With the recent surge of virtual schooling in the past couple of years, more and more accredited colleges are offering online degrees in the United States. If you are looking to get an undergraduate or graduate degree, consider applying to one of the many accredited online colleges in New Jersey.
The best online colleges in New Jersey allow students to take online courses at any time. In addition, the most affordable online colleges in the country allow students to earn degrees without taking on too much debt. If you want to kickstart your academic career, keep reading to discover the top virtual schools in New Jersey and their academic programs.
Fully Accredited Online Colleges in New Jersey: Two Types of Accreditation
Online colleges in New Jersey are either regionally accredited or nationally accredited. The type of accreditation is determined by the variety of programs and types of schools the institution hosts, all of which are explained in detail below.
Regionally Accredited Online Colleges
Regional accreditation institutions only work within specific regions of the country. The organizations show that the schools, universities, or colleges meet minimum standards of education. The schools are mostly academically oriented, state-owned, or non-profit institutions.
Regionally accredited schools do not easily accept transfer credits from nationally accredited schools because they have not met the standards of library resources and faculty qualifications. There are six regional accreditation agencies in the United States.
Nationally Accredited Online Colleges
Schools that are nationally accredited are generally aimed at profit-making and focus on religious or career education. They offer career, technical, or vocational programs.
The institutions accept transfer credits from both regionally accredited schools and other nationally accredited schools. These institutions are not region-based and can accredit schools across the whole country.
Why Is Accreditation Important for College?
Accreditation is important for college because it is an indication that the state or federal government recognizes and validates the academic quality of an institution. Most professional designations, industry certifications, and potential employers require that you get your degree from an accredited institution.
How to Find an Accredited Online College in New Jersey
You can find out whether an online college in New Jersey is accredited through three different methods. You can check the US Department of Education’s database, search for colleges on the regional accrediting agency’s website, or visit the school’s official website.
Check the US Department of Education’s Database
One of the easiest ways to check if a college is accredited is by checking the US Department of Education’s database page. All you need to do is find the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institution and Programs (DAPIP) and search for a specific school. The result will show the location, DAPIP ID, the accreditor, and further details at the bottom of the page.
Search for Colleges on the Regional Accrediting Agency’s Website
Most of the schools in New Jersey are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). By going to their official website and clicking the ‘find an institution’ button, you will find the list of all MSCHE’s accredited schools. If you are searching for a specific school, you can use the search bar on the left-hand side.
Visit the School’s Official Website
You can visit the official website of the college to know if it is accredited or not. Although most schools put their accreditation information on the home page, others place it on individual degree pages. If you cannot find the accreditation information this way, you can always try a quick site search to find your desired information.
Top 10 Accredited Online Colleges in New Jersey: Overview
Ranking | Online College | Accreditation | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (Regional) | 86% |
2 | Rowan University | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (Regional) | 75% |
3 | Rutgers University-Newark | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (Regional) | 71% |
4 | Rider University | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (Regional) | 67% |
5 | Georgian Court University | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (Regional) | 64% |
6 | Kean University | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (Regional) | 59% |
7 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham campus | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (Regional) | 57% |
8 | Caldwell University | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (Regional) | 55% |
9 | Felician University | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (Regional) | 51% |
10 | Thomas Edison State University | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (Regional) | 48% |
How We Ranked the Best Accredited Online Colleges in New Jersey
We ranked the best accredited online colleges in New Jersey by looking at the graduation rates of various institutions that offer fully online degree programs. The information in the table above comes from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
Best Accredited Online Colleges in New Jersey: Deep Dive
The best accredited online colleges in New Jersey offering online education have high graduation rates, high post-grad employment rates, and top-quality programs. Keep reading below for detailed descriptions of the schools and programs offered.
What Is the Easiest Online College That Is Accredited in New Jersey?
One of the easiest online colleges that are accredited in New Jersey is Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken. A school with a high graduation rate indicates that the admission process is not difficult and students do not struggle to make it through their program.
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Stevens Institute of Technology is known for its master’s degree and graduate certificate online programs. Business programs such as the MBA or the Master’s Degree in Management do not require as much math and science as other degrees. As such, they might be considered easier to complete.
What Is the Cheapest Accredited Online College in New Jersey?
The cheapest accredited online college in New Jersey is Rowan College in Burlington County. It has very low tuition rates and fees compared to the other online schools in the state. In fact, in-county residents pay just $142 per credit. In addition, out-of-state students still only pay $224 per credit making it one of the more affordable options for students across the country.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), New Jersey residents pay $5,159 for tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay an average tuition of $6,901. However, these estimates do not include other costs such as housing and books.
