Best Colleges in New Jersey 2026

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Here are the best colleges and universities in New Jersey. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

Colleges and Universities in New Jersey

Nearly half of the colleges and universities in this state are private, and tuition rates range from $6,000 to $52,000. With a graduation rate of 97% and a student population of just over 7,000, Princeton University is the state’s most esteemed institution. Narrowing in on the sciences and arts, this Ivy League school offers unique areas of study, including robotics, intelligent systems, and public life. The remaining 31 public colleges and universities range in tuition from $4,000 to $17,000.

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The state’s largest and top-ranked public research institution is Rutgers University. With campuses in New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden as well as smaller locations across the state, Rutgers awards degrees in physics, economics, criminal justice, and psychology. New Jersey also has 11 religiously affiliated colleges and universities, including the oldest diocesan university in the United States, Seton Hall University. This Roman Catholic university has a tuition rate of $42,000 and a student population of over 8,000.

New Jersey, known for its sandy shores and busy expressways, also has more diners than any other state in the U.S., as well as the world’s longest boardwalk, located in Atlantic City. Many influential people, including Buzz Aldrin, Frank Sinatra, and Thomas Edison, have called The Garden State home. Visitors can even peek at some of Edison’s early light bulbs at the Menlo Park Museum. And with 50 higher learning institutions to choose from, students can find a school that suits their career path and budget.

Learn more about earning your degree from one of New Jersey’s highly regarded colleges and universities.


What are New Jersey’s Colleges & Universities?

New Jersey’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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We’ve identified 28 colleges and universities in New Jersey that meet our criteria. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in New Jersey that offer a wide range of bachelor’s degrees.

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Best Colleges in New Jersey 2023

  1. #1

    Princeton University

    Princeton , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Princeton University

    Cost of Degree: $59,710
    Expenses: $24,330
    Starting Salary: $133,523
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1442/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Stevens Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $60,952
    Expenses: $20,900
    Starting Salary: $118,358
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    Seton Hall University

    South Orange , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Seton Hall University

    Cost of Degree: $51,370
    Expenses: $21,350
    Starting Salary: $80,035
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Rutgers University–Camden

    Cost of Degree: $17,079
    Expenses: $19,152
    Starting Salary: $80,490
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Rutgers University–Camden known for?

    Rutgers University–Camden’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Rutgers University–Camden’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Format: Fully online
  5. Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University

    Cost of Degree: $37,686
    Expenses: $22,692
    Starting Salary: $62,652
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1335/30

    Career Outlook for degree at New Jersey Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $19,022
    Expenses: $22,330
    Starting Salary: $90,769
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
  7. Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    26K

    Career Outlook for degree at Montclair State University

    Cost of Degree: $14,766
    Expenses: $20,262
    Starting Salary: $63,846
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #8

    Rowan University

    Glassboro , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    23K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Rowan University

    Cost of Degree: $15,700
    Expenses: $23,642
    Starting Salary: $65,776
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. #9

    Drew University

    Madison , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Drew University

    Cost of Degree: $45,360
    Expenses: $23,135
    Starting Salary: $66,065
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/28

    Career Outlook for degree at The College of New Jersey

    Cost of Degree: $18,685
    Expenses: $21,347
    Starting Salary: $79,651
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. #11

    Monmouth University

    West Long Branch , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Monmouth University

    Cost of Degree: $44,850
    Expenses: $23,074
    Starting Salary: $72,737
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Monmouth University known for?

    Monmouth University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  12. Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    57K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1405/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Rutgers University–New Brunswick

    Cost of Degree: $17,239
    Expenses: $20,478
    Starting Salary: $80,490
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  13. Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for degree at William Paterson University

    Cost of Degree: $15,150
    Expenses: $20,730
    Starting Salary: $61,869
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    William Paterson University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Disability Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
  14. #14

    Kean University

    Union , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for degree at Kean University

    Cost of Degree: $13,426
    Expenses: $21,004
    Starting Salary: $62,318
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Kean University known for?

