Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024

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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.

10 Best Colleges in New Jersey

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  1. Princeton University
  2. Seton Hall University
  3. Stevens Institute of Technology
  4. Fairleigh Dickinson University
  5. Rutgers University–Camden
  6. New Jersey Institute of Technology
  7. Rowan University
  8. Montclair State University
  9. Drew University
  10. The College of New Jersey
  1. Princeton University
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology
  3. Seton Hall University
  4. Rutgers University–Camden
  5. Fairleigh Dickinson University
  6. New Jersey Institute of Technology
  7. Drew University
  8. Montclair State University
  9. Rowan University
  10. The College of New Jersey
  1. Centenary University 98%
  2. Caldwell University 96%
  3. Saint Peter's University 93%
  4. Felician University 92%
  5. Montclair State University 91%
  6. New Jersey City University 91%
  7. Stockton University 85%
  8. Fairleigh Dickinson University 85%
  9. Bloomfield College 84%
  10. Rowan University 84%
  1. Thomas Edison State University 20 to 1
  2. Kean University 18 to 1
  3. Stockton University 18 to 1
  4. Montclair State University 18 to 1
  5. Rowan University 17 to 1
  6. Berkeley College 17 to 1
  7. Rutgers University–New Brunswick 16 to 1
  8. Ramapo College 16 to 1
  9. New Jersey Institute of Technology 15 to 1
  10. Bloomfield College 15 to 1
  1. Stevens Institute of Technology $56,920
  2. Princeton University $56,010
  3. Seton Hall University $46,880
  4. Drew University $42,952
  5. Monmouth University $41,680
  6. Saint Peter's University $38,760
  7. Caldwell University $36,900
  8. Rider University $35,850
  9. Felician University $35,700
  10. Saint Elizabeth University $34,876
  1. Princeton University $56,010
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology $38,076
  3. Monmouth University $28,578
  4. Seton Hall University $25,218
  5. New Jersey Institute of Technology $21,342
  6. Saint Peter's University $21,186
  7. Berkeley College $19,751
  8. Rider University $19,599
  9. Felician University $19,440
  10. Drew University $19,440
  1. Saint Elizabeth University
  2. Centenary University
  3. Caldwell University
  4. Bloomfield College
  5. Felician University
  6. Rutgers University–Newark
  7. Georgian Court University
  8. Thomas Edison State University
  9. Saint Peter's University
  10. Berkeley College
  1. Saint Elizabeth University
  2. Centenary University
  3. Felician University
  4. Caldwell University
  5. Bloomfield College
  6. Georgian Court University
  7. Thomas Edison State University
  8. Berkeley College
  9. New Jersey City University
  10. Stockton University
  1. Princeton University 4%
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology 53%
  3. The College of New Jersey 62%
  4. Rutgers University–New Brunswick 68%
  5. New Jersey Institute of Technology 69%
  6. Ramapo College 70%
  7. Saint Elizabeth University 74%
  8. Rutgers University–Newark 77%
  9. Seton Hall University 77%
  10. Kean University 79%
  1. Princeton University 4 to 1
  2. Rider University 10 to 1
  3. Centenary University 10 to 1
  4. Georgian Court University 11 to 1
  5. Saint Elizabeth University 11 to 1
  6. Monmouth University 12 to 1
  7. Stevens Institute of Technology 12 to 1
  8. Drew University 12 to 1
  9. Caldwell University 13 to 1
  10. The College of New Jersey 13 to 1
  1. Thomas Edison State University $7,182
  2. Rowan University $10,302
  3. Kean University $10,445
  4. Montclair State University $12,323
  5. Stockton University $12,490
  6. Rutgers University–New Brunswick $12,536
  7. Rutgers University–Camden $12,536
  8. Rutgers University–Newark $12,536
  9. New Jersey City University $12,992
  10. The College of New Jersey $13,603
  1. Fairleigh Dickinson University $9,780
  2. Bloomfield College $11,760
  3. Thomas Edison State University $12,024
  4. Montclair State University $12,978
  5. Rowan University $13,169
  6. William Paterson University $13,618
  7. New Jersey City University $13,938
  8. Stockton University $14,063
  9. The College of New Jersey $14,955
  10. Caldwell University $15,354

