Top 10 Colleges in New Jersey
As a New Jersey native, I am proud to say that the Garden State is home to some of the best colleges in the country. Whether you’re looking for a large research university or a small liberal arts college, New Jersey has it all. In this article, I will be sharing with you the top 10 colleges in New Jersey based on various factors such as academic excellence, student life, and affordability. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
Curiosities, Statistics, and Facts
- Rutgers University, located in New Brunswick, is the largest university in New Jersey with over 71,000 students.
- Princeton University, located in Princeton, is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and has produced numerous Nobel laureates.
- The College of New Jersey, located in Ewing, has been ranked as the #1 public regional college in the North by U.S. News & World Report.
- Stevens Institute of Technology, located in Hoboken, is a renowned engineering school that boasts a 96% job placement rate for its graduates.
- Ramapo College of New Jersey, located in Mahwah, has been named as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country.
- Montclair State University, located in Montclair, is the second-largest university in New Jersey and has a vibrant arts and culture scene.
- Drew University, located in Madison, is known for its strong programs in the humanities and has been named as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly colleges in the country.
- Rowan University, located in Glassboro, is rapidly growing and has been investing heavily in its facilities and programs in recent years.
- Seton Hall University, located in South Orange, is a Catholic university that is known for its strong programs in business, law, and healthcare.
- Fairleigh Dickinson University, located in Teaneck, has a diverse student body and is home to the largest international student population in New Jersey.
Rutgers University
As an alumna of Rutgers University, I can personally attest to the quality of education and student life at this institution. With its main campus located in New Brunswick, Rutgers is a large research university that offers over 100 undergraduate majors and 200 graduate programs. The university is also home to various research centers and institutes, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and the Eagleton Institute of Politics.
One of the highlights of Rutgers is its sports culture. The Scarlet Knights compete in the Big Ten conference and have a passionate fan base. Whether you’re into football, basketball, or wrestling, there’s always a game to attend.
Another perk of attending Rutgers is its location. New Brunswick is a vibrant college town with plenty of restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. And if you’re looking for a change of scenery, New York City and Philadelphia are just a train ride away.
Princeton University
Princeton University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and for good reason. Located in the charming town of Princeton, the university is known for its rigorous academics and beautiful campus. Students at Princeton have the opportunity to study under world-renowned faculty and conduct cutting-edge research.
But Princeton isn’t just about academics. The university has a strong tradition of extracurricular activities, including a robust performing arts scene and numerous student organizations. And if you’re a sports fan, Princeton’s Division I teams are sure to impress.
However, it’s worth noting that Princeton is also one of the most selective universities in the country. With an acceptance rate of just 5.5%, getting in is no easy feat. But for those who do get accepted, the rewards are well worth it.
The College of New Jersey
The College of New Jersey, or TCNJ for short, is a public liberal arts college located in Ewing. TCNJ has been named as the #1 public regional college in the North by U.S. News & World Report for several years in a row, and for good reason. The college offers a strong academic program that emphasizes critical thinking and hands-on learning.
TCNJ is also known for its tight-knit community. With a student body of just over 7,000, the college fosters a sense of camaraderie among its students. And with over 200 student organizations, there’s always something to get involved in on campus.
Another perk of attending TCNJ is its location. Ewing is a small town located just a short drive from Philadelphia and New York City, making it the perfect home base for exploring the region.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Stevens Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Hoboken that specializes in engineering, science, and technology. Stevens has a strong reputation for producing graduates who go on to successful careers in fields such as computer science, finance, and healthcare.
One of the unique aspects of Stevens is its co-op program, which allows students to gain real-world experience by working at a company in their field of study. This program has a 96% job placement rate and is a major reason why Stevens is ranked as one of the best value colleges in the country.
But Stevens isn’t all work and no play. The university has a vibrant student life, with over 100 student organizations and a strong athletics program. And with its location right across the river from New York City, there’s never a shortage of things to do.
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Ramapo College of New Jersey is a public liberal arts college located in Mahwah. The college has been named as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country, and it’s not hard to see why. With its sprawling grounds and scenic views of the Ramapo Mountains, Ramapo is a nature lover’s paradise.
But Ramapo is more than just a pretty face. The college offers a strong liberal arts program that emphasizes critical thinking and global awareness. And with a student body of just over 6,000, Ramapo fosters a tight-knit community that is supportive and inclusive.
