25 Best Colleges in New Jersey

Best Colleges in New Jersey: Although there are many educational and business prospects on the east coast, if you’re seeking for excitement and the bustle of an urban education, New Jersey would be a great choice. Large prospects are associated with large cities like Philadelphia and New York.

You can receive financial aid from the New Jersey State Department of Education to attend one of the state’s many schools and universities. All students attending colleges and universities in New Jersey are eligible for the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) and Part-Time Tuition Aid Grant. The Educational Opportunity Fund is even managed by the state at some universities.

New Jersey offers a wealth of interesting places to visit in addition to its many educational options and aid programs. This state provides all the amenities an aspirational young student could ask for and more, with approximately 130 miles of coastline, inland mountains, and easy proximity to everything New York City has to offer.

Ranking Techniques:

Four major data elements in four different areas form the basis of the Best Colleges in New Jersey ranking:

• Cost-effectiveness (net price)
• Student Retention Rate (Satisfaction)
• Academic Excellence Graduation Rate after 4 Years
• Salary After Attending (10 years after entering the institution, the typical earnings of former students who received federal financial aid)

The National Center for Education Statistics and College Scorecard provided the data for this rating.

If the scores were tied, the average net price was used to determine which institution would obtain a higher ranking; the lower the net price, the higher the rating.

25 Best Colleges in New Jersey

1. Princeton University

Score: 100.0

• Net Price on Average: $9,836
• 91% retention rate
• Rate of Graduation: 97%
• Earnings Following Attendance: $95,689

Princeton, New Jersey is home to the esteemed private university known as Princeton University. A total of 5,321 undergraduate students are enrolled in this relatively understated institution of higher learning. The admissions procedure is quite challenging considering that only 6% of candidates are approved each year. Among the most popular majors are those in economics, computer science, and public policy analysis.

U.S. Princeton University was ranked first among all national universities by News and World Report, third for the best undergraduate instruction, and thirty for the most innovative institutions. The Princeton faculty is generally known for being top-tier authorities in their professions, outstanding educators, and passionate teachers.

2. New Jersey Institute of Technology

Score: 95.3

• Net Price on Average: $18,582
• 89% retention rate
• Rate of Graduation: 79%
• Salary Following Attendance: $80,0043

The New Jersey Institute of Technology ranks #118 among Best Value Schools and #97 among National Universities. The most well-liked majors include engineering, biology, and architecture. The applicant’s GPA, along with letters of recommendation, is one of the crucial considerations for acceptance, with a 69% acceptance rate.

Many NJIT classes have less than 20 students enrolled at once, which makes presentations more interesting and intimate. NJIT provides more than 46 online programs, including 14 online master’s degree programs and 21 graduate certificate programs. According to their “Major & Degree Finder” page, they offer “122-degree programs through six professional schools and colleges.”

3. Rutgers University-Newark

Score: 94.8

• Net Price on Average: $15,996
• 85% retention rate
• Rate of Graduation: 71%
• Earnings Following Attendance: $65,661

Unlike its counterpart in New Brunswick, Rutgers’ other campus is in Newark and is ranked #115 among National Universities. Newark is still a fantastic choice, though. The quality of education remains the same even if there are much fewer undergraduate students enrolled and a smaller campus overall than at other Rutgers campuses.

Finance, criminal justice, and accounting are a few prominent majors. Graduate students might choose to enroll in the highly regarded schools of law, business, or criminal justice. The impressive alumni list of this Rutgers campus, which includes multiple Federal Bureau of Investigation employees and even a former U.S. official, is one of its most outstanding features. Energy Secretary. Despite being a small campus, it hosts over 100 different clubs and organizations.

4. Rutgers University-Camden

Score: 93.5

• Net Price on Average: $16,369
• 85% retention rate
• Grade-Point Average: 68%
• Earnings Following Attendance: $65,661

While slightly larger and ranked #127 among National Universities, this Rutgers campus is remarkably comparable to the one in Newark. Registered nursing, accounting, and criminal justice are a few popular majors. Earning a good SAT or ACT score can increase your admission prospects, which currently stand at 79%.

Concentrating on your grades and test results is more likely to boost your likelihood of being accepted because letters of recommendation are not necessary. On this campus, nearly half of the classes have fewer than 20 students enrolled at once, and the student-to-faculty ratio is typically 15 to 1. This ratio is a little lower than what the previously stated colleges had. The institution also provides a few dual degree options that will unquestionably help you succeed after you graduate.

5. Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Score: 93.0

• Net Price on Average: $23,035
• 93% retention rate
• Rate of Graduation: 81%
• Earnings Following Attendance: $65,661

In terms of all National Universities, Rutgers University comes in at number 55, making it the best college in New Jersey. There are many different degree programs and sports available at the university. Even championships have been won by campus sports teams in the past. If you’re a service member, Rutgers ranks as the #27 Best College for Veterans, so it’s definitely worth checking into. The one significant drawback is that, according to reports, the acceptance rate was just 68% in 2023. However, if you have so far been a stellar student, this may not be a problem for you.