Are There Free Accredited Online Colleges in New Jersey?
No, there are no free accredited online colleges in New Jersey. However, if you want to study for free, there are options that you can explore. Almost every online college offers financial aid opportunities to its students, such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal and private loans are always available for students studying at accredited online colleges, although students carry the burden of having to repay them after school. Schools also offer scholarships, grants, and other aid for online colleges. Work-study programs are also helpful for students who want to gain work experience while studying and also fund their education.
Why Choose an Accredited Online College in New Jersey?
You should choose an accredited online college in New Jersey because of the variety of degree options, affordability, and respectability of the programs available. Not only do these traits boost your educational experience, but they also increase your chances of getting a high-paying job after graduation.
Affordability
You should always consider the cost of tuition and fees when choosing an online school. It is important to choose a school within your price range so you can focus on important expenses like housing and health. Do not forget to double-check what financial aid services are being offered at your school of choice.
Respectability
The reputation of your school and your credentials are two very important factors to potential employers. You should choose a school that has a good ranking in the country and is known for producing excellent professionals. A school that is well respected will draw attention to your resume and make you a worthy competitor in the field.
Variety
You are more likely to get the training needed for your dream job at a school that has a variety of online programs. This also allows students to take core and elective courses pertaining to a multitude of fields. This further increases your chances of landing your dream job in your field of interest due to your level of versatility.
Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges in New Jersey
There are several affordable accredited online colleges in New Jersey that offer quality academic programs yearly. Some of the most affordable colleges include Thomas Edison State University, Rowan University, Rutgers University, Rider University, and Georgian Court University. Learn more about these schools below.
- Thomas Edison State University | Tuition: $399/Credit. The school is one of the first schools in the United States of America that was specifically designed for adults. It has associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and certificate programs.
- Rowan University | Tuition: $480/Credit. This is one of the most affordable online schools. Its undergraduate programs include a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It offers graduate degree programs like a Master of Art in Criminal Justice and a Master of Art in Arts Administration.
- Rutgers University | Tuition: $577/Credit. Rutgers is one of the highest-ranked public research universities in the nation. According to its official website, the school allocated $907.9 million to research grants and sponsored programs in 2019.
- Rider University | Tuition: $660/Credit. The school is dedicated to its mission of sustaining quality education in the state of New Jersey. Its official website boasts that nine of ten graduates are able to find jobs within one year of graduation.
- Georgian Court University | Tuition: $773/Credit. This private university has an acceptance rate of 81 percent. It offers graduate programs mostly, such as master’s degree programs in theology, applied behavior analysis, business administration, communication and digital marketing, and criminal justice.
Best Online Accredited Colleges in New Jersey That Accept Financial Aid
There are affordable accredited colleges in New Jersey that offer financial aid services to students. This allows students to study at their dream online program with financial support from the government, state, or school. Below we will go over the best online colleges that accept financial aid in the state.
- Fairleigh Dickinson University | Tuition: $930/Credit. The school aims to prepare students to be world citizens through a flexible and global education. It offers over 100 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The percentage of students receiving aid is 100%.
- Felician University | Tuition: $1,100/Credit. Felician University is the only Franciscan University in the state. It is also considered a military-friendly university and among the top private universities in New Jersey, as stated by the school website. The percentage of students receiving aid is 99%.
- Georgian Court University | Tuition: $773/Credit. Georgian Court University is a Christian school that follows the values of the Sisters of Mercy. The school is well-recognized by the US News & World Report and the New York Times. The percentage of students receiving aid is 99%.
- Rowan University | Tuition: $480/Credit. Rowan University has eight colleges and schools, in which students obtain undergraduate and graduate degrees. It is one of three schools in the nation that offer DO and MD degrees. The percentage of students receiving aid is 89%.
- Rutgers University | Tuition: $577/Credit. Thanks to its online school, Rutgers University is home to about 9,000 international students from 125 countries. It is the eighth oldest institution in the United States. The percentage of students receiving aid is 85%.
Best Online Schools in New Jersey by Popular Subjects
The best online schools in New Jersey offer popular subjects that many students are interested in studying. If you’re looking to study popular subjects in either certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees, we have compiled a list of the best online schools to consider.
Best Accredited Online Colleges With Associate Degree Programs in New Jersey
The following accredited online colleges offer the best associate degree programs in New Jersey. Below, we will highlight associate programs from each school to give you a scope of the programs available to you.
