One of the best steps you can take to achieve your career goals is to enroll in a university. A university education gives you exposure to current research and development in various fields, not to mention the necessary foundation for critical thinking. The best universities in New Jersey offer students a rewarding college experience.
Attending the most prestigious universities in New Jersey will not only give you a fulfilling learning experience but also access to cutting-edge technology. Below is a student guide to the top 10 universities in New Jersey. Read on to find out how New Jersey universities ranked based on tuition, location, and graduation rate.
How We Defined New Jersey University Rankings
We ranked the best universities in New Jersey, based on enrollment rates, student reviews, and the variety of academic programs offered. We looked at a combination of public and private universities, and included information on admission rates, graduation rate, and what makes each school unique.
New Jersey Universities Ranked: Top 10 Universities in New Jersey
- Princeton University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- Rutgers University – New Brunswick
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Rutgers University – Newark
- Seton Hall University
- Drew University
- Montclair State University
- Rowan University
- Monmouth University
The Best Colleges and Universities in New Jersey, Explained
Read the list below to learn more about the best universities in New Jersey for undergraduates. These universities also offer graduate-level programs for graduate students. We compiled the information about each school from each university’s official website.
1. Princeton University
- US News National Ranking: #1
- Campus Location(s): Princeton
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,267
- Graduation Rate: 90%
Princeton University is a private university that was founded in 1746 and is the fourth-oldest institution in the United States. As the top-ranked national university, according to the US News & World Report, it has a very competitive admissions process with an acceptance rate of only 6 percent. Popular undergraduate majors at Princeton University are computer science, economics, and public policy analysis.
2. Stevens Institute of Technology
- US News National Ranking: #83
- Campus Location(s): Hoboken
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,064
- Graduation Rate: 53%
Stevens Institute of Technology focuses on a technological education and offers an impressive variety of engineering degrees and professional programs. Graduates of this university go on to rewarding careers in the fields of engineering, management, and science. Located in Hoboken, NJ, this school is just across the river from Manhattan.
3. Rutgers University – New Brunswick
- US News National Ranking: #63
- Campus Location(s): Piscataway
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 35,844
- Graduation Rate: 67%
Rutgers University – New Brunswick campus is one of the best research universities in the nation and the largest university in New Jersey. With over 120 majors and 750 student organizations, there is something here for everyone. If you are looking for a university-backed bootcamp, Rutgers University offers a coding bootcamp with a career placement program that will help you land a career in programming.
4. New Jersey Institute of Technology
- US News National Ranking: #103
- Campus Location(s): Newark
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 9,084
- Graduation Rate: 41%
The New Jersey Institute of Technology offers 120 undergraduate majors in six specialized schools. It is ranked first for student economic upward mobility and has partner programs with New Jersey City University for dual degree programs in the field of science and engineering.
New Jersey Institute of Technology also offers a university-backed, digital bootcamp to give you the credentials you need to enter the tech job market.
5. Rutgers University-Newark
- US News National Ranking: #127 (tied with Seton Hall University)
- Campus Location(s): Newark
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 9,118
- Graduation Rate: 34%
Rutgers University-Newark is located in one of the oldest and largest cities in the US, with the second most diverse student body in the US. It offers partner programs with different universities across the countries and co-op programs are available for students undergoing internships. Rutgers University also has a campus in Camden which offers online certification degrees and off-campus degree programs.
6. Seton Hall University
- US News National Ranking: #127 (tied with Rutgers University-Newark)
- Campus Location(s): South Orange
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,068
- Graduation Rate: 65%
Seton Hall University is one of the country’s top Catholic universities and was ranked second for best college athletics in New Jersey. Seton Hall University has state-of-the-art facilities and extensive internship opportunities. With an average class size of 21 students and a student-faculty ratio of 14:1, this academic institution offers students individual attention.
7. Drew University
- US News Ranking: #117 in National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Campus Location(s): Madison
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,636
- Graduation Rate: 64%
Drew University is one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country. It offers undergraduate majors and dual degrees in more than 60 disciplines. Drew University also offers graduate and doctoral programs in the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies. Ninety percent of students choose to live on this beautiful campus, nicknamed “The Forest.”
8. Montclair State University
- US News National Ranking: #179 (tied with Rowan University)
- Campus Location(s): Montclair
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 16,734
- Graduation Rate: 45%
Montclair State University is dedicated to educating underserved student populations and was recognized by the US Department of Education as a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. The institution offers financial aid and work-study programs for students to access affordable education. Montclair State University also offers an accelerated, online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies.
9. Rowan University
- US News National Ranking: #179 (tied with Montclair State University)
- Campus Location(s): Glassboro
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 15,147
- Graduation Rate: 48%
Rowan University started as a teaching preparation institution in 1923 and has evolved into one of the best public research institutions in the country. It offers 80 bachelor’s degrees, 60 master’s degree programs, five doctoral programs, and two professional programs. The business and communication programs are highly renowned, and Rowan is also considered one of the best schools for engineering majors.
10. Monmouth University
- US News Ranking: #18 in Regional Universities North
- Campus Location(s): West Long Branch
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,450
- Graduation Rate: 64%
Monmouth University sits on a 168-acre campus only one mile from the ocean. This tight-knit campus community provides a meaningful college experience through a required experiential education program, which provides all students with career experience before graduation. In addition to various scholarships and grants, Monmouth University also offers interest-free monthly payment terms.
Is a University in New Jersey Right for You?
A university in New Jersey is a great college option for you because this state has some of the best universities in the country. With excellent degree programs and the availability of financial aid grants, these schools have something for everyone. Some of these institutions also offer certificate programs and online programs for remote learning.
However, if you are still unsure about attending a university in New Jersey, you might want to consider alternative programs such as bootcamps. There are many great and affordable university-backed bootcamps and online certification programs you can attend for career advancement.
Best Universities in New Jersey FAQ
In-person classes can resume in all institutions of higher education in New Jersey as of November 2021. While the state no longer requires masks in most indoor public spaces, individual institutions are given the freedom to adopt stricter measures and COVID-19 requirements as long as it is in accordance with the law.
Studying at a university offers many more degree options than a community college. Universities also have larger athletic programs and more opportunities for students to play college-level sports. Community colleges have a much lower cost of attendance, but they don’t offer bachelor’s degree programs – only associate degree programs.
Yes, Princeton University is an Ivy League school and is ranked as the top university in the state and the country. It is among the three best Ivy League schools, including Harvard University and Yale University.
In New Jersey, there are 31 public colleges and universities and 16 private universities without a religious affiliation.
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.
