Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2025

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN NEW-JERSEY
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

10 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2024

Sort by:
  1. Rutgers University–Camden
  2. New Jersey Institute of Technology
  3. Rowan University
  4. Montclair State University
  5. The College of New Jersey
  6. Kean University
  7. Stockton University
  8. William Paterson University
  9. Rutgers University–New Brunswick
  10. New Jersey City University
  1. Rutgers University–Camden
  2. New Jersey Institute of Technology
  3. Montclair State University
  4. Rowan University
  5. The College of New Jersey
  6. Kean University
  7. William Paterson University
  8. Rutgers University–Newark
  9. Ramapo College
  10. Rutgers University–New Brunswick
  1. William Paterson University 92%
  2. Montclair State University 91%
  3. New Jersey City University 90%
  4. Stockton University 86%
  5. Kean University 83%
  6. Rowan University 77%
  7. Rutgers University–Camden 77%
  8. Rutgers University–Newark 74%
  9. Ramapo College 70%
  10. Rutgers University–New Brunswick 66%
  1. Montclair State University 17 to 1
  2. Kean University 16 to 1
  3. Rowan University 16 to 1
  4. Ramapo College 16 to 1
  5. Stockton University 16 to 1
  6. Rutgers University–New Brunswick 15 to 1
  7. William Paterson University 15 to 1
  8. Thomas Edison State University 15 to 1
  9. New Jersey Institute of Technology 15 to 1
  10. New Jersey City University 15 to 1
  1. Ramapo College $15,363
  2. New Jersey Institute of Technology $15,198
  3. William Paterson University $14,192
  4. The College of New Jersey $14,140
  5. New Jersey City University $13,384
  6. Rutgers University–Camden $12,900
  7. Rutgers University–New Brunswick $12,900
  8. Rutgers University–Newark $12,900
  9. Montclair State University $12,755
  10. Stockton University $12,740
  1. New Jersey Institute of Technology $21,932
  2. Ramapo College $19,657
  3. Rutgers University–Camden $18,696
  4. Rutgers University–New Brunswick $18,696
  5. Rutgers University–Newark $18,696
  6. Kean University $16,225
  7. The College of New Jersey $15,545
  8. William Paterson University $15,411
  9. New Jersey City University $14,346
  10. Stockton University $14,346
  1. Rutgers University–Newark
  2. Thomas Edison State University
  3. Ramapo College
  4. New Jersey City University
  5. Rutgers University–New Brunswick
  6. William Paterson University
  7. Stockton University
  8. Kean University
  9. The College of New Jersey
  10. Montclair State University
  1. Thomas Edison State University
  2. New Jersey City University
  3. Stockton University
  4. Rutgers University–New Brunswick
  5. Ramapo College
  6. Rutgers University–Newark
  7. William Paterson University
  8. Kean University
  9. The College of New Jersey
  10. Rowan University
  1. The College of New Jersey 64%
  2. New Jersey Institute of Technology 66%
  3. Rutgers University–New Brunswick 66%
  4. Ramapo College 70%
  5. Rutgers University–Newark 74%
  6. Rutgers University–Camden 77%
  7. Rowan University 77%
  8. Kean University 83%
  9. Stockton University 86%
  10. New Jersey City University 90%
  1. Rutgers University–Camden 13 to 1
  2. The College of New Jersey 13 to 1
  3. Rutgers University–Newark 13 to 1
  4. Rutgers University–New Brunswick 15 to 1
  5. William Paterson University 15 to 1
  6. Thomas Edison State University 15 to 1
  7. New Jersey Institute of Technology 15 to 1
  8. New Jersey City University 15 to 1
  9. Kean University 16 to 1
  10. Rowan University 16 to 1
  1. Thomas Edison State University $7,372
  2. Rowan University $10,715
  3. Kean University $10,758
  4. Stockton University $12,740
  5. Montclair State University $12,755
  6. Rutgers University–Camden $12,900
  7. Rutgers University–New Brunswick $12,900
  8. Rutgers University–Newark $12,900
  9. New Jersey City University $13,384
  10. The College of New Jersey $14,140
  1. Thomas Edison State University $12,150
  2. Rowan University $13,695
  3. Montclair State University $13,740
  4. New Jersey City University $14,346
  5. Stockton University $14,346
  6. William Paterson University $15,411
  7. The College of New Jersey $15,545
  8. Kean University $16,225
  9. Rutgers University–Camden $18,696
  10. Rutgers University–New Brunswick $18,696

