Best Colleges in New Jersey
New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the US and has 66 higher-education institutions to handle the influx. Students at colleges in New Jersey will experience hot, humid summers and typically cold winters at any of the institutions, which are scattered from Millville to Mahwah. The Garden State founded 9 colleges prior to the American Revolution, the oldest being Princeton University, which is also the most selective. Public, private, and for-profit institutions make up the body of colleges in New Jersey, but there are also three theological seminaries and ten Rabbinical and Talmudic schools. Major pharmaceuticals, life sciences, financial services, and advanced engineering top the list of industries in New Jersey. When it comes to attractions, Old Victorian Cape May, Atlantic City, and Grounds for Sculpture in Trenton are fan favorites.
How Were the Top Schools in New Jersey Chosen?
Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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Founded in 1746, Princeton University is a private, highly selective, Ivy League, the fourth oldest higher education institution in the nation, and one of the original nine colonial colleges. Princeton features a liberal arts education in the...
Princeton is an extremely welcoming school with excellent professors, students, and faculty members. I am wrapping up my first semester here, and I have had the time of my life...I really wish that time would just slow down and I could be here for...
” – A Midwestern Boy
Situated on a hilltop across the river from New York City, the Stevens Institute of Technology is a technological and engineering university in northeast New Jersey. Stevens is home to four schools conferring bachelor’s degrees in 35 academic majors...
Stevens provides a challenge, yet most of the learning is practical or hands on. I feel exceptionally prepared for real world work in the future!
” – Angela from Sparta, NJ
Founded in 1855 as the New Jersey State Normal School, The College of New Jersey is a 4-year public institution in the Trenton area. TCNJ is home to seven colleges and schools including the oldest teacher-training program in the state. Today it is...
College does change an individual, and I certainly am no exception. I went to TCNJ expecting to gain better writing skills and become immersed in learning about the journalistic world. In actuality, the real learning came from outside the classroom...
” – Brianna from Matawan, NJ
Rutgers University is a public research university, one of the first nine original colonial colleges, and a land grant institution, as well. The largest university in New Jersey, Rutgers maintains 29 schools and colleges between its three campuses...
Rutgers University is an excellent school because it offers various majors and minors to accommodate every student. Their Pharmacy, Engineering, as well as Business schools are widely acclaimed and their challenging programs drastically prepare you...
” – Lawrenceville, NJ
Drew University is more than a place to earn your degree—it is the beginning of a successful, purpose-driven life.
Choose from 40+ majors, 60+ minors, 18 Dual-Degree programs and 17 pre-professional programs. Every student graduates with a purpose...
There is no doubt in my mind that I am learning a lot at Drew. This college is on the Princeton Review's list of top universities and top liberal arts colleges for a reason! The topics are very engaging and intense, and although I've had a couple of...
” – Eve from North Bergen, NJ
Originally founded in 1865 as a business college, Rider University is a 4-year private school in western New Jersey. Rider is home to colleges of Business Administration, the Arts, Education, and Liberal Arts offering undergraduate degrees in 71...
The professors are very knowledgable. Many of the professors take the time to get to know their students.
” – Robert from Hamilton, NJ
Named for the surrounding Ramapo Mountains, Ramapo College of New Jersey is a 4-year public liberal arts college in northern New Jersey. Ramapo hosts five schools conferring undergrad degrees in 36 academic programs. To provide a safe space for LGBTQ...
Being a nursing major, I knew it was not going to be easy. I started my first semester by taking 5 classes which is not recommended but I knew I had to. At RCNJ, you learn ALOT. You may think oh this class is going to be easy, but once you get into...
” – Khadijah from Union, NJ
Ranked among the top 100 Public National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, Rowan University offers 90 bachelor’s programs, 200 study abroad programs in 40 countries, more than 170 student clubs and organizations, and one unstoppable community...
Not only have I learned a lot academically from my teachers and peers, I have learned a lot about myself. Rowan has provided me with great teachers who enjoy teaching their class and always are there for extra help!