One of the highlights of attending Ramapo is its location. Mahwah is located just a short drive from New York City, making it the perfect home base for exploring the region. And with easy access to hiking trails and other outdoor activities, Ramapo is the perfect place for students who love to explore.
Montclair State University
Montclair State University is the second-largest university in New Jersey, with a student body of over 21,000. The university is located in the charming town of Montclair and is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene.
One of the highlights of attending Montclair State is its performing arts program. The university has a state-of-the-art performing arts center that hosts a variety of shows and events throughout the year. And if you’re interested in the visual arts, Montclair State’s art and design program is top-notch.
But Montclair State isn’t just about the arts. The university offers a strong academic program that prepares students for successful careers in fields such as business, education, and healthcare. And with its location just a short train ride from New York City, there’s always something to do.
Drew University
Drew University is a private liberal arts college located in Madison. The college is known for its strong programs in the humanities and has been named as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly colleges in the country.
One of the highlights of attending Drew is its small class sizes. The college has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, meaning that students have ample opportunities to interact with their professors and receive personalized attention. Drew also offers a strong study abroad program, with opportunities to study in over 50 countries.
But Drew isn’t just about academics. The college has a vibrant student life, with over 100 student organizations and a strong athletics program. And with its location just a short train ride from New York City, there’s never a shortage of things to do.
Rowan University
Rowan University is a public research university located in Glassboro. The university has been rapidly growing in recent years and has been investing heavily in its facilities and programs.
One of the highlights of attending Rowan is its strong engineering program. The university has a reputation for producing graduates who go on to successful careers in fields such as aerospace, biomedical, and electrical engineering. Rowan also offers a variety of other strong programs, including business, education, and healthcare.
But Rowan isn’t all work and no play. The university has a strong athletics program, with its football team recently winning the NCAA Division III championship. And with its location just a short drive from Philadelphia and Atlantic City, there’s always something to do.
Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University is a private Catholic university located in South Orange. The university is known for its strong programs in business, law, and healthcare.
One of the highlights of attending Seton Hall is its strong sense of community. The university has a close-knit student body and offers a variety of opportunities for students to get involved on campus. Seton Hall also has a strong study abroad program, with opportunities to study in over 60 countries.
But Seton Hall isn’t just about academics. The university has a strong athletics program, with its men’s basketball team recently making it to the NCAA tournament. And with its location just a short train ride from New York City, there’s never a shortage of things to do.
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University is a private university located in Teaneck. The university has a diverse student body and is home to the largest international student population in New Jersey.
One of the highlights of attending Fairleigh Dickinson is its strong global focus. The university offers a variety of study abroad programs and has a campus in Vancouver, Canada. Fairleigh Dickinson also has a strong program in hospitality and tourism management, which prepares students for successful careers in the hospitality industry.
But Fairleigh Dickinson isn’t all work and no play. The university has a strong athletics program, with its men’s basketball team recently winning the NEC championship. And with its location just a short drive from New York City, there’s always something to do.
FAQs
What is the largest university in New Jersey?
The largest university in New Jersey is Rutgers University, with over 71,000 students.
What is the most prestigious university in New Jersey?
The most prestigious university in New Jersey is Princeton University, which is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world.
Which college has the most LGBTQ-friendly campus?
Drew University has been named as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly colleges in the country.
Which college has the best study abroad program?
Drew University and Seton Hall University both have strong study abroad programs, with opportunities to study in over 50 and 60 countries, respectively.
Which college is known for its engineering program?
Stevens Institute of Technology is known for its strong engineering program and has a 96% job placement rate for its graduates.
Which college is the best value?
Stevens Institute of Technology has been ranked as one of the best value colleges in the country, thanks to its strong academic programs and high job placement rate.
Which college has the most beautiful campus?
Ramapo College of New Jersey has been named as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country, thanks to its scenic views of the Ramapo Mountains.
Which college is the most diverse?
Fairleigh Dickinson University has a diverse student body and is home to the largest international student population in New Jersey.
Which college is the most affordable?
The College of New Jersey is a public college and is therefore more affordable than many of the private colleges on this list. Additionally, TCNJ has been named as one of the best value colleges in the country.
Which college has the best athletics program?
Several of the colleges on this list have strong athletics programs, but it’s hard to beat Rutgers University’s sports culture. The Scarlet Knights compete in the Big Ten conference and have a passionate fan base.
Which college is the most selective?
Princeton University is one of the most selective universities in the country, with an acceptance rate of just 5.5%.