 annual scholarship for tuition at any participating four-year New Jersey college or university.
New Jersey Place
New Jersey Pathways Leading Apprentices to a College Education (NJ Place) is a statewide program that assists individuals with an apprenticeship training to apply their education towards a degree at a participating New Jersey two- or four-year college. Administered by the State Employment and Training Commission, NJ Place has articulation agreements in place with all 19 community colleges in the state, Thomas Edison State College and Rutgers University. Example degree pathways include the Associate in Applied Science in technical studies, early childhood education, automotive technology and culinary arts.
New Jersey Gear Up
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs is a program funded by a grant from the US Department of Education. Eight higher education partner institutions participate, offering after-school tutoring, student mentoring, test preparation services, financial aid support, college preparation information and summer programs for students in 62 middle and high schools across the state. Gear Up focuses on encouraging students to take a rigorous course schedule in high school to prepare for a college education and offers scholarship to students who attend specific New Jersey colleges.
Cost of College in New Jersey: How Does It Stack Up?
The tuition sticker price does not represent how much a student will pay to attend college in New Jersey. Cost of attendance varies based on additional fees and the amount of financial aid the student receives. Learn more about the average tuition at New Jersey's colleges and how it measures against national averages.
Average New Jersey Tuition & Fees at 4-Year Public Colleges
Source: CollegeBoard
Percent of New Jersey Students Receiving Financial Aid
Source: IPEDS
Average Financial Aid Award for New Jersey Students
Source: IPEDS
* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.
New Jersey's Most Affordable Colleges
There's no two ways about it. College is expensive. However, tuition does not have to break the bank and students may be surprised at the number of affordable postsecondary options in the state. Below, we have created a list of the state's most affordable universities, along with a comparison to national affordability averages.
-
1
-
2
Yeshiva Toras Chaim$3,585
-
3
-
4
-
5
Princeton University$8,413
-
6
Average
Annual Net
Price
Cost for students awarded federal financial aid, after school and government aid is deducted. At public colleges, only applies to in-state students.
New Jersey College Net Price vs. National Average
$17,051
|
Average Annual Net Price |
$18,073
|
Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.
New Jersey Colleges with Top Alumni Earnings
College is a significant investment, one that can easily surpass $100,000 in four years of study. Before enrolling, students should get a better idea of the earning potential of graduates at the school's they are considering. Use the charts below to learn more about the median earnings of graduates in New Jersey ten years after graduation and how the state compares nationally.
-
1
-
2
Princeton University$75,100
-
3
-
4
The College of New Jersey$56,800
-
5
-
6
Seton Hall University$53,300
Annual
Median Earnings
10 Years
After Entering
College
Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
New Jersey Alumni Salaries vs. National Average
|
$48,926
|
Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After Entering College |
$42,759
|
Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.
Best New Jersey Colleges for Minimizing College Debt
New Jersey college students, on average, graduate with nearly $30,000 in student debt, according to The Institute for College Access and Success. It is vital prospective students have firm knowledge of what their college education will cost and how much debt they may have to assume to attend their selected college. The charts below provide details into the student debt rates both in New Jersey and nationwide.
-
1
Thomas Edison State College$11,289
-
2
New Jersey City University$18,000
-
3
Rowan University$21,146
-
4
-
5
Stockton University$21,500
-
6
Ramapo College of New Jersey$22,193
Median
Federal Student
Loan Debt After
Graduation
Only for undergraduates who completed college; does not include Parent-PLUS loans.
New Jersey College Grad Debt Vs. National Average
|
$22,636
|
Median Federal Student Loan Debt After Graduation |
$23,145
|
Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.
New Jersey Cost of Living: College Expenses Beyond Tuition
It is no secret that New Jersey has some of the highest cost-of-living rates in the country. Prospective New Jersey college students should have a realistic understanding of how much it actually costs to attend college in the state. Rent, groceries, utilities and transportation represent major categories that could affect where a student decides to attend school. Use the comparison table below to learn how the state compares nationally to cost-of-living figures.
| area | composite index | housing | groceries | utilities | transportation | health care | misc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide Average | 124% | 158% | 109% | 111% | 107% | 105% | 114% |
| Bergen-Passaic | 127% | 170% | 110% | 110% | 106% | 105% | 114% |
| Middlesex-Monmouth | 120% | 145% | 109% | 110% | 106% | 107% | 112% |
| Newark-Elizabeth | 125% | 160% | 108% | 113% | 108% | 104% | 115% |
Source: The Council for Community and Economic Research
Accrediting Agencies for Colleges in New Jersey
When students are reviewing their college options, they should keep accreditation in mind. In addition to educational quality, accreditation can affect a student's ability to transfer credits between colleges and their eligibility for attending graduate school. At the institutional level, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accredits colleges in New Jersey. The MSCHE ensures schools meet academic standards, adhere to institutional accountability and continually appraise student learning. Along with university-level accreditation, individual academic programs undergo a separate programmatic review. Example of program-level accrediting bodies include the following:
- Engineering Accreditation Commission (ABET) Accredits undergraduate programs in civil, chemical, aerospace, electrical and mechanical engineering at Princeton University.