” – Bevin from Lindenwold, NJ
Founded in 1856, Seton Hall University is a private Roman Catholic university and a member of the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium located in South Orange, New Jersey. The suburban, 58-acre campus features 10 schools and colleges that offer upwards of...
Seton Hall is a mainstream college meaning it is a college that specializes in every single major that is possible and that there is no specific major that they cater to. It is more for those who want a traditional college experience since this is...
” – Luis from Union City, NJ
Originally founded as a junior college, Monmouth University is a 4-year private school near the Jersey shore. Monmouth grants bachelor’s degrees in over 40 academic majors and also provides an opportunity for students to earn an undergrad and...
The classes here are small. All of your classes will never reach 40, so forget about large lecture halls. I love the classes; because of the small class size, you get to learn much more and have a great relationship with your professor. Your...
” – Joanna from Staten Island, NY
With a main campus surrounded by the Pinelands National Reserve, Stockton University is a 4-year public institution in southern New Jersey. Stockton grants bachelor’s and graduate degrees in over 160 academic fields of study. To promote...
There is a wide variety of courses available. When it comes time for me to register for classes, I am stuck because there are so many I want to take, and not enough time. I really love that Stockton encourages students to gain a breadth of...
” – Maria from Beachwood, NJ
Established in 1872, Saint Peter’s University is one of 28 Jesuit universities in the nation. Saint Peter’s is based in Jersey City, NJ, with a second location called Englewood Cliffs, and is home to four colleges and schools conferring undergraduate...
Saint Peters offers a wide range of courses that not only satisfy students academically, but provides them with the knowledge and understanding that you will remember for years to come. As a freshman I came in not feeling overwhelmed and was able to...
” – Erica from Newark, NJ
New Jersey Institute of Technology is the state’s public polytechnic university and is located in the University Heights neighborhood of downtown Newark, NJ. NJIT offers 126 programs across its six specialized schools for a population of more than 11...
NJIT is a fantastic university. It will take a year to get used to all of the things that happen on campus; however, once you're set, everything goes smoothly. Plus, they've got some great food that is served here!
” – Ayrton from Newark, NJ
Caldwell University is a 4-year liberal arts institution located in Caldwell, New Jersey. Founded by the Dominican sisters, the university has a strong Catholic identity which students will experience through the Enriched Core, which requires a...
i got a stellar education at caldwell college. the school is more than friendly towards seniors citizens.
more schools should follow cc's external degree program.
the saturday orientations are worth attending.
Montclair State University is a 4-year public institution in northern New Jersey and the second largest university in the state. Montclair State is home to 11 colleges and schools conferring over 300 undergraduate and graduate degrees and the...
Montclair State University's student to faculty ratio is 17 to 1, and class size is not large. The environment is just right for learning, and it is put together for your academic success.
” – Elisha from Blackwood, NJ
The Florham campus of the Fairleigh Dickinson University is a 4-year liberal arts college in northern New Jersey. A campus of the FDU system, the Florham campus grants undergraduate degrees in over 60 academic majors. The FDU-Florham campus is...
The professors are great! And I haven't had any large lectures, all small classes with real professors.
” – Student from FDU
Rutgers University-Newark is a public research university and a campus of the Rutgers system. Rutgers Newark is home to seven colleges granting undergrad degrees in over 40 academic majors. Additionally, the Newark campus hosts research facilities...
rutgers newark located in the inner city. small size school. the school has great professors to work with
” – Ebenezer from Irvington, NJ
Originally founded as a women’s college by the Sisters of Mercy, Georgian Court University is a coeducational Catholic liberal arts university in southern New Jersey. GCU hosts colleges of Nursing, Business, Education, and Arts & Sciences conferring...
i would rate georgian court university a 9 on a scale of 10 being the best. when i had transferred to gcu, i was treated with the up-most respect and my needs were accommodated. having been at gcu only two months, my experience here has been amazing...
