Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2024
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
- Princeton University
- Seton Hall University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Drew University
- Monmouth University
- Rider University
- Berkeley College
- Saint Peter's University
- Georgian Court University
- Princeton University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- Seton Hall University
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Drew University
- Monmouth University
- Saint Peter's University
- Rider University
- Berkeley College
- Georgian Court University
- Centenary University 98%
- Caldwell University 96%
- Saint Peter's University 93%
- Felician University 92%
- Fairleigh Dickinson University 85%
- Bloomfield College 84%
- Monmouth University 84%
- Rider University 82%
- Georgian Court University 80%
- Drew University 80%
- Berkeley College 17 to 1
- Bloomfield College 15 to 1
- Fairleigh Dickinson University 15 to 1
- Felician University 14 to 1
- Seton Hall University 14 to 1
- Caldwell University 13 to 1
- Saint Peter's University 13 to 1
- Monmouth University 12 to 1
- Stevens Institute of Technology 12 to 1
- Drew University 12 to 1
- Stevens Institute of Technology $56,920
- Princeton University $56,010
- Seton Hall University $46,880
- Drew University $42,952
- Monmouth University $41,680
- Saint Peter's University $38,760
- Caldwell University $36,900
- Rider University $35,850
- Felician University $35,700
- Saint Elizabeth University $34,876
- Princeton University $56,010
- Stevens Institute of Technology $38,076
- Monmouth University $28,578
- Seton Hall University $25,218
- Saint Peter's University $21,186
- Berkeley College $19,751
- Rider University $19,599
- Felician University $19,440
- Drew University $19,440
- Saint Elizabeth University $18,018
- Saint Elizabeth University
- Centenary University
- Caldwell University
- Bloomfield College
- Felician University
- Georgian Court University
- Saint Peter's University
- Berkeley College
- Rider University
- Monmouth University
- Saint Elizabeth University
- Centenary University
- Felician University
- Caldwell University
- Bloomfield College
- Georgian Court University
- Berkeley College
- Rider University
- Saint Peter's University
- Monmouth University
- Princeton University 4%
- Stevens Institute of Technology 53%
- Saint Elizabeth University 74%
- Seton Hall University 77%
- Drew University 80%
- Georgian Court University 80%
- Rider University 82%
- Monmouth University 84%
- Bloomfield College 84%
- Fairleigh Dickinson University 85%
- Princeton University 4 to 1
- Rider University 10 to 1
- Centenary University 10 to 1
- Georgian Court University 11 to 1
- Saint Elizabeth University 11 to 1
- Monmouth University 12 to 1
- Stevens Institute of Technology 12 to 1
- Drew University 12 to 1
- Caldwell University 13 to 1
- Saint Peter's University 13 to 1
- Berkeley College $27,600
- Bloomfield College $30,680
- Fairleigh Dickinson University $33,114
- Georgian Court University $34,481
- Centenary University $34,498
- Saint Elizabeth University $34,876
- Felician University $35,700
- Rider University $35,850
- Caldwell University $36,900
- Saint Peter's University $38,760
- Fairleigh Dickinson University $9,780
- Bloomfield College $11,760
- Caldwell University $15,354
- Georgian Court University $16,470
- Centenary University $17,334
- Saint Elizabeth University $18,018
- Felician University $19,440
- Drew University $19,440
- Rider University $19,599
- 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?
- 9 Research Universities
- 19 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 20 Graduate Schools
- 13 Public Colleges & Universities
- 15 Private Colleges & Universities
- 9 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 12 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 20 Community Colleges
- 13 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 9 Online Colleges
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.
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.
Best Private Colleges in New Jersey
- #5 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #5 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #5 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #6 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024
Other Rankings
- #7 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
- #7 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
- #8 Best Universities in the World 2024
- #13 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2024
- #1 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2024
- #2 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #3 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
- #3 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
- #5 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
- #5 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #5 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #6 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #6 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #6 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #7 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
- #7 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #7 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #10 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
- #10 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #8 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
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: $57,410Expenses: $23,005Starting Salary: $116,300Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Princeton University known for?
