Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2026

Badge for BEST IN NEW JERSEY GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Many top grad schools in New Jersey, such as Rutgers University and Princeton University, are located near major cities like New York and Philadelphia, offering students easy access to internships, research opportunities, and networking events with leading companies and organizations.
  • New Jersey’s top grad schools are known for their robust research programs, particularly in fields like biotechnology, engineering, and healthcare, providing students with access to cutting-edge labs and collaborative research opportunities.
  • Many grad schools in New Jersey offer interdisciplinary programs that allow students to combine fields like public policy, business, and technology, giving them a broader perspective and equipping them to tackle complex, real-world challenges.

10 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey in 2026

  1. Princeton University
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology
    +1
  3. Seton Hall University
    –1
  4. Rutgers University–Camden
  5. New Jersey Institute of Technology
  6. Montclair State University
    +1
  7. Rowan University
    –1
  8. Drew University
  9. Monmouth University
  10. Rutgers University–New Brunswick
    +3

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or last ground for the 2025 school year.

Princeton University remains in the top spot for our 2025 ranking of the best grad schools in New Jersey. Stevens Institute of Technology also moved into the number 2 position, while Seton Hall slipped down into the 3 position.

There are 20 doctorate-granting graduate schools in New Jersey. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the New Jersey is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

Best Grad Schools in New Jersey

  1. #1

    Princeton University

    Princeton , NJ
    #4 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #6 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #6 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #7 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    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
    What is Princeton University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Stevens Institute of Technology

    Hoboken , NJ
    #2 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #2 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #2 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2026

    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
    What is Stevens Institute of Technology known for?

    Stevens Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Seton Hall University

    South Orange , NJ
    #23 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #1 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #3 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026

    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
    What is Seton Hall University known for?

    Seton Hall University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Rutgers University–Camden

    Camden , NJ
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #1 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2026 #4 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #4 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2026

    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

    Compare school
  6. #5

    New Jersey Institute of Technology

    Newark , NJ
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #2 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2026 #5 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2026 #6 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2026

    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
    What is New Jersey Institute of Technology known for?

    New Jersey Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Montclair State University

    Montclair , NJ
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #3 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2026 #6 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2026 #7 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2026

    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
    What is Montclair State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Rowan University

    Glassboro , NJ
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #4 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2026 #7 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2026 #8 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2026

    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
    What is Rowan University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Drew University

    Madison , NJ
    #14 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #2 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #2 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2026

    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
    What is Drew University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Monmouth University

    West Long Branch , NJ
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #6 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #5 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2026

    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

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Rutgers University–New Brunswick

    New Brunswick , NJ
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #6 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2026 #8 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2026 #7 Best Online Master's Programs in New Jersey 2026

    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
    What is Rutgers University–New Brunswick known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Kean University

    Union , NJ
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #8 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2026 #13 Best Colleges and Universities for Biology Degrees 2026

    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

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Rutgers University–Newark

    Newark , NJ
    #9 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #9 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2026 #9 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2026

    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

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Rider University

    Lawrenceville , NJ
    #3 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #7 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in New Jersey

    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
    What is Rider University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Saint Peter's University

    Jersey City , NJ
    #15 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2026 #23 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2026 #3 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #4 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2026

    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

    Compare school
  18. #15

    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

    Compare school
  19. #16

    New Jersey City University

    Jersey City , NJ
    #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity #12 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2026 #12 Best Online Master's Programs in New Jersey 2026

    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

    Compare school
  20. #17

    Felician University

    Lodi , NJ
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #9 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New Jersey #9 Best Online Colleges in New Jersey 2026

    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:

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Caldwell University

    Caldwell , NJ
    #7 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #10 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in New Jersey #16 Best Online Master's Programs in New Jersey 2026

    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:

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Centenary University

    Hackettstown , NJ
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in New Jersey #17 Best Online Master's Programs in New Jersey 2026

    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

    Compare school
  24. #20

    Saint Elizabeth University

    Morristown , NJ
    #9 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #18 Best Online Master's Programs in New Jersey 2026 #25 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs

    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:

    Compare school
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Resources for Prospective Grad Students

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