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.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1510/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Princeton University

    Cost of Degree: $57,410
    Expenses: $23,005
    Starting Salary: $116,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Rutgers University–Camden

    Cost of Degree: $16,112
    Expenses: $18,517
    Starting Salary: $68,100
    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
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1295/28

    Career Outlook for degree at New Jersey Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $18,512
    Expenses: $21,650
    Starting Salary: $70,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/27

    Career Outlook for degree at The College of New Jersey

    Cost of Degree: $17,978
    Expenses: $19,878
    Starting Salary: $64,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #11

    Monmouth University

    West Long Branch , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Monmouth University

    Cost of Degree: $43,216
    Expenses: $21,057
    Starting Salary: $55,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

  6. #12

    Rider University

    Lawrenceville , NJ
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Rider University

    Cost of Degree: $37,200
    Expenses: $19,630
    Starting Salary: $54,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Rider University’s Online Degrees

    BSBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BALS in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSAHS in Allied Health 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
    BA in Organizational Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. #13

    Kean University

    Union , NJ
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1010/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Kean University

    Cost of Degree: $12,972
    Expenses: $18,539
    Starting Salary: $48,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
  8. #14

    Stockton University

    Galloway , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1101/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Stockton University

    Cost of Degree: $15,188
    Expenses: $19,788
    Starting Salary: $50,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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

  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for degree at William Paterson University

    Cost of Degree: $14,624
    Expenses: $17,900
    Starting Salary: $49,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  10. Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    57K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1295/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Rutgers University–New Brunswick

    Cost of Degree: $16,263
    Expenses: $19,503
    Starting Salary: $68,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. #17

    New Jersey City University

    Jersey City , NJ
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at New Jersey City University

    Cost of Degree: $13,564
    Expenses: $21,708
    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

  12. #18

    Ramapo College

    Mahwah , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Ramapo College

    Cost of Degree: $15,363
    Expenses: $19,386
    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

  13. #19

    Berkeley College

    Woodland Park , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Berkeley College

    Cost of Degree: $27,138
    Starting Salary: $43,600
    What is Berkeley College known for?

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

  14. #20

    Saint Peter's University

    Jersey City , NJ
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Peter's University

    Cost of Degree: $39,890
    Expenses: $19,408
    Starting Salary: $50,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for degree at Thomas Edison State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,372
    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
  16. Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1039/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgian Court University

    Cost of Degree: $35,516
    Expenses: $18,196
    Starting Salary: $43,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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

  17. Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Rutgers University–Newark

    Cost of Degree: $15,648
    Expenses: $19,937
    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

  18. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    970/18

    Career Outlook for degree at Felician University

    Cost of Degree: $36,410
    Expenses: $18,070
    Starting Salary: $52,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  19. #25

    Bloomfield College

    Bloomfield , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    880/17

    Career Outlook for degree at Bloomfield College

    Cost of Degree: $30,680
    Expenses: $17,262
    Starting Salary: $42,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bloomfield College known for?

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

  20. #26

    Caldwell University

    Caldwell , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Caldwell University

    Cost of Degree: $38,050
    Expenses: $19,399
    Starting Salary: $48,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Caldwell University known for?

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

  21. #27

    Centenary University

    Hackettstown , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    997/18

    Career Outlook for degree at Centenary University

    Cost of Degree: $35,934
    Expenses: $17,730
    Starting Salary: $49,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

  22. #28

    Saint Elizabeth University

    Morristown , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Elizabeth University

    Cost of Degree: $34,930
    Expenses: $18,444
    Starting Salary: $49,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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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