Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024

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Here are the best colleges and universities in New Jersey. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

10 Best Colleges in New Jersey

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  1. Princeton University
  2. Seton Hall University
  3. Stevens Institute of Technology
  4. Fairleigh Dickinson University
  5. Rutgers University–Camden
  6. New Jersey Institute of Technology
  7. Rowan University
  8. Montclair State University
  9. Drew University
  10. The College of New Jersey
  1. Princeton University
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology
  3. Seton Hall University
  4. Rutgers University–Camden
  5. Fairleigh Dickinson University
  6. New Jersey Institute of Technology
  7. Drew University
  8. Montclair State University
  9. Rowan University
  10. The College of New Jersey
  1. Centenary University 97%
  2. William Paterson University 92%
  3. Montclair State University 91%
  4. Monmouth University 91%
  5. New Jersey City University 90%
  6. Saint Peter's University 89%
  7. Felician University 89%
  8. Stockton University 86%
  9. Rider University 84%
  10. Fairleigh Dickinson University 84%
  1. Montclair State University 17 to 1
  2. Kean University 16 to 1
  3. Rowan University 16 to 1
  4. Stockton University 16 to 1
  5. Ramapo College 16 to 1
  6. New Jersey Institute of Technology 15 to 1
  7. Rutgers University–New Brunswick 15 to 1
  8. New Jersey City University 15 to 1
  9. Thomas Edison State University 15 to 1
  10. William Paterson University 15 to 1
  1. Stevens Institute of Technology $58,624
  2. Princeton University $57,410
  3. Seton Hall University $48,960
  4. Drew University $44,174
  5. Monmouth University $43,216
  6. Saint Peter's University $39,890
  7. Caldwell University $38,050
  8. Rider University $37,200
  9. Felician University $36,410
  10. Centenary University $35,934
  1. Princeton University $57,410
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology $39,408
  3. Seton Hall University $33,528
  4. Monmouth University $32,352
  5. Drew University $24,318
  6. New Jersey Institute of Technology $21,932
  7. Fairleigh Dickinson University $21,278
  8. Felician University $19,890
  9. Berkeley College $19,716
  10. Ramapo College $19,657
  1. Saint Elizabeth University
  2. Centenary University
  3. Caldwell University
  4. Bloomfield College
  5. Felician University
  6. Rutgers University–Newark
  7. Georgian Court University
  8. Thomas Edison State University
  9. Saint Peter's University
  10. Berkeley College
  1. Saint Elizabeth University
  2. Centenary University
  3. Felician University
  4. Caldwell University
  5. Bloomfield College
  6. Georgian Court University
  7. Thomas Edison State University
  8. Berkeley College
  9. New Jersey City University
  10. Stockton University
  1. Princeton University 6%
  2. Stevens Institute of Technology 46%
  3. The College of New Jersey 64%
  4. Caldwell University 66%
  5. New Jersey Institute of Technology 66%
  6. Rutgers University–New Brunswick 66%
  7. Ramapo College 70%
  8. Saint Elizabeth University 72%
  9. Drew University 73%
  10. Rutgers University–Newark 74%
  1. Princeton University 5 to 1
  2. Rider University 10 to 1
  3. Georgian Court University 10 to 1
  4. Stevens Institute of Technology 11 to 1
  5. Saint Peter's University 11 to 1
  6. Saint Elizabeth University 11 to 1
  7. Monmouth University 12 to 1
  8. Drew University 12 to 1
  9. Felician University 13 to 1
  10. Bloomfield College 13 to 1
  1. Thomas Edison State University $7,372
  2. Rowan University $10,715
  3. Kean University $10,758
  4. Stockton University $12,740
  5. Montclair State University $12,755
  6. Rutgers University–New Brunswick $12,900
  7. Rutgers University–Camden $12,900
  8. Rutgers University–Newark $12,900
  9. New Jersey City University $13,384
  10. The College of New Jersey $14,140
  1. Bloomfield College $11,760
  2. Thomas Edison State University $12,150
  3. Rowan University $13,695
  4. Montclair State University $13,740
  5. New Jersey City University $14,346
  6. Stockton University $14,346
  7. Saint Peter's University $14,670
  8. William Paterson University $15,411
  9. The College of New Jersey $15,545
  10. Caldwell University $15,966

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

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We’ve identified 28 colleges and universities in New Jersey that meet our criteria. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in New Jersey that offer a wide range of bachelor’s degrees.

