Get Your Degree!
New Jersey is known as the Garden State and is the 4th smallest state by land mass yet the 11th most populous state. Despite the small physical nature of the state, the state has more than nine million residents and over 200 accredited colleges and universities. The public colleges in New Jersey are some of the finest in the nation. Top ranked state colleges in New Jersey include Rutgers University, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Thomas Edison State College, and Kean University. You will find state colleges in Trenton, Ewing, Wayne, Camden, and Union to name a few.
New Jersey Public College Degrees
Given the robust public university system in New Jersey, students can readily find degree programs to pursue in virtually every conceivable learning domain. Both undergraduate and graduate degrees found at New Jersey public schools exceed the average in both diversity and quality. Students will find exceptional curriculum in traditional areas of study such asnursing,business,teaching, andartalong with specialized degrees. Examples degree programs in an area of specialty includeimmunology,toxicology,gerontology,palliative care nursing,psychiatric nursing,genetics, androbotics.
2025 Best Public Colleges in New Jersey
The College of New Jersey, a public institution, offers a large number of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Ewing, New Jersey, the campus resides in a suburban setting for students to study in. TCNJ has a yearly student enrollment of nearly seven thousand.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs TCNJ offers:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Psychology
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- English Language And Literature
Students applying for admission are most often required to submit an application, transcripts, records, test scores and any requested personal statements, which will then be reviewed by the admissions committee. Either the ACT or SAT exam can be taken to apply to The College of New Jersey. Scores between 24 - 29 on the ACT or 1690 - 1990 on the SAT are needed to increase your chances for acceptance. Roughly 50% of all applicant were accepted at The College of New Jersey, with 29% of those accepted choosing to attend. More information from the admissions office can be found here.
The cost of tuition is different for in-state and nonresidents. In-state residents pay close to $15,000, while out-of-state residents pay $26,000 per year. School housing is available on-campus for students. The yearly cost of housing is approximately $8,500. Some students at TCNJ may be eligible for financial aid, which is generally provided as scholarships, grants, and loans.
The mascot for TCNJ is the "Lions", and they participate in intercollegiate athletic programs through the NCAA. Athletic programs available may include the following:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
- Field Hockey (NCAA Division III)
Students who wish to view more about The College of New Jersey can check out their website at http://www.tcnj.edu.
Enrollment
7,686
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Rutgers University is the state university of New Jersey. It is considered one of the top research universities in the nation with a history of scientific innovation. Based on its faculty's productivity, such as number of books published, grants awarded and cited articles, Rutgers is ranked quite high among other U.S. universities. It is ranked second in mathematics education, third in Italian Language and Literature, third in Women's and Gender Studies, and fifth in Global Affairs and Atmospheric Science.
Rutgers provides degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral levels, as well as continuing education for professional and personal advancement. Rutgers offers a variety of educational program options from elementary school students to state policymakers. Many working professionals or busy parents can benefit from the flexibility offered by Rutgers' online courses, satellite campuses, certificate programs, professional education and lifelong learning programs.
History
Rutgers University is the nation's eighth oldest institution of higher learning and has a very rich history of innovation and leadership. Rutgers boasts many renowned alumni that include award-winning scientists, authors, astronauts, actors, military officers, members of U.S. Congress, athletes and a vice president of the United States.
Rutgers was chartered nearly 245 years ago as Queen's College, a Dutch Reformed college created to train church clergy and also provide general education. In 1825, Queen's College was renamed Rutgers College in honor of Colonel Henry Rutgers, a hero of the revolutionary war.
Academics
At Rutgers University, students and lifelong learners can choose from diverse degree and study programs at campuses in New Brunswick, Newark and Camden. Students can fulfill major requirements toward a degree or elect to learn about a subject of interest. Classes are available during the days or evenings, depending on the program and location.
Rutgers University's academic calendar follows the semester system, with a fall and spring semester as well as a summer session.
Colleges / Schools
There are 27 schools and colleges on three campuses at Rutgers University, offering comprehensive degree programs at all levels as well as professional and continuing studies.
New Brunswick Campus:
School of Arts and Sciences
School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy
Mason Gross School of the Arts
Rutgers Business School - Newark and New Brunswick
School of Communication and Information
School of Engineering
School of Management and Labor Relations
School of Social Work
College of Nursing
Graduate School - New Brunswick
Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology
Graduate School of Education
Newark Campus:
Newark College of Arts and Sciences
University College - Newark
College of Nursing
Graduate School - Newark
Rutgers Business School - Newark and New Brunswick
School of Criminal Justice
School of Law - Newark
School of Public Affairs and Administration
Camden Campus:
Camden College of Arts and Sciences
University College - Camden
School of Business - Camden
Graduate School - Camden
School of Law - Camden
Student Life
Rutgers University holds an annual "Fall Involvement Fair" on its Voorhees Mall where students can learn about all the clubs and activities available to them at the university. So numerous are the student organizations and clubs at Rutgers that they are broken down into categories: academic, cultural, media/publications, performing arts, and social and political act
Students new to campus can join one of many orientation programs to learn about the university, college life and all the activities available. There are six different student centers at Rutgers-New Brunswick, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a climbing well, roller hockey rink and sports facilities.
Fraternities and Sororities
Greek life is a longstanding tradition at Rutgers University, where the first Greek letter fraternities, Delta Phi and Zeta Psi were founded in 1845. Fraternities at that time were considered subversive and forbidden by the faculty, so they continued as secret societies.
Today the fraternities and sororities at Rutgers are out in the open and there is a thriving Greek community with more than 70 fraternities and sororities on its campuses.