- Fairleigh Dickinson University | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts. Tuition for this program is almost half of that of the in-person equivalent. Students have access to one-on-one support and can transition into the bachelor’s degree program. The program consists of 60 credits.
- Thomas Edison State University | Associate of Science in Technical Studies. This is a 60-credit program. Students learn college algebra, ethics in the digital age, and chemistry. In addition, they must complete an associate capstone. Graduates can work in radiation therapy and clinical supervising.
- Atlantic Cape Community College | Health Information Technology Associate in Applied Science. The HIT program will prepare you for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification. You will learn how to gather, store, abstract, and transform data into meaningful and usable information.
- Brookdale Community College | Architecture, Associate in Science. You will learn the rudiments and knowledgeable skills required to enroll in a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture. The two-year degree program develops the creative and analytic skills of students and qualifies them for entry-level positions in the field.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Accredited Online Colleges With Bachelor’s Degree Programs in New Jersey
If you are looking to enroll for an online bachelor’s degree program in New Jersey, there are specific accredited online colleges you should consider. We have listed the schools with the best online bachelor’s degree programs in New Jersey below.
- Rowan University | Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Students need a minimum GPA of 2.0 to be admitted into this program. They must complete 11 courses and a thesis is not required.
- Rider University | Bachelor in Health Studies. This program teaches students how to properly treat patients across many healthcare settings. The Prior Learning Assessment program allows students to transfer credits.
- Kean University | Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. This program is offered by the College of Business and Public Management and the School of Accounting and Finance. Students learn the basic practices and tools used in everyday business transactions.
- Caldwell University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Graduates of this program can work in financial economics, business administration, computer science, or sports management. Caldwell University also offers two dual degree programs that allow students to receive their bachelor’s and master’s degree simultaneously.
- Felician University | Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Graduates are trained to become pediatric nurses, emergency room nurses, mental health nurses, and obstetrical nurses. They can work in a variety of healthcare settings.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Accredited Online Colleges With Master’s Degree Programs in New Jersey
Below, we will list the best accredited online colleges in New Jersey for master’s degree programs. We have selected programs from various fields to give you an idea of the broad range of subjects you can study online in New Jersey.
- Rowan University | Master of Criminal Justice. This 30-semester-hour program is possible to complete in five semesters. Although the courses are online, they are scheduled, which means students need to attend at a specific time.
- Rider University | Master of Science in Cybersecurity. The program combines technical skills with liberal arts education. Students will be trained to solve and prevent cyber attacks, communicate effectively, and analyze computing problems.
- Georgian Court University | Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA). Students can complete the 36-credit program completely online. It is an accelerated program that requires students to take a class on Saturdays.
- Kean University | Master of Social Work. This program is offered by Nathan Weiss Graduate College and the Department of Graduate Social Work. The 60-credit program trains students to work in various mental health sectors.
- Fairleigh Dickinson University | Master of Science in Cyber and Homeland Security Administration. This master’s degree program is centered on hands-on training, real-world cases, and lab-based studies to prepare students for this IT field. Students are prepared to enter the network security infrastructure and cyber security field.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Why You Should Attend an Accredited Online College in New Jersey
You should attend an accredited online college in New Jersey because they are affordable, flexible, and convenient. They have a variety of degree options and support different learning styles based on what best suits students’ schedules and needs.
Attending an online university or college will allow you to study on your own terms. You should strongly consider attending one of the 10 best accredited online colleges in New Jersey, but it is important to make sure you have access to a strong internet connection.
Accredited Online Colleges in New Jersey FAQ
The most affordable online college in New Jersey, Rowan College, costs just $142 per credit for in-county residents. However, the actual cost of online college in New Jersey is dependent on the school of your choice, whether you’ll choose full-time or part-time study, and both your level and field of study. That being said, online colleges generally have cheaper tuition than in-person programs.
Yes, New Jersey has several high-ranking and reputable colleges that offer online degree programs. These include Stevens Institute of Technology and Rowan University. Students who choose from the 10 best accredited online colleges in the state shown on our list are likely to have a positive experience in their education programs.
Yes, you can land high-paying jobs with an online degree or certificate. Distance education programs are recognized by big companies and employers just as on-campus degrees are. However, prospective students should make sure that they only attend programs from accredited universities and colleges.
Whether you choose to attend an online or in-person school depends on what works best for you. It is important to consider flexibility, your schedule, your financial needs, and your housing situation. Online students should have good self-discipline and be comfortable working with technology. Overall, online programs are better for students with busy lives.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.