Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2026

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN NEW-JERSEY
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

10 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2026

  1. Rutgers University–Camden
  2. New Jersey Institute of Technology
  3. Montclair State University
    +1
  4. Rowan University
    –1
  5. The College of New Jersey
  6. Rutgers University–New Brunswick
    +3
  7. William Paterson University
    +1
  8. Kean University
    –2
  9. Rutgers University–Newark
    +4
  10. Ramapo College
    +1

There are 13 affordable colleges and universities in New Jersey with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in New Jersey is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2025

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  1. #1

    Rutgers University–Camden

    Camden , NJ
    #1 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2026 #4 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2026 #4 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #4 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Rutgers University–Camden

    Cost of Degree: $17,079
    Expenses: $19,152
    Starting Salary: $80,490
    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

    Rutgers University–Camden’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    New Jersey Institute of Technology

    Newark , NJ
    #2 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2026 #5 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2026 #5 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2026 #6 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1335/30

    Career Outlook for degree at New Jersey Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $19,022
    Expenses: $22,330
    Starting Salary: $90,769
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Montclair State University

    Montclair , NJ
    #3 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2026 #6 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2026 #6 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2026 #7 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    26K

    Career Outlook for degree at Montclair State University

    Cost of Degree: $14,766
    Expenses: $20,262
    Starting Salary: $63,846
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
  4. #4

    Rowan University

    Glassboro , NJ
    #4 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2026 #7 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2026 #7 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2026 #8 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    23K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Rowan University

    Cost of Degree: $15,700
    Expenses: $23,642
    Starting Salary: $65,776
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
  6. #5

    The College of New Jersey

    Ewing , NJ
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #5 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2026 #10 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/28

    Career Outlook for degree at The College of New Jersey

    Cost of Degree: $18,685
    Expenses: $21,347
    Starting Salary: $79,651
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is The College of New Jersey known for?

    The College of New Jersey’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Rutgers University–New Brunswick

    New Brunswick , NJ
    #6 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2026 #8 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2026 #10 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2026 #7 Best Online Master's Programs in New Jersey 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    57K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1405/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Rutgers University–New Brunswick

    Cost of Degree: $17,239
    Expenses: $20,478
    Starting Salary: $80,490
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
  8. #7

    William Paterson University

    Wayne , NJ
    #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #7 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2026 #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New Jersey #4 Best Online Colleges in New Jersey 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for degree at William Paterson University

    Cost of Degree: $15,150
    Expenses: $20,730
    Starting Salary: $61,869
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is William Paterson University known for?

    William Paterson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    William Paterson University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Disability Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Kean University

    Union , NJ
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #8 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2026 #13 Best Colleges and Universities for Biology Degrees 2026 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New Jersey

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for degree at Kean University

    Cost of Degree: $13,426
    Expenses: $21,004
    Starting Salary: $62,318
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

    Kean University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Management- Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Management- Human Resources Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Management- Supply Chain
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Management-General Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Biology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Rutgers University–Newark

    Newark , NJ
    #9 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2026 #9 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for degree at Rutgers University–Newark

    Cost of Degree: $16,586
    Expenses: $20,823
    Starting Salary: $80,490
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
  12. #10

    Ramapo College

    Mahwah , NJ
    #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #10 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Ramapo College

    Cost of Degree: $15,978
    Expenses: $18,772
    Starting Salary: $71,282
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Ramapo College known for?

    Ramapo College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Stockton University

    Galloway , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Stockton University

    Cost of Degree: $15,532
    Expenses: $23,502
    Starting Salary: $63,648
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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

    Compare school
  14. #12

    New Jersey City University

    Jersey City , NJ
    #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity #12 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2026 #12 Best Online Master's Programs in New Jersey 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at New Jersey City University

    Cost of Degree: $13,971
    Expenses: $22,318
    Starting Salary: $59,538
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Thomas Edison State University

    Trenton , NJ
    #5 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2026 #10 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2026 #13 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2026 #15 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at Thomas Edison State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,638
    Starting Salary: $75,164
    What is Thomas Edison State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Thomas Edison State University’s Online Degrees

    BSBA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in Accounting/Cpa
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in General Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in Human Resource Management/Organizational Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in Operations Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Data Science And Analytics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Technical Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Homeland Security And Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in International Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSBA in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Radiation Protection/Health Physics
    • Required Credits: 125
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Electrical Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Energy Systems Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Mathematics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Electronic Systems Engineering Technology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
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