Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2024

Badge for BEST IN NEW JERSEY PRIVATE COLLEGES

Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in New Jersey.

10 Best Private 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. Drew University
  6. Monmouth University
  7. Rider University
  8. Berkeley College
  9. Saint Peter's University
  10. Georgian Court University
  1. Princeton University
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology
  3. Seton Hall University
  4. Fairleigh Dickinson University
  5. Drew University
  6. Monmouth University
  7. Saint Peter's University
  8. Rider University
  9. Berkeley College
  10. Georgian Court University
  1. Centenary University 98%
  2. Caldwell University 96%
  3. Saint Peter's University 93%
  4. Felician University 92%
  5. Fairleigh Dickinson University 85%
  6. Bloomfield College 84%
  7. Monmouth University 84%
  8. Rider University 82%
  9. Georgian Court University 80%
  10. Drew University 80%
  1. Berkeley College 17 to 1
  2. Bloomfield College 15 to 1
  3. Fairleigh Dickinson University 15 to 1
  4. Felician University 14 to 1
  5. Seton Hall University 14 to 1
  6. Caldwell University 13 to 1
  7. Saint Peter's University 13 to 1
  8. Monmouth University 12 to 1
  9. Stevens Institute of Technology 12 to 1
  10. Drew University 12 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. Saint Peter's University $21,186
  6. Berkeley College $19,751
  7. Rider University $19,599
  8. Felician University $19,440
  9. Drew University $19,440
  10. Saint Elizabeth University $18,018
  1. Saint Elizabeth University
  2. Centenary University
  3. Caldwell University
  4. Bloomfield College
  5. Felician University
  6. Georgian Court University
  7. Saint Peter's University
  8. Berkeley College
  9. Rider University
  10. Monmouth University
  1. Saint Elizabeth University
  2. Centenary University
  3. Felician University
  4. Caldwell University
  5. Bloomfield College
  6. Georgian Court University
  7. Berkeley College
  8. Rider University
  9. Saint Peter's University
  10. Monmouth University
  1. Princeton University 4%
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology 53%
  3. Saint Elizabeth University 74%
  4. Seton Hall University 77%
  5. Drew University 80%
  6. Georgian Court University 80%
  7. Rider University 82%
  8. Monmouth University 84%
  9. Bloomfield College 84%
  10. Fairleigh Dickinson University 85%
  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. Saint Peter's University 13 to 1
  1. Berkeley College $27,600
  2. Bloomfield College $30,680
  3. Fairleigh Dickinson University $33,114
  4. Georgian Court University $34,481
  5. Centenary University $34,498
  6. Saint Elizabeth University $34,876
  7. Felician University $35,700
  8. Rider University $35,850
  9. Caldwell University $36,900
  10. Saint Peter's University $38,760
  1. Fairleigh Dickinson University $9,780
  2. Bloomfield College $11,760
  3. Caldwell University $15,354
  4. Georgian Court University $16,470
  5. Centenary University $17,334
  6. Saint Elizabeth University $18,018
  7. Felician University $19,440
  8. Drew University $19,440
  9. Rider University $19,599
  10. Berkeley College $19,751

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

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

New Jersey's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
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This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 15 private universities in New Jersey. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in New Jersey, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

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Best Private Colleges in New Jersey

  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. #6

    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

  3. #7

    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
  4. #8

    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:

  5. #9

    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
  6. 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

  7. 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
  8. #12

    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:

  9. #13

    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:

  10. #14

    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

  11. #15

    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 Private Colleges in Your Area 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. Seton Hall University
  5. Saint Peter's University
  6. Monmouth University
  7. Caldwell University
  8. Rider University
  9. Centenary University

Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.

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