Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2023
Small colleges in New Jersey are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.
10 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2022
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.
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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
The following list of the best small colleges and universities in New Jersey is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 12 small colleges in New Jersey. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.
Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2022
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2023 #4 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2023 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #4 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
54%
Student body
4K
What is Fairleigh Dickinson University known for?
Fairleigh Dickinson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Business
- Biology
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Nursing
- History
- Education
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
- #20 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2023 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2023 #2 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2023 #5 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
74%
Student body
2K
What is Drew University known for?
Drew University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Anthropology
- Literature
- Biology
- Political Science
- Philosophy
- Physics
- History
- Chemistry
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #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:
- Computer Science
- Business
- Social Work
- Mathematics
- Communications
- History
- Economics
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Political Science
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
3K
What is Berkeley College known for?
Berkeley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #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 #9 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2023
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:
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Literature
- History
- Political Science
- Communications
- Religious Studies
- Physics
- Medical
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
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:
- Nursing
- Business
- Medical
- Education
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Communications
- Criminal Justice
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
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:
- Nursing
- Physics
- Education
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- History
- Psychology
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
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:
- Nursing
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Education
- Communications
- History
- Psychology
- Medical
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
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
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
38%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
880/17
What is Bloomfield College known for?
Bloomfield College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Education
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Business
- History
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
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
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:
- Social Work
- Communications
- Sociology
- Education
- Psychology
- Medical
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Political Science
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
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:
- Social Work
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- Medical
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
New Jersey’s Best Small College in Your Area of 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.