Princeton University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Economics
- History
- Literature
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
- #21 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2024 #2 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2024
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in New Jersey 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in New Jersey
- #3 Best Accredited Online Juris Doctorate (JD) Law Programs
- #6 Best Online MBA in Accounting Degree Programs
- #9 Best Online MBAs in Finance
- #10 Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #18 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
- #18 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting
- #3 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$47K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
72%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1230/27
Career Outlook for degree at Seton Hall University
Cost of Degree: $48,960Expenses: $20,532Starting Salary: $63,700Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Seton Hall University known for?
Seton Hall University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Law
- Criminal Justice
- Religious Studies
- Political Science
- Medical
- Anthropology
- Business
- Education
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2024 #3 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online Master's in Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in New Jersey 2024
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in New Jersey
- #5 Best Online Master's in Project Management
- #7 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
- #8 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #10 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
- #11 Best Online Master’s in Finance
Tuition + fees
$57K
Acceptance
53%
Graduation
87%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1400/32
Career Outlook for degree at Stevens Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $58,624Expenses: $19,330Starting Salary: $91,900Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Stevens Institute of Technology known for?
Stevens Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Business
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Sociology
- Biology
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2024
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in New Jersey 2024
- #5 Best Online Colleges in New Jersey 2024
- #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
54%
Student body
11K
Career Outlook for degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University
Cost of Degree: $37,563Expenses: $21,986Starting Salary: $54,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Fairleigh Dickinson University known for?
Fairleigh Dickinson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Business
- History
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Nursing
Most Influential Alumni
- #20 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
74%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Drew University
Cost of Degree: $44,174Expenses: $19,327Starting Salary: $58,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Drew University known for?
Drew University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Biology
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Physics
- Anthropology
- Political Science
- Economics
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
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: $43,216Expenses: $21,057Starting Salary: $55,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Monmouth University known for?
Monmouth University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- History
- Business
- Communications
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #10 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2024 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in New Jersey
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: $37,200Expenses: $19,630Starting Salary: $54,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Rider University known for?
Rider University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Business
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Literature
- Political Science
- Communications
- Economics
- History
- Chemistry
- Social Work
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
Tuition + fees
$28K
Graduation
45%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Berkeley College
Cost of Degree: $27,138Starting Salary: $43,600What is Berkeley College known for?
Berkeley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #9 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #17 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #3 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
58%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Saint Peter's University
Cost of Degree: $39,890Expenses: $19,408Starting Salary: $50,900Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Saint Peter's University known for?
Saint Peter's University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- History
- Sociology
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Physics
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
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #14 Best Online Master's Programs in New Jersey 2024
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: $35,516Expenses: $18,196Starting Salary: $43,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Georgian Court University known for?
Georgian Court University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Physics
- Education
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Literature
- Sociology
- History
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New Jersey #9 Best Online Colleges in New Jersey 2024
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: $36,410Expenses: $18,070Starting Salary: $52,800Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
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: $30,680Expenses: $17,262Starting Salary: $42,700Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bloomfield College known for?
Bloomfield College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #7 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in New Jersey #16 Best Online Master's Programs in New Jersey 2024
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: $38,050Expenses: $19,399Starting Salary: $48,700Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Caldwell University known for?
Caldwell University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #8 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in New Jersey #17 Best Online Master's Programs in New Jersey 2024
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: $35,934Expenses: $17,730Starting Salary: $49,700Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Centenary University known for?
Centenary University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Communications
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Education
- Medical
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Political Science
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #18 Best Online Master's Programs in New Jersey 2024 #25 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
39%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Saint Elizabeth University
Cost of Degree: $34,930Expenses: $18,444Starting Salary: $49,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Saint Elizabeth University known for?
Saint Elizabeth University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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.
Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.