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.

College placeholder image
College placeholder image

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...

College placeholder image

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

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, NJ
College placeholder image
College placeholder image

Yeshivas 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...

College placeholder image

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

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
College placeholder image
College placeholder image

Bergen Community College is a public, 2-year institution located primarily in Paramus, New Jersey. The college also maintains a number of satellite locations throughout the region in Hackensack and Lyndhurst. Students attending BCC have the...

“…

Bergen is a state of the art school among community colleges. The environment, atmosphere, and curriculum is on par with established universities. This school offers the best transition to a four year financial institution.

” – ITZIK from SADDLE BROOK, NJ
College placeholder image

Established as the first institute for study of the Talmud in the United States, Beth Medrash Govoha is the largest yeshiva (Orthodox Jewish seminary) in the country. BMG’s curriculum consists of study of the Talmud during three sessions each day in...

Camden County College

Camden County College is a public, 2-year institution located primarily in Blackwood, New Jersey, with three additional campuses in Camden, Sicklerville, and Cherry Hill. The college features a number of useful student resources, such as the...

“…

the learning quality of the school is probably not what you would receive at a top-star university but i, personally, have learned a lot since entering my freshman year. i think the advanced levels of certain classes are well justified and the...

” – Christina from Sicklerville, NJ
College placeholder image

County College of Morris is a public, 2-year institution established in Randolph, New Jersey. The college offers over 80 associate and degree programs in 20 fields of study, including Allied Health, Art & Design, Communication, Landscape &...

“…

As a nursing major at the County College of Morris, I am taking many difficult courses such as microbiology and anatomy & physiology. Only in my second semester at County, I have learned so many great things from my professors. They inspire me to...

” – courtney from Randolph, NJ
College placeholder image

Essex County College is a 2-year community college in Newark, New Jersey, offering 49 degrees across seven departments. On top of being a short 20 minute train ride from New York City, ECC ranks first among all New Jersey 2-year schools in students...

“…

I've learned alot here, especially from my math and science classes. Well, all of my classes actually. The professors certainly know a great deal about the topics they teach, and since they're truly interested in it, they can explain it all really...

” – Girl from NJ
Hudson County Community College

Hudson County Community College is public, 2-year institution established in New Jersey, with two campuses located in Union City and Jersey City. HCCC offers more than 60 academic programs, including its prominent Culinary and Nursing programs, which...

“…

Hudson County Commmunity College has a lot to offer for students who are interested in starting college. Clean facilities, state-of-the-art laboratories and computer labs, affordable tuition, and complete your general eduation courses within 2 years...

” – Joseph from Jersey City, NJ
College placeholder image

Mercer County Community College is a 2-year institution with two campuses in the Trenton area offering courses in 75 associate degree programs. Degree-holding students are able to transfer to five 4-year New Jersey colleges and universities through...

“…

MCCC is a great school. The teachers are fantastic. I got a good education there. I would recommend it to anyone.

” – Melissa from Yardville, NJ
College placeholder image

Middlesex County College is a public community college based in Edison, New Jersey, with academic centers in New Brunswick and Perth Amboy. The school confers degrees and certifications and offers workforce training, transfer programs, and continuing...

“…

I definitely feel that I learned a lot at MCC. I enrolled right after high school and it allowed me to really find my learning style which I had not thoroughly established in high school. My GPA almost doubled from that with which I graduated high...

” – NK
College placeholder image

Ocean County College is a public, 2-year institution established in Toms River, New Jersey. Along with its main campus, the college also maintains over 20 satellite facilities throughout the region including the Education Center in Manahawkin. OCC...

“…

Ocean County college is underrated. It's convenient, affordable, and flexible. It's the best route to get your associates for the best price.

” – Kimberly from Toms River, NJ
College placeholder image

Raritan Valley Community College is a public 2-year institution established in Branchburg, New Jersey. Students at RVCC can enroll in a variety of academic programs, including their many degree and certificate programs, the Honors College, and the...

College placeholder image

Rowan College at Burlington County is a 2-year community college serving the largest county in New Jersey. RCBC features degree and certificate programs in 10 meta majors and its Alternative Energy Technologies Department provides training for work...

“…

This is the most advanced in curriculum to only be a community college! Its one of the most flexible and convenient schools with advisors that are always available to answer any of my questions! The library has an excellent amount of books to choose...

” – Ranita from Willingboro, NJ