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.
Explore the Best Universities in New Jersey with Appily!
Create a Appily account to start saving schools to your personal list. Wondering where you stand when applying to the best universities in the USA? You can also see your chances of acceptance and get insights into your target, reach, and likely schools.
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
Standing among the nation's leading research universities, Rutgers University–New Brunswick is acclaimed for the excellent achievements of its people and for their contributions to society in the pursuit of education, research, and health care...
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 over 100 bachelor's programs, 200 study abroad programs in 40 countries, more than 200 student clubs and organizations, and one unstoppable...
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 120+ programs across its six specialized schools for a population of more than...
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
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