Best Online Colleges in New Jersey 2024

Badge for BEST ONLINE COLLEGES IN NEW JERSEY

Published: Jan 4, 2022
Updated: Nov 22, 2023

Find the best online colleges in New Jersey ranked by the academic success of faculty and alumni associated with the colleges and universities and their online degree programs.

Top 10 Online Colleges in New Jersey

New Jersey Institute of Technology
Saint Peter's University
William Paterson University
Rider University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Thomas Edison State University
Rutgers University–Camden
Kean University
Felician University

Rutgers University–Camden
Fairleigh Dickinson University
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Saint Peter's University
Rider University
Kean University
William Paterson University
Thomas Edison State University
Felician University

William Paterson University 92%
Saint Peter's University 89%
Felician University 89%
Rider University 84%
Fairleigh Dickinson University 84%
Kean University 83%
Rutgers University–Camden 77%
New Jersey Institute of Technology 66%

Kean University 16 to 1
New Jersey Institute of Technology 15 to 1
Thomas Edison State University 15 to 1
William Paterson University 15 to 1
Felician University 13 to 1
Rutgers University–Camden 13 to 1
Fairleigh Dickinson University 13 to 1
Saint Peter's University 11 to 1
Rider University 10 to 1

Saint Peter's University $39,890
Rider University $37,200
Felician University $36,410
Fairleigh Dickinson University $34,404
New Jersey Institute of Technology $15,198
William Paterson University $14,192
Rutgers University–Camden $12,900
Kean University $10,758
Thomas Edison State University $7,372

New Jersey Institute of Technology $21,932
Fairleigh Dickinson University $21,278
Felician University $19,890
Rutgers University–Camden $18,696
Rider University $18,234
Kean University $16,225
William Paterson University $15,411
Saint Peter's University $14,670
Thomas Edison State University $12,150

Felician University
Kean University
Rutgers University–Camden
Thomas Edison State University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Rider University
William Paterson University
Saint Peter's University
New Jersey Institute of Technology

Felician University
Thomas Edison State University
William Paterson University
Kean University
Rider University
Saint Peter's University
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Rutgers University–Camden

New Jersey Institute of Technology 66%
Rutgers University–Camden 77%
Kean University 83%
Fairleigh Dickinson University 84%
Rider University 84%
Felician University 89%
Saint Peter's University 89%
William Paterson University 92%

Rider University 10 to 1
Saint Peter's University 11 to 1
Felician University 13 to 1
Rutgers University–Camden 13 to 1
Fairleigh Dickinson University 13 to 1
New Jersey Institute of Technology 15 to 1
Thomas Edison State University 15 to 1
William Paterson University 15 to 1
Kean University 16 to 1

Thomas Edison State University $7,372
Kean University $10,758
Rutgers University–Camden $12,900
William Paterson University $14,192
New Jersey Institute of Technology $15,198
Fairleigh Dickinson University $34,404
Felician University $36,410
Rider University $37,200
Saint Peter's University $39,890

Thomas Edison State University $12,150
Saint Peter's University $14,670
William Paterson University $15,411
Kean University $16,225
Rider University $18,234
Rutgers University–Camden $18,696
Felician University $19,890
Fairleigh Dickinson University $21,278
New Jersey Institute of Technology $21,932

Table of Contents

Featured Programs

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

Online education has grown dramatically in quality, credibility, and popularity over the last two decades. Today, more than a quarter of all college students are taking at least one online course. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are more than 5 million college students who are pursuing their undergraduate degree fully online. And the number of online college and graduate students continues to grow as online technology and instructional methods improve.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, access to remote learning has proven an essential part of the educational ecosystem. Schools that offer primarily online degree programs saw an increase of 7% enrollment just between Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. The number of traditional institutions offering online courses and degrees is growing as well. This all paints a promising picture for the future of online education. But it also produces a dizzying array of options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Online Colleges 2024

Asynchronous learning means classes don’t meet at set times. This is the most flexible online learning experience, making when you cover your course material up to you. Most asynchronous online courses will still have deadlines throughout the semester for various assignments and tests. Some asynchronous classes may still ask for an occasional meeting, such as initial meet-and-greets, and in some cases there may be scheduled test times. The idea of asynchronous learning is to allow the student to manage their schedules as needed.

Synchronous learning means you will have scheduled meeting times for your online classes. Synchronous learning gives online students the flexibility of location while also giving students a chance to engage with each other and their professors. For many online students, the structured class schedules and ability to see and hear from peers in real-time helps create the learning experience they want.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities—educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

How do we determine the best online colleges for undergrads?

