Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2024

Badge for BEST IN NEW JERSEY RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

Interested in attending a STEM school in New Jersey? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.

10 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2024

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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. Rutgers University–New Brunswick
  9. Rutgers University–Newark
  1. Princeton University
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology
  3. Seton Hall University
  4. Rutgers University–Camden
  5. New Jersey Institute of Technology
  6. Montclair State University
  7. Rowan University
  8. Rutgers University–Newark
  9. Rutgers University–New Brunswick
  1. Montclair State University 91%
  2. Rowan University 77%
  3. Rutgers University–Camden 77%
  4. Seton Hall University 75%
  5. Rutgers University–Newark 74%
  6. Rutgers University–New Brunswick 66%
  7. New Jersey Institute of Technology 66%
  8. Stevens Institute of Technology 46%
  9. Princeton University 6%
  1. Montclair State University 17 to 1
  2. Rowan University 16 to 1
  3. Rutgers University–New Brunswick 15 to 1
  4. New Jersey Institute of Technology 15 to 1
  5. Seton Hall University 14 to 1
  6. Rutgers University–Camden 13 to 1
  7. Rutgers University–Newark 13 to 1
  8. Stevens Institute of Technology 11 to 1
  9. Princeton University 5 to 1
  1. Stevens Institute of Technology $58,624
  2. Princeton University $57,410
  3. Seton Hall University $48,960
  4. New Jersey Institute of Technology $15,198
  5. Rutgers University–Camden $12,900
  6. Rutgers University–New Brunswick $12,900
  7. Rutgers University–Newark $12,900
  8. Montclair State University $12,755
  9. Rowan University $10,715
  1. Princeton University $57,410
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology $39,408
  3. Seton Hall University $33,528
  4. New Jersey Institute of Technology $21,932
  5. Rutgers University–Camden $18,696
  6. Rutgers University–New Brunswick $18,696
  7. Rutgers University–Newark $18,696
  8. Montclair State University $13,740
  9. Rowan University $13,695
  1. Rutgers University–Newark
  2. Rutgers University–New Brunswick
  3. Montclair State University
  4. Rowan University
  5. New Jersey Institute of Technology
  6. Rutgers University–Camden
  7. Stevens Institute of Technology
  8. Seton Hall University
  9. Princeton University
  1. Rutgers University–New Brunswick
  2. Rutgers University–Newark
  3. Rowan University
  4. Montclair State University
  5. New Jersey Institute of Technology
  6. Rutgers University–Camden
  7. Seton Hall University
  8. Stevens Institute of Technology
  9. Princeton University
  1. Princeton University 6%
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology 46%
  3. New Jersey Institute of Technology 66%
  4. Rutgers University–New Brunswick 66%
  5. Rutgers University–Newark 74%
  6. Seton Hall University 75%
  7. Rutgers University–Camden 77%
  8. Rowan University 77%
  9. Montclair State University 91%
  1. Princeton University 5 to 1
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology 11 to 1
  3. Rutgers University–Camden 13 to 1
  4. Rutgers University–Newark 13 to 1
  5. Seton Hall University 14 to 1
  6. Rutgers University–New Brunswick 15 to 1
  7. New Jersey Institute of Technology 15 to 1
  8. Rowan University 16 to 1
  9. Montclair State University 17 to 1
  1. Rowan University $10,715
  2. Montclair State University $12,755
  3. Rutgers University–Camden $12,900
  4. Rutgers University–New Brunswick $12,900
  5. Rutgers University–Newark $12,900
  6. New Jersey Institute of Technology $15,198
  7. Seton Hall University $48,960
  8. Princeton University $57,410
  9. Stevens Institute of Technology $58,624
  1. Rowan University $13,695
  2. Montclair State University $13,740
  3. Rutgers University–Camden $18,696
  4. Rutgers University–New Brunswick $18,696
  5. Rutgers University–Newark $18,696
  6. New Jersey Institute of Technology $21,932
  7. Seton Hall University $33,528
  8. Stevens Institute of Technology $39,408
  9. Princeton University $57,410

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

New Jersey's Best Research Universities Badge
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A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 9 research universities in New Jersey. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).

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Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2023

  1. #1

    Princeton University

    Princeton , NJ
    #4 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #6 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #6 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #7 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Princeton University

    Cost of Degree: $59,710
    Expenses: $24,330
    Starting Salary: $116,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Princeton University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Seton Hall University

    South Orange , NJ
    #21 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1310/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Seton Hall University

    Cost of Degree: $51,370
    Expenses: $21,350
    Starting Salary: $63,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Seton Hall University known for?

    Seton Hall University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Stevens Institute of Technology

    Hoboken , NJ
    #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #3 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Stevens Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $60,952
    Expenses: $20,900
    Starting Salary: $91,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Stevens Institute of Technology known for?

    Stevens Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Rutgers University–Camden

    Camden , NJ
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2025 #5 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Rutgers University–Camden

    Cost of Degree: $17,079
    Expenses: $19,152
    Starting Salary: $68,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
    Compare school
  5. #5

    New Jersey Institute of Technology

    Newark , NJ
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2025 #6 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/30

    Career Outlook for degree at New Jersey Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $19,022
    Expenses: $22,330
    Starting Salary: $70,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Rowan University

    Glassboro , NJ
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2025 #7 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Rowan University

    Cost of Degree: $15,700
    Expenses: $23,642
    Starting Salary: $55,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Rowan University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Montclair State University

    Montclair , NJ
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2025 #8 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    24K

    Career Outlook for degree at Montclair State University

    Cost of Degree: $14,766
    Expenses: $20,262
    Starting Salary: $52,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Montclair State University known for?

    Montclair State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Rutgers University–New Brunswick

    New Brunswick , NJ
    #9 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in New Jersey 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    57K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1375/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Rutgers University–New Brunswick

    Cost of Degree: $17,239
    Expenses: $20,478
    Starting Salary: $68,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Rutgers University–New Brunswick known for?

    Rutgers University–New Brunswick’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Rutgers University–Newark

    Newark , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for degree at Rutgers University–Newark

    Cost of Degree: $16,586
    Expenses: $20,823
    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

    Compare school
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Find the Best Research Universities in New Jersey for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 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. Seton Hall University
  5. Montclair State University
  6. Rutgers University–Camden
  7. Rutgers University–Newark
  8. Rowan University
  9. Rutgers University–New Brunswick

Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.

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