Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2024

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Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in New Jersey offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

10 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey

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  1. Princeton University
  2. Seton Hall University
  3. Stevens Institute of Technology
  4. Rutgers University–Camden
  5. New Jersey Institute of Technology
  6. Rowan University
  7. Montclair State University
  8. Drew University
  9. Monmouth University
  10. Rider University
  1. Princeton University
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology
  3. Seton Hall University
  4. Rutgers University–Camden
  5. New Jersey Institute of Technology
  6. Drew University
  7. Montclair State University
  8. Rowan University
  9. Monmouth University
  10. Saint Peter's University
  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. Rowan University 84%
  9. Monmouth University 84%
  10. Rider University 82%
  1. Kean University 18 to 1
  2. Stockton University 18 to 1
  3. Montclair State University 18 to 1
  4. Rowan University 17 to 1
  5. Rutgers University–New Brunswick 16 to 1
  6. New Jersey Institute of Technology 15 to 1
  7. Rutgers University–Camden 15 to 1
  8. Rutgers University–Newark 15 to 1
  9. Felician University 14 to 1
  10. Seton Hall University 14 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. Rider University $19,599
  8. Felician University $19,440
  9. Drew University $19,440
  10. Rutgers University–New Brunswick $18,180
  1. Saint Elizabeth University
  2. Centenary University
  3. Caldwell University
  4. Felician University
  5. Rutgers University–Newark
  6. Saint Peter's University
  7. New Jersey City University
  8. Rutgers University–New Brunswick
  9. Stockton University
  10. Kean University
  1. Saint Elizabeth University
  2. Centenary University
  3. Felician University
  4. Caldwell University
  5. New Jersey City University
  6. Stockton University
  7. Rutgers University–New Brunswick
  8. Rutgers University–Newark
  9. Kean University
  10. Rider University
  1. Princeton University 4%
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology 53%
  3. Rutgers University–New Brunswick 68%
  4. New Jersey Institute of Technology 69%
  5. Saint Elizabeth University 74%
  6. Rutgers University–Newark 77%
  7. Seton Hall University 77%
  8. Kean University 79%
  9. Rutgers University–Camden 79%
  10. Drew University 80%
  1. Princeton University 4 to 1
  2. Rider University 10 to 1
  3. Centenary University 10 to 1
  4. Saint Elizabeth University 11 to 1
  5. Monmouth University 12 to 1
  6. Stevens Institute of Technology 12 to 1
  7. Drew University 12 to 1
  8. Caldwell University 13 to 1
  9. Saint Peter's University 13 to 1
  10. Felician University 14 to 1
  1. Rowan University $10,302
  2. Kean University $10,445
  3. Montclair State University $12,323
  4. Stockton University $12,490
  5. Rutgers University–New Brunswick $12,536
  6. Rutgers University–Camden $12,536
  7. Rutgers University–Newark $12,536
  8. New Jersey City University $12,992
  9. New Jersey Institute of Technology $14,790
  10. Centenary University $34,498
  1. Montclair State University $12,978
  2. Rowan University $13,169
  3. New Jersey City University $13,938
  4. Stockton University $14,063
  5. Caldwell University $15,354
  6. Kean University $15,752
  7. Centenary University $17,334
  8. Saint Elizabeth University $18,018
  9. Rutgers University–Camden $18,168
  10. Rutgers University–Newark $18,168

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


New Jersey's Best Grad Schools Badge
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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.

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Best Grad Schools 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

  3. #9

    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

  4. #10

    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
  5. #11

    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

  6. #12

    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

  7. 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
  8. #14

    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

  9. 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

  10. 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:

  11. #18

    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:

  12. #19

    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

  13. #20

    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 Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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. Stevens Institute of Technology
  3. New Jersey Institute of Technology
  4. Montclair State University
  5. Seton Hall University
  6. Drew University
  7. Rowan University
  8. Saint Peter's University
  9. Rutgers University–Newark
  10. Rutgers University–Camden
  11. Kean University
  12. Rider University
  13. Caldwell University
  14. Rutgers University–New Brunswick
  15. Centenary University
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