Methodology

Pursuing your degree online doesn’t mean you need to settle for an inferior school. Today, most universities and colleges offer online degrees, and many respected schools are seeing significant growth in their numbers of online students.

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great. This is why influence — i.e., the academic impact of faculty and alumni associated with a school — gets at the heart of what is truly best in education. The combined influence score of a college or university’s top academic influencers is the best indicator of academic excellence. For our online degree rankings, we focus on the academic influence of faculty and alumni in the specific disciplines we’re ranking.

If you are serious about finding the best online colleges, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching, and whether their graduates themselves are advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Influence, as measured by our InfluenceRanking engine, provides a ranking that is free from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

Best Online Colleges in New Jersey 2023

#1
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark , NJ
#2 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2024
Other Rankings
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: $18,512
Expenses: $21,650
Starting Salary: $70,300
Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Degrees
BS in Business

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
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#2
Saint Peter's University
Jersey City , NJ
#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
$40K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
60%
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
Online Degrees
BSBA in Business Administration

Concentrations

Accounting
Business Management
Digital Marketing and Social Media
Healthcare Management
Human Resource Management
Sport, Event & Hospitality Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
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#3
William Paterson University
Wayne , NJ
#8 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New Jersey
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
56%
Student body
12K
Career Outlook for degree at William Paterson University
Cost of Degree: $14,624
Expenses: $17,900
Starting Salary: $49,100
Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Degrees
BA in Communication Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Disability Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Health Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Leadership and Professional Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Liberal Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Marketing

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Psychology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
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#4
Rider University
Lawrenceville , NJ
#3 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #10 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
67%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/25
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
Online Degrees
BS in Allied Health Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BSBA in Business Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Liberal Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Organizational Psychology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Psychology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
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#5
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Teaneck , NJ
#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 Private Colleges in New Jersey 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
51%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1044/21
Career Outlook for degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University
Cost of Degree: $37,563
Expenses: $21,986
Starting Salary: $54,400
Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Degrees
BA in Degree Completion

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 2 years
Format: Online
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#6
Thomas Edison State University
Trenton , NJ
#4 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #7 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #9 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2024 #12 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$7K
Student body
13K
Career Outlook for degree at Thomas Edison State University
Cost of Degree: $7,372
Starting Salary: $57,300
Online Degrees
BSBA in Business Administration

Concentrations

Accounting
Accounting/CPA
Computer Information Systems
Entrepreneurship
Finance
General Management
Healthcare Management
Human Resource Management/Organizational Management
Marketing
Operations Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Communication

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Computer Science

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Cybersecurity

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Data Science and Analytics

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Electrical Technology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Electronic Systems Engineering Technology

Required Credits: 124
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Energy Systems Technology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in English

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in History

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Information Technology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in International Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Liberal Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Mathematics

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology

Required Credits: 126
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BSN in Nursing (RN-to-BSN)

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Organizational Leadership

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Professional Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Psychology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Radiation Protection/Health Physics

Required Credits: 125
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Sociology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Technical Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
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#7
Rutgers University–Camden
Camden , NJ
#1 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2024
Other Rankings
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: $16,112
Expenses: $18,517
Starting Salary: $68,100
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Degrees
BBA in Business Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BA in Labor and Employment Relations

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS in Nursing: RN to BSN

Required Credits: 121
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
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#8
Kean University
Union , NJ
#6 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New Jersey
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
51%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1030/20
Career Outlook for degree at Kean University
Cost of Degree: $12,972
Expenses: $18,539
Starting Salary: $48,400
Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Degrees
BS in Accounting

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Biology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Information Technology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Management

Concentrations

Entrepreneurship
Human Resources Management
Supply Chain
General Business

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Nursing

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Psychology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Public Health

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
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#9
Felician University
Lodi , NJ
#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 #15 Best Online Master's Programs in New Jersey 2024
Other Rankings
- #22 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
52%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1000/21
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
Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Professional Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
Compare school

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Best Online Colleges in New Jersey 2024

Top 10 Online Colleges in New Jersey

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in New Jersey

What are New Jersey’s Colleges & Universities?

Best Online Colleges in New Jersey 2023

Career Outlook for degree at New Jersey Institute of Technology

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Saint Peter's University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at William Paterson University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Rider University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Thomas Edison State University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Rutgers University–Camden

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Kean University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Felician University

Online Degrees