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Best Colleges in New Jersey 2023

  1. #1

    Princeton University

    Princeton , NJ
    Other Rankings

    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: $57,410
    Expenses: $23,005
    Starting Salary: $116,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. 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
    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
  3. 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

    New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1245/27

    Career Outlook for degree at The College of New Jersey

    Cost of Degree: $17,978
    Expenses: $19,878
    Starting Salary: $64,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #11

    Monmouth University

    West Long Branch , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1205/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Monmouth University

    Cost of Degree: $43,216
    Expenses: $21,057
    Starting Salary: $55,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Monmouth University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  6. #12

    Rider University

    Lawrenceville , NJ
    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

    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
  7. #13

    Kean University

    Union , NJ
    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
    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: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management- Entrepreneurship
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management- Human Resources Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management- Supply Chain
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management-General Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. #14

    Stockton University

    Galloway , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Stockton University

    Cost of Degree: $15,188
    Expenses: $19,788
    Starting Salary: $50,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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

  9. 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

    William Paterson University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Disability Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal 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
  10. 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: $16,263
    Expenses: $19,503
    Starting Salary: $68,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. #17

    New Jersey City University

    Jersey City , NJ
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at New Jersey City University

    Cost of Degree: $13,564
    Expenses: $21,708
    Starting Salary: $46,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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

  12. #18

    Ramapo College

    Mahwah , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1197/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Ramapo College

    Cost of Degree: $15,363
    Expenses: $19,386
    Starting Salary: $56,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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

  13. #19

    Berkeley College

    Woodland Park , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Berkeley College

    Cost of Degree: $27,138
    Starting Salary: $43,600
    What is Berkeley College known for?

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

  14. #20

    Saint Peter's University

    Jersey City , NJ
    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
    What is Saint Peter's University known for?

    Saint Peter's University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
  15. 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
    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: 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
  16. Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgian Court University

    Cost of Degree: $35,516
    Expenses: $18,196
    Starting Salary: $43,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Georgian Court University known for?

    Georgian Court University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  17. Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for degree at Rutgers University–Newark

    Cost of Degree: $15,648
    Expenses: $19,937
    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

  18. Other Rankings

    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
    What 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
  19. #25

    Bloomfield College

    Bloomfield , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    865/15

    Career Outlook for degree at Bloomfield College

    Cost of Degree: $30,680
    Expenses: $17,262
    Starting Salary: $42,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bloomfield College known for?

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

  20. #26

    Caldwell University

    Caldwell , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1165/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Caldwell University

    Cost of Degree: $38,050
    Expenses: $19,399
    Starting Salary: $48,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Caldwell University known for?

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

  21. #27

    Centenary University

    Hackettstown , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Centenary University

    Cost of Degree: $35,934
    Expenses: $17,730
    Starting Salary: $49,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Centenary University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  22. #28

    Saint Elizabeth University

    Morristown , NJ

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Elizabeth University

    Cost of Degree: $34,930
    Expenses: $18,444
    Starting Salary: $49,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Saint Elizabeth University known for?

    Saint Elizabeth University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

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New Jersey’s Best Colleges 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.

  1. Princeton University
  2. Drew University
  3. Stevens Institute of Technology
  4. New Jersey Institute of Technology
  5. Seton Hall University
  6. Saint Peter's University
  7. Monmouth University
  8. Montclair State University
  9. Caldwell University
  10. The College of New Jersey
  11. Thomas Edison State University
  12. Rider University
  13. Rutgers University–Camden
  14. Ramapo College
  15. Stockton University
  16. Rutgers University–Newark
  17. Rowan University
  18. William Paterson University
  19. Centenary University
  20. Kean University
  21. Rutgers University–New Brunswick
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