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Accredits graduate program in counseling services in the School of Education at Rider University.
Popular College Cities in New Jersey
Jersey City
The second biggest city in New Jersey, Jersey City has a population of approximately 260,000 residents. It is a growing urban hub and one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the state. With its relatively low cost of living in relationship to its neighbor, New York City, the region is attracting new industry investments in technology, fashion, marketing and finance. Students can take advantage of a diverse higher education system that includes public and private community colleges, four-year universities, schools of allied health and career training institutes.
| College Name | School Type | Annual Net Price | Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. |
|---|---|---|---|
 St. Peter's University
|
Private not-for-profit | $15,289 | $44,500 |
| A private Jesuit college, St. Peter's University was founded in 1872. As one of only 28 Jesuit colleges in the county, St. Peter's offers more than 60 total degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. It boasts a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and has a student enrollment of approximately 3,300 students. The school also has pre-professional program agreements with Seton Hall University, Rutgers University and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. | |||
 New Jersey City College
|
Public | $7,239 | $28,500 |
| A four-year public college, New Jersey City College opened its door in 1929. Approximately 9,000 students study on its 57-acre campus. Offering a diverse array of 41 degree programs, students can select majors ranging from criminal justice to economics, nursing to multicultural education. The university has a 14:1 student-teacher ratio in its three major colleges: College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education and College of Professional Studies. | |||
 Hudson County Community College
|
Public | $10,966 | $41,900 |
| Founded in 1974, Hudson County Community College is a public community college with 9,000 students situated on an urban campus. Students can choose from more than 300 daytime, evening and weekend courses that lead to associate degrees and certificates in 72 different majors. The school has a specialized articulation agreement in the culinary arts with New Jersey City University and Fairleigh Dickinson University. This program is the only two-year program accredited by the American Culinary Federation. | |||
Newark
Newark is New Jersey's largest city with a population nearing 300,000 residents. Approximately 60,000 students attend college in the area - making the city one of the state's major educational hubs. There are six universities in the immediate region and 24 higher education institutions within a 20-mile drive. University Heights Science Park, a higher education collaborative, is a $350 million project set to open with high-tech office space and laboratories, high school, incubator space and housing.
| College Name | School Type | Annual Net Price | Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. |
|---|---|---|---|
 Rutgers University
|
Public | $12,762 | $54,800 |
| One of the largest universities in New Hampshire, Rutgers University is a four-year public research institution with an enrollment of more than 7,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Situated on a 106-acre campus, students can pursue academic studies in more than 90 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs across the institution's seven colleges and schools. | |||
 Essex County College
|
Public | $4,065 | $31,000 |
| Essex County College is a two-year community college located in University Heights, the heart of Newark. The campus covers three college blocks and includes a police academy in Cedar Grove and a campus in West Caldwell. Launched in 1968, the college is accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. It offers certificate and associate degree programs, with 48 different academic areas of study. Students can choose from majors ranging from allied health to engineering technologies. | |||
 New Jersey Institute of Technology
|
Public | $17,467 | $65,300 |
| The New Jersey Institute of Technology is a public research university with a 130-year history. Academics focus heavily on research. The institute serves more than 11,000 students and offers a student-faculty ratio of 18:1. The university supports its 128 undergraduate and graduate degree programs with 1,309 full-time employees. Research and development expenditures topped $110 million in 2015 and the school launched the Enterprise Development Center, the state's largest technology and life science business incubator. | |||
Source: College Scorecard
New Jersey College Resources
It is important students get assistance when planning for college. The resources below offer information into scholarships, financial aid, online classes, credit transfers and more.
Higher Education Student Assistance Authority
This state authority provides a wealth of financial aid resources to students pursuing a college education, including student loan calculators, college planning information and scholarship databases.
New Jersey Council of County Colleges
The association for the state's 19 community colleges, the New Jersey Council of County Colleges oversees transfer programs, continuing education classes, as well as community service and occupational programs.
New Jersey Distance Education Affinity Group
A consortium of 19 community colleges, the New Jersey Distance Education Affinity Group provides information about online classes and online degrees in the state.
New Jersey Transfer
New Jersey Transfer is a program that links 44 participating community colleges and four-year universities in New Jersey and assists students in transferring from a two- to a four-year program of study.
New Jersey Troops to College
A state-level program, Troops to College is a partnership between New Jersey higher education institutions and the Department of Veteran's Affairs to help veterans transition easily into an academic program at a New Jersey university or college.
State of New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education
The office oversees higher education in New Jersey and administers academic initiatives such as Gear Up, Troops to College and the Educational Opportunity Fund to support student success.