There are 13 affordable colleges and universities in New Jersey with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in New Jersey is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2025

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  1. #1

    Rutgers University–Camden

    Camden , NJ
    #1 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2024 #5 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Rutgers University–Camden

    Cost of Degree: $17,079
    Expenses: $19,152
    Starting Salary: $68,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    New Jersey Institute of Technology

    Newark , NJ
    #2 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2024 #6 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/30

    Career Outlook for degree at New Jersey Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $19,022
    Expenses: $22,330
    Starting Salary: $70,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

    New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Rowan University

    Glassboro , NJ
    #3 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2024 #7 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Rowan University

    Cost of Degree: $15,700
    Expenses: $23,642
    Starting Salary: $55,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
  4. #4

    Montclair State University

    Montclair , NJ
    #4 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2025 #7 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2024 #8 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    24K

    Career Outlook for degree at Montclair State University

    Cost of Degree: $14,766
    Expenses: $20,262
    Starting Salary: $52,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
  5. #5

    The College of New Jersey

    Ewing , NJ
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #10 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1245/27

    Career Outlook for degree at The College of New Jersey

    Cost of Degree: $18,685
    Expenses: $21,347
    Starting Salary: $64,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is The College of New Jersey known for?

    The College of New Jersey’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Kean University

    Union , NJ
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #13 Best Colleges and Universities for Biology Degrees 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New Jersey

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Kean University

    Cost of Degree: $13,426
    Expenses: $21,004
    Starting Salary: $48,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management- Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management- Human Resources Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management- Supply Chain
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management-General Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Stockton University

    Galloway , NJ
    #7 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Stockton University

    Cost of Degree: $15,532
    Expenses: $23,502
    Starting Salary: $50,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
  9. #8

    William Paterson University

    Wayne , NJ
    #8 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2025 #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New Jersey #5 Best Online MBA Programs in New Jersey

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for degree at William Paterson University

    Cost of Degree: $15,150
    Expenses: $20,730
    Starting Salary: $49,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is William Paterson University known for?

    William Paterson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    William Paterson University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Disability Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Rutgers University–New Brunswick

    New Brunswick , NJ
    #8 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2024 #9 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in New Jersey 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    57K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1375/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Rutgers University–New Brunswick

    Cost of Degree: $17,239
    Expenses: $20,478
    Starting Salary: $68,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
  11. #10

    New Jersey City University

    Jersey City , NJ
    #10 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity #12 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at New Jersey City University

    Cost of Degree: $13,971
    Expenses: $22,318
    Starting Salary: $46,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
  13. #11

    Ramapo College

    Mahwah , NJ
    #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1197/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Ramapo College

    Cost of Degree: $15,978
    Expenses: $18,772
    Starting Salary: $56,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Thomas Edison State University

    Trenton , NJ
    #4 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #9 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2024 #11 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #15 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for degree at Thomas Edison State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,638
    Starting Salary: $57,300
    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: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Accounting/Cpa
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in General Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Human Resource Management/Organizational Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Operations Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Data Science And Analytics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Technical Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Homeland Security And Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in International Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Radiation Protection/Health Physics
    • Required Credits: 125
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Electrical Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Energy Systems Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Mathematics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Electronic Systems Engineering Technology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Rutgers University–Newark

    Newark , NJ
    #9 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for degree at Rutgers University–Newark

    Cost of Degree: $16,586
    Expenses: $20,823
    Starting Salary: $68,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
Back to Top

New Jersey’s Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here