” – Christina from Jackson, NJThe College of Saint Elizabeth is a private co-educational Catholic institution located in New Jersey, less than an hour train ride from New York City. Founded in 1899 by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth and as one of the first colleges to...
You develop personal relationships with the professors, and they hold you accountable for your work, so you work hard so as not to disappoint them!
” – amazingalliFelician University is a private liberal arts institution and is the only Franciscan universities in the state of New Jersey. Built in 1869, Iviswold House, located in Rutherford’s campus, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and...
felician college is a wonderful school to attend. academically, this college is higher then a good margin of others schools. especially the nursing program; a very tough course to get into and go through but it is all worth it in the end.
” – Justin from Clifton, NJ
Founded in 1855, Kean University is a public school in northeast New Jersey and the state’s first public post-secondary institution of higher learning. Kean grants undergraduate degrees in over 50 areas of study and graduates the most teachers in the...
Kean University is a great school to attend if you like diversity, a beautiful campus, and a great education.
” – Brianna from Piscataway, NJ
Centenary University is a private, career-focused liberal arts college situated in Hackettstown, New Jersey. The university was founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church and operates a 65-acre Equestrian Center in Long...
I absolutely love this school. The small class sizes make it easier for teachers to get to know their students better and help them one on one when they need it. All of the teachers I've had so far are excellent at thoroughly explaining the material...
” – Nicole from Hillsborough, NJFounded in 1868, Bloomfield College is a private liberal arts school based in Bloomfield, New Jersey, affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. Bloomfield offers several programs for students, including an Honors Program, the McNair Scholarship...
Bloomfield College has taught me many things thus far both inside and outside the classroom.
” – Ashley from Camden, NJ
Originally founded as the the South Jersey Law School, Rutgers University-Camden is 4-year public school and a campus of the Rutgers University system in south New Jersey. RU-Camden grants undergrad degrees in 38 academic majors featuring a liberal...
The teachers make there schedule around you and if you don't understand they are happy to help. They will even take the time to make extra work just for you. I am really learning a lot and actually remembering it later on.
” – Cesyana from Washington, DC
Fairleigh Dickinson University operates two campuses in New Jersey, a metropolitan campus in Teaneck, and a suburban campus in Florham, which makes FDU the largest private university in the state. FDU offers a Two Worlds degree programs, which allow...
FDU offers many majors/minors, and has exceptional programs available for prospective and current students. Many of the professors here are highly qualified and challenge students to get the most out of their education. The small class sizes allow...
” – Sandra from Avenel, NJ
Originally founded as a teacher training institution, New Jersey City University is a 4-year public liberal arts university in northeast New Jersey. NJCU is home to colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, Professional Studies, and Education conferring...
I learned that you can get individual attention while you are in class. Plus, as much as it sucks that there's an attendance policy, it's seriously helpful. NJCU is a nice school with a great faculty. The Media Arts Program is wonderful (which was my...
” – Priya from Jersey City, NJ
Founded in 1855, William Paterson University of New Jersey is 4-year public school in northern New Jersey. Set on a 370-acre wooded campus, William Paterson is home to colleges of Arts & Communication, Business, Education, Science, and Humanities...
William Paterson University offers an education of tremendous value in a learning community that is committed to providing academic excellence.
” – Deziree from Paterson, NJ
In partnership with Cumberland County College, Georgian Court University in Cumberland confers bachelor degrees in social work. GCU’s main campus is located in Lakewood, New Jersey, and is sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, who place particular...
Partnering with Brookdale Community College, Georgian Court University in Hazlet, New Jersey, offers 4-year degree programs as well as graduate degrees. Located within of the community college, GCU Hazlet’s location and class times are designed to be...
Yeshiva Gedolah Shaarei Shmuel is an Orthodox Jewish yeshiva in southern New Jersey dedicated to training future Torah scholars. Gedolah Shaarei Shmuel features a 4-year Talmudic Studies program with the goal of preparing students to enter advanced...