    Kean University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Kean University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Management- Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Management- Human Resources Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Management- Supply Chain
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Management-General Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Biology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
  15. Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for degree at Rutgers University–Newark

    Cost of Degree: $16,586
    Expenses: $20,823
    Starting Salary: $80,490
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Rutgers University–Newark known for?

    Rutgers University–Newark’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  16. #16

    Rider University

    Lawrenceville , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Rider University

    Cost of Degree: $38,900
    Expenses: $20,230
    Starting Salary: $66,376
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Rider University’s Online Degrees

    BSBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BALS in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSAHS in Allied Health Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Organizational Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
  17. #17

    Ramapo College

    Mahwah , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Ramapo College

    Cost of Degree: $15,978
    Expenses: $18,772
    Starting Salary: $71,282
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Ramapo College known for?

    Ramapo College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  18. #18

    Saint Peter's University

    Jersey City , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Peter's University

    Cost of Degree: $41,054
    Expenses: $19,890
    Starting Salary: $63,525
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Saint Peter's University known for?

    Saint Peter's University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Saint Peter's University’s Online Degrees

    BSBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
  19. #19

    Berkeley College

    Woodland Park , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Berkeley College

    Cost of Degree: $27,772
    Starting Salary: $46,839
    What is Berkeley College known for?

    Berkeley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  20. #20

    Stockton University

    Galloway , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Stockton University

    Cost of Degree: $15,532
    Expenses: $23,502
    Starting Salary: $63,648
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Stockton University known for?

    Stockton University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  21. #21

    New Jersey City University

    Jersey City , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at New Jersey City University

    Cost of Degree: $13,971
    Expenses: $22,318
    Starting Salary: $59,538
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is New Jersey City University known for?

    New Jersey City University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  22. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at Thomas Edison State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,638
    Starting Salary: $75,164
    What is Thomas Edison State University known for?

    Thomas Edison State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Thomas Edison State University’s Online Degrees

    BSBA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in Accounting/Cpa
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in General Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in Human Resource Management/Organizational Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in Operations Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Data Science And Analytics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Technical Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Homeland Security And Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in International Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Radiation Protection/Health Physics
    • Required Credits: 125
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Electrical Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Energy Systems Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Mathematics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Electronic Systems Engineering Technology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
  23. Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgian Court University

    Cost of Degree: $37,110
    Expenses: $18,810
    Starting Salary: $56,384
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Georgian Court University known for?

    Georgian Court University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  24. #24

    Bloomfield College

    Bloomfield , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bloomfield College

    Cost of Degree: $30,680
    Expenses: $17,262
    Starting Salary: $63,846
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bloomfield College known for?

    Bloomfield College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  25. Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Felician University

    Cost of Degree: $38,030
    Expenses: $16,620
    Starting Salary: $64,432
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Felician University known for?

    Felician University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Felician University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
  26. #26

    Caldwell University

    Caldwell , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Caldwell University

    Cost of Degree: $39,452
    Expenses: $19,874
    Starting Salary: $57,671
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Caldwell University known for?

    Caldwell University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  27. #27

    Centenary University

    Hackettstown , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Centenary University

    Cost of Degree: $37,732
    Expenses: $17,512
    Starting Salary: $60,078
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Centenary University known for?

    Centenary University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  28. #28

    Saint Elizabeth University

    Morristown , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Elizabeth University

    Cost of Degree: $35,942
    Expenses: $18,826
    Starting Salary: $55,167
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Saint Elizabeth University known for?

    Saint Elizabeth University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

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New Jersey’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Princeton University
  2. Drew University
  3. Stevens Institute of Technology
  4. New Jersey Institute of Technology
  5. Seton Hall University
  6. Saint Peter's University
  7. Monmouth University
  8. Montclair State University
  9. Caldwell University
  10. The College of New Jersey
  11. Thomas Edison State University
  12. Rider University
  13. Rutgers University–Camden
  14. Ramapo College
  15. Stockton University
  16. Rutgers University–Newark
  17. Rowan University
  18. William Paterson University
  19. Centenary University
  20. Kean University
  21. Rutgers University–New Brunswick
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