6. Stevens Institute of Technology

Score: 92.5

• Net Price on Average: $37,211
• 94% retention rate
• Grade-Point Average: 86%
• Income Following Attendance: $98,159

Stevens Institute of Technology has a number of noteworthy qualities, and its relatively small campus size makes it a great choice for those seeking a more individualized education. It may appear intimidating to enroll in an Institute of Technology, despite the fact that this college is ranked 83rd among National Universities, especially given that this campus was notably a male-only institution until the early 1970s.

Smaller class numbers have the benefit of enhancing networking possibilities, which is especially beneficial for students pursuing highly sought-after disciplines like business management or engineering. The assurance of four-year housing and a campus population where more than half of the students live on campus make choosing to do so an ideal decision. Now that female enrollment is often about 30%, this school is a welcoming place for everyone to acquire a top-notch education regardless of gender.

7. The College of New Jersey

Score: 91.0

• Net Price on Average: $28,245
• 93% retention rate
• 85% of students graduate.
• Earnings Following Attendance: $65,481

The College of New Jersey is ranked number five among the North Regional Universities. The school has a staggering 289-acre campus, while having just under 7,000 undergraduate students enrolled. Over 150 distinct student organizations are available at the school, which has over 50 programs available across its several schools of study. For budding artists and other creatives, this campus provides a wide range of distinctive possibilities. The school features two different theaters, a music hall, an art museum, and even a student-run television and radio station.

8. Ramapo College of New Jersey

Score: 90.3

• Net Price on Average: $21,707
• 85% retention rate
• Rate of Graduation: 73%
• Earnings Following Attendance: $60,019.

Ramapo College of New Jersey, which ranks #28 among Regional Universities North, makes a strong showing on our list. The large campus covers over 300 acres and has an average undergraduate enrollment of about 5,000 students. Ramapo offers 40 different degree programs, more than 100 student clubs, and 25 fraternities and sororities for prospective students to choose from.

The school also provides a range of opportunities for pupils to express their creativity, such as the student-run literary magazine and school newspaper. Normally, Ramapo permits students to participate in intramural sports, but anyone is welcome to try out for any of the school’s varsity teams. If you love sports, you should be aware that Ramapo is ranked #16 for Best Undergraduate Teaching, #13 for Best Colleges for Veterans, and plays in the NCAA Division III.

9. Montclair State University

Score: 89.3

• Net Price on Average: $17,381
• 81% retention rate
• Rate of Graduation: 71%
• Earnings Following Attendance: $54,289

Montclair, which has a sizable campus, affordable tuition, and more than 300 different academic programs at all levels, is ranked #182 among National Universities. The career services offered by the school are intended to assist students in locating internships, employment possibilities, and networking opportunities.

There are more than 200 clubs offered, in addition to Greek life and varsity and intramural sports teams. The campus of Montclair is only 12 miles from New York City, giving students easy access to a wide range of metropolitan experiences as well as internships, employment openings, and creative spaces nearby. The school’s most popular majors are in the performing and visual arts, social and human sciences, and several other business fields.

10. Stockton University

Score: 87.8

• Net Price on Average: $21,404
• 84% retention rate
• Rate of Graduation: 76%
• Income Following Attendance: $51,729

Stockton University has eleven undergraduate academic departments and is ranked #182 among all national universities. The most well-known programs at the institution are those in the natural sciences, mathematics, arts, and humanities. Students at Stockton are given the opportunity to start their research projects early, which benefits their academic progress and increases their likelihood of being awarded fellowships. 85% of undergraduate students are accepted at Stockton, and the freshman retention rate is relatively high (84%). To accommodate its 8,300 undergraduate students, the school maintains a 2,000 acre campus. This university maintains one of the best ratios between cost and quality of any university due to its extremely low tuition prices.

11. Rowan University

Score: 86.8

• Net Price on Average: $27,158
• 84% retention rate
• Rate of Graduation: 75%
• Earnings Following Attendance: $55,410

With over 13 prizes for green initiatives, Rowan has developed as a center for environmental study. The institution offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree options, but it is most renowned for its S.T.E.M. programs. Rowan accepts 84% of applications, and admission decisions are made on the basis of GPA and letters of recommendation. There are frequently fewer students in classes, and the freshman retention rate is good. In terms of national universities, Rowan is ranked 199. Overall, there is a fantastic mix between price and quality.