Named for a former Chief Rabbi of New York’s Association of American Orthodox Hebrew Congregations, Rabbi Jacob Joseph School is an Orthodox Jewish yeshiva in Staten Island and northern New Jersey. RJJS hosts a degree-granting Talmudic Studies...
The School of Nursing at the JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. & Dorothy A. Snyder Schools is a nursing academy located just outside of NYC in eastern New Jersey. The School of Nursing features four degree tracks including generic and accelerated tracks, an...
Bais Medrash Toras Chesed is an Orthodox Jewish Yeshiva in southern New Jersey with a curriculum emphasizing ethical works and teachings. BMTC offers a Talmudic Studies program focused on the study of sacred texts in order to prepare students to...
Rabbinical College of America is a Chabad Lubavitch Hasidic Jewish yeshiva in northern New Jersey dedicated to training rabbis. The yeshiva offers a Rabbinical Ordination Program as well as a Jewish higher education program for teachers and communal...
Yeshiva Yesodei Hatorah is a Jewish institution of higher learning in southeast New Jersey. The Yeshiva features a Talmudic Studies program tailored to the talents of each individual student. As an Orthodox institution, the Yeshiva is home to an all...
Established in 1958, Salem Community College is a public, 2-year institution located in Carney's Point, New Jersey, with a satellite education center in Alloway. As the only institution of higher learning operating in Salem County, SCC’s main campus...
While most of the teachers are cool, some of the adjunct faculty can be a real challenge to deal with. Overall though, the material covered is in-depth, and professors are readily available for discussing any questions or concerns.
” – JohnBrookdale Community College is a public institution located in Lincroft, New Jersey. Along with the main campus, the college also includes five additional campuses throughout Monmouth county. For students over the age of 18, a high school diploma is...
I have learned so much here at Brookdale!For the first time in my life I have recieved all straight A's because the teachers teach very well and the classes are easy.Thats what I love about college!You can pick your own classes.Their are many majors...
” – Daniella from Tinton Falls, NJYeshiva Toras Chaim is an Orthodox Jewish yeshiva in southern New Jersey dedicated to educating students in the laws of the Torah. The yeshiva offers a bachelor’s degree in Talmudic Studies program with a curriculum consisting of classes in Talmud...
Originally founded by the Roshei Hayeshivah, Yeshiva Gedolah Zichron Leyma is an Orthodox Jewish yeshiva in northeast New Jersey. The Yeshiva offers a Torah studies program through its Beis Midrash. With an all-male student body, all Yeshiva Gedolah...
The Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing at Holy Name Medical Center is a Catholic nursing institution in eastern New Jersey. Tynan’s RN curriculum includes courses in a diverse array of medical subjects such as Basic Pharmacology and Lifespan...
Princeton Theological Seminary is a graduate school of theology and the second-oldest religious academy in the United States. While the Seminary is affiliated with the Presbyterian church, its student body comprises over 50 Christian denominations...
Thomas Edison State University is a public, 4-year institution located in Trenton, New Jersey. Students are not required to visit campus, so the college’s classes have a number of different possible formats, such as the Self-Directed format...
Great distance college with excellent classes. Shorter semesters gives students more flexibility to manage taking classes and working jobs. Great professors and a truly caring school.
” – Megan from Lebanon, NJYeshivas Be’er Yitzchok is a Jewish institution of Talmudic and Judaic studies in northeast New Jersey. All students at the Yeshiva engage in oral and written Torah study with a focus on the Talmud and Responsa for Jewish observance. In addition to...
Originally founded as a boarding school for New York City high school boys, the Talmudical Academy of New Jersey is an Orthodox Jewish yeshiva in central New Jersey. The Talmudical Academy offers a Talmudic Studies program dedicated to training...
Pillar College is a private, Christ-centered institution located in Newark, New Jersey. All students are required to attend chapel, which includes teaching elements and segments that are student-led. Traditional degree programs at Pillar College...
My time at Pillar was a warm, inviting atmosphere. They do their best to help you. If you give it a chance, you can receive a solid education there.
” – James from Somerset, NJ