Best Colleges in New Jersey 2023

Best Colleges in New Jersey 2023
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

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

  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

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 2022

  1. #1

    Princeton University

    Princeton , NJ
    #5 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #5 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #5 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2023 #6 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1510/33

    What is Princeton University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  5. #5

    Rutgers University–Camden

    Camden , NJ
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2023 #1 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2023 #4 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2023 #4 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/20

    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
  7. #6

    New Jersey Institute of Technology

    Newark , NJ
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2023 #2 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2023 #5 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2023 #5 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1295/28

    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
  14. #12

    Rider University

    Lawrenceville , NJ
    #3 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2023 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2023 #7 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2023 #10 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/23

    What is Rider University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
  15. #13

    Kean University

    Union , NJ
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2023 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2023 #6 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1010/19

    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
  17. #15

    William Paterson University

    Wayne , NJ
    #8 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2023 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2023 #8 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    8K

    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
  21. #18

    Ramapo College

    Mahwah , NJ
    #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/24

    What is Ramapo College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  22. #19

    Berkeley College

    Woodland Park , NJ
    #4 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2023 #8 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    3K

    What is Berkeley College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  23. #20

    Saint Peter's University

    Jersey City , NJ
    #9 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2023 #17 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #3 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2023 #5 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    3K

    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
  25. #21

    Thomas Edison State University

    Trenton , NJ
    #4 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2023 #6 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Student body

    4K

    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
  26. #22

    Georgian Court University

    Lakewood , NJ
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2023 #7 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2023 #10 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1039/19

    What is Georgian Court University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  28. #24

    Felician University

    Lodi , NJ
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2023 #8 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    970/18

    What is Felician University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
  31. #26

    Caldwell University

    Caldwell , NJ
    #7 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2023 #10 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/19

    What is Caldwell University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  32. #27

    Centenary University

    Hackettstown , NJ
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    997/18

    What is Centenary University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  33. #28

    Saint Elizabeth University

    Morristown , NJ
    #9 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    1K

    What is Saint Elizabeth University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

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New Jersey’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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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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