12. Seton Hall University

Score: 86.8

• Net Price on Average: $32,634
• 83% retention rate
• Graduation rate: 70%
• Earnings Following Attendance: $68,441

Among National Universities, the small private institution Seton Hall is ranked #137. The Catholic school, which is majority-led, is only 15 miles from New York City, so nearby excursions are easily accessible by rail. Students at Seton Hall have a choice of more than 60 distinct majors or can enroll in one of the school’s elite graduate programs in the business, education, or law schools.

The institution supports over 100 Greek Life organizations, sports teams, and student organizations. The three most sought-after majors at Seton Hall are nursing, marketing, and biological sciences. Less than 20 students are enrolled in half of the classes, and the student-to-faculty ratio is only 15 to 1. For the many career options the city offers, the majority of Seton Hall graduates choose to remain in the New Jersey and New York region.

13. Monmouth University

Score: 86.3

• Net Price on Average: $29,877
• 81% retention rate
• Rate of Graduation: 73%
• Salary Following Attendance: $59.513

Even though the institution only has a few undergraduate students now, it nonetheless has a large campus spread across 168 acres in eastern Long Branch, New Jersey. Business and management, health professions, communications, and other disciplines are some of the most common choices. Monmouth University provides distinctive academic opportunities like senior capstone seminars, writing workshops, creative projects, and a wide range of other unforgettable first-year student experiences.

14. Drew University

Score: 86.0

• Net Price on Average: $25,776
• 86% retention rate
• Grade-Point Average: 61%
• Salary Following Attendance: 57,185

Drew University has been dedicated to the aim of improving its students and its community through education ever since it was founded in 1867. The social and biological sciences, as well as the artistic and performing arts, are among the most sought-after degree options at the institution. In terms of national liberal arts colleges, Drew is ranked #111 overall. The campus is small, thus there are normally less than 2,000 undergraduate students enrolled there each year. A “Wall Street Semester” is only one of the many NYC-based career-building programs that Drew offers its students.

15. Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus

Score: 84.8

• Net Price on Average: $12,069
• 74% retention rate
• Graduation rates: 50%
• Earnings Following Attendance: $55,994

Since its establishment in 1942, Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Metropolitan Campus has been educating and assisting the local community. A lively campus environment is facilitated by the many sports, spacious residence halls, and freshly built fitness center (to support students’ health and well-being). Residence halls at FDU-Metropolitan offer a variety of living arrangements. For instance, there are specialized halls for honors students, students who need peaceful study spaces, and even those who value physical activity and want easy access to a gym. Overall, Fairleigh Dickinson at the Metropolitan is one of the campuses on this list that is most welcoming to students.

It is a school that places the needs of its pupils first in order to better position them for prosperous futures and careers.

16. Saint Peter’s University

Score: 84.8

• Net Price on Average: $12,470
• 78% retention rate
• Rate of Graduation: 55%
• Income Following Attendance: $51,027

Private, Roman Catholic Saint Peter’s University is ranked 58th among Regional Universities in North America. Business, biomedical sciences, and protective services are all offered by the institution. The percentage of freshman who finish their degrees at the institution is 78%, which is a high number for any college to boast. In order to combine diverse degree programs, Saint Peter’s collaborates with other universities, such as Rutgers University. The establishment is also G.I. Bill is certified and a part of the Yellow Ribbon Program, which for some pupils is crucial. Grades, exam scores, and letters of recommendation are all crucial considerations with a 93% acceptance rate.

17. Felician University

Score: 84.3

• Net Price on Average: $16,984
• 79% retention rate
• Rate of Graduation: 51%
• Earnings Following Attendance: $54,650

Since its establishment in 1942, Felician University, a private college in a suburban area, has been committed to advancing personalised education. Today, the university merely occupies 27 acres and frequently enrolls 2,000 students or fewer. The most popular combined degree programs offered by Felician are in the fields of business, biology-related disciplines, and health professions. Since fewer than 20 students attend over 70% of classes, networking and building relationships are inevitable. The admissions committee at Felician accepts 92% of candidates, and they primarily consider applicants’ GPAs and test results. Felician’s typical A.C.T. score ranges from 15 to 22, and the tuition and other fees are affordable.

18. William Paterson University of New Jersey

Score: 84.3

• Net Price on Average: $18,498
• 78% retention rate
• Grade-Point Average: 61%
• Earnings Following Attendance: $51,506

Since its establishment in 1855, the William Peterson University of New Jersey has been dedicated to delivering education and enhancing the prospects of students. The university is now ranked 75th among regional universities in the North. Although enrollment and campus size are about average, even for candidates from outside the state, tuition costs are very reasonable. Since more than half of WPU’s classes have fewer than 20 students each, each student receives the highest level of individualized instruction.

Business, psychology, communication, protective services, and the social sciences are a few of the most well-liked majors. William Paterson has an admission rate of about 94%, which is advantageous for people looking to improve their situation and carve out a better future. In the end, this university is one of the best locations to restart your life and advance your studies.

19. Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus

Score: 83.8

• Net Price on Average: $21,754
• 81% retention rate
• Rate of Graduation: 57%
• Earnings Following Attendance: $55,994

In the category of Regional Universities North, Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham is ranked #63. Degrees in the humanities, business, and liberal arts are among the most popular majors. The option of earning dual degrees is also available to students, which entails simultaneously pursuing a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Florham campus places a strong emphasis on the value of striking a balance between academics and extracurricular activities like intramural sports and clubs. All major options give students the chance to engage fully in extracurricular activities and pick up unique talents that prepare them for a lifetime of success in both their personal and professional lives.

20. Caldwell University

Score: 83.5

• Net Price on Average: $20,175
• 81% retention rate
• Rate of Graduation: 55%
• Earnings Following Attendance: $51,823

Private Caldwell University has been helping its neighbors and launching the futures of its students since its establishment in 1939. Although tuition can be somewhat pricey, the school currently holds the 93rd spot among Regional Universities in the North, and its strong retention rate suggests that students are more likely to stay in school to complete their degrees than to transfer to another institution. The top three majors chosen by Caldwell students are in the fields of business, psychology, and health professions.

To help students advance their studies, Caldwell also provides a few dual-degree opportunities and additional graduate programs. The senior capstone projects at Caldwell consistently achieve outstanding results while giving the students who complete them tremendous marketing opportunities and priceless real-world experience.

21. Georgian Court University

Score: 83.3

• Net Price on Average: $20,312
• 79% retention rate
• Grade-Point Average: 64%
• Earnings Following Attendance: $46,953

Private Georgian Court University has been serving its suburban neighborhood and offering students top-notch postsecondary education for more than a century. This school understands what it means to individualize education, enabling students to receive the one-on-one training they require to achieve. Just under 80% of classes have less than 20 pupils. Among Regional Universities North, GCU is ranked #101. The two most well-liked academic fields are psychology and registered nursing. GCU does not offer online bachelor’s degrees, in contrast to the majority of the institutions on this list. So, if you’re the kind of student that works better in a classroom setting, go to Georgian Court University to finish your degree.

22. Rider University

Score: 83.3

• Net Price on Average: $27,882
• 78% retention rate
• Grade-Point Average: 67%
• Earnings Following Attendance: $56,442

Rider University has dedicated itself to advancing postsecondary education and providing opportunities for its students ever since it was founded in 1865. It is ranked #25 for Best Value Schools, #82 for Top Performers on Social Mobility, and #22 among Regional Universities North. Business administration and management degrees are pursued by about 33% of students, with education and the visual and performing arts being the next two most popular majors.

23. Centenary University

Score: 83.0

• Net Price on Average: $16,105
• 72% retention rate
• Grade-Point Average: 62%
• Earnings Following Attendance: $51,404

In Hackettstown, New Jersey, Centenary University is a private institution established on Christian values. There are just 1,032 undergraduate students registered, making it a somewhat small institution. 93% of candidates are granted admission to Centenary University. The three most popular majors among students are business, criminal justice and safety studies, and equine studies. After graduating from Centenary University, where the graduation rate is 62%, alumni earn a typical base salary of $37,900. Centenary University, the main academic and cultural resource for the area that covers northwest New Jersey, offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and adult certificate programs.

24. New Jersey City University

Score: 82.5

• Net Price on Average: $13,297
• 76% retention rate
• Rate of Graduation: 54%
• Earnings Following Attendance: $46,606

Since its establishment in 1927, New Jersey City University has dedicated itself to improving its neighborhood and securing the futures of its students via education. Even for those paying out-of-state tuition today, tuition costs are still manageably cheap; this fact is especially remarkable in light of the school’s ranking of #59 among the Top Performers on Social Mobility. Criminal justice, psychology, and registered nursing are a few of the most well-liked majors.

One of the least selective post-secondary educational institutions in the nation, NJCU maintains an acceptance rate of 96%. In the end, New Jersey City University is the ideal setting for those prepared to put forth the effort necessary to transcend their circumstances and establish a promising future.

25. Kean University

Score: 81.5

• Net Price on Average: $18,191
• 74% retention rate
• Rate of Graduation: 59%
• Earnings Following Attendance: $50,888

Located just 90 minutes from Philadelphia and 30 minutes from New York City, the campus offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration, internships, and immersion in thriving creative hotspots. Nearly 50 different undergraduate majors, more than 30 different master’s degrees, over 150 clubs, and other options are available to Kean students. The local zoo, which is home to two of the school’s cougar mascots, is another option, as is writing for the school newspaper. The more well-known degrees offered by Kean, such as those in business, psychology, and biology, are pursued by many of its students.

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