There are "traditional" fraternities and sororities as well as those that are historically African-American, Latino/a, Asian-interest and more. Different chapters hold annual events that range from formal dances to social mixers and barbecues.
Traditions
There are many traditional school songs at Rutgers, dating back to 1873. "The Rutgers History Lesson" provides an overview of the rich history of the university, as well as its Dutch heritage and participation in the American Revolutionary War.
The 1947 screen musical, "High Button Shoes," was set in New Brunswick, New Jersey and featured the school's song titled "Nobody Ever Died for Dear Old Rutgers."
"On the Banks of the Old Raritan" the Rutgers Alma Mater was created in 1847 and was first performed by the Rutgers Glee Club.
When cheering on a Rutgers athletics team, the fans in the stands will shout the traditional Rutgers cheer of "RU, rah, rah!"
Athletics
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights boast a winning football team that is the only NCAA Division I football team in the Greater New Jersey/New York area. The football team also scores well in its academic progress. There are many strong collegiate sports at Rutgers including women's basketball, men's baseball, soccer, wrestling, lacrosse and volleyball, among others.
In addition to its many varsity athletics, Rutgers offers numerous intramural sports leagues throughout the year. More information on all Rutgers athletics can be found at Scarletknights.com.
Satellite Campuses
Rutgers University is made up of three campuses: Rutgers-New Brunswick, Rutgers-Newark and Rutgers-Camden. The Rutgers-New Brunswick campus is actually made up of five campuses: Busch Campus, George H. Cook Campus, College Avenue Campus and Douglass Campus.
Community Life
The New Brunswick campus of Rutgers University has ivy covered buildings and the wide, open lawns of a historical university that dates back to 1766. The Rutgers-New Brunswick campus is situated in a lively urban area that has many art galleries, theatres and cafes, as well as nearby hiking trails, a golf course and the Rutgers Stadium.
There are many residential communities and living options on the Rutgers campuses. A women-only residential hall is offered on Douglass Campus. Other options include a science and engineering hall that also offers skills development programs. There is a house for adult students who are either returning to college or entering college more than five years after finishing high school.
Enrollment
50,254
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Galloway, New Jersey, which is a predominantly rural area. Approximately seven thousand students are enrolled per year at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.
Students can pick from many areas of study, including:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Health And Clinical Professions
The admissions process will begin with the submission of an application, student records, and test scores, which are then reviewed by the admissions committee. Most common test scores among applicants admitted to Stockton State are between 19 - 23 on the ACT, or 1430 - 1730 on the SAT exam. 65% of students that apply are accepted to The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, of which 30 percent choose to enroll. More information on admissions can be found here.
Tuition & fees at this school are different for in-state and nonresidents. In-state tuition costs around $13,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition costing $20,000 annually. On-campus housing is available for students and costs around $8,000 for the year. Financial aid may be offered to students that meet the necessary requirements by way of scholarships, grants, and loans.
The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey has a variety of athletic programs overseen by the NCAA. Athletic programs available include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
- Field Hockey (NCAA Division III)
- Lacrosse (NCAA Division III)
Students may take a look at the school's http://www.stockton.edu to see additional information.
Enrollment
9,621
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
Rowan University is a public institution located in Glassboro, New Jersey and provides a large number of educational opportunities for students. Rowan University has a yearly student enrollment of nearly eleven thousand. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Education
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Security And Protective Services
- Psychology
- Communication Technology
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
19,465
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
Ramapo College of New Jersey is a public institution located in Mahwah, NJ and provides a large number of degree programs for students. Approximately 6,000 students enroll at Ramapo College of New Jersey per year. Students may choose from a few areas of study, including but not limited to:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
- Communications And Journalism
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
6,174
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Rutgers University - Newark, a public institution, offers a large number of educational opportunities, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Newark, NJ, it offers an urban setting for students to study in. Enrollment at Rutgers University-Newark is nearly twelve thousand per year.
Areas of study available at Rutgers University-Newark include but are not limited to:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Legal Professions And Studies
- Security And Protective Services
- Psychology
- Health And Clinical Professions
The admissions process will include the submission of an application, school records, and test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions office. Most students admitted to Rutgers University-Newark score in a range of 1440 - 1740 on the SAT. Rutgers University - Newark accepts about 50 percent of applicants annually. Of those students admitted, about 16 percent registered for enrollment. More information regarding admissions can be found at admissions.rutgers.edu.
The tuition at Rutgers University - Newark varies based on the state of residence of the student. In-state residents pay close to $14,000 per year, while out-of-state residents are charged $27,000 annually. Housing may be available for those who wish to live on-campus for around a cost of $8,300 annually. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the necessary requirements by way of scholarships, grants, and loans.
The Rutgers University-Newark Scarlet Raiders participate in several athletic programs, overseen by the NCAA. Athletic programs offered include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
- Soccer (NCAA Division III)
- Softball (NCAA Division III)
Students who would like to see more about Rutgers University - Newark may take a look at their website at http://www.rutgers.edu.
Enrollment
13,451
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
New Jersey Institute of Technology is a public university that has a large selection of degree programs available for students to choose from. The school is located in Newark, NJ, in a predominantly urban area. Around 8,900 students enroll at NJIT per year. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Engineering Technology
- Architecture
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Computer And Information Sciences
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Fencing (NCAA Division I-AAA)
Enrollment
11,423
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
Montclair State University, located in Montclair, New Jersey, was founded in 1908 and is New Jersey's second largest university with over 18,000 enrolled students per year. Originally known as New Jersey State Normal School at Montclair, the school has grown over the years, establishing student dormitories and expanding its educational offerings. In 1958 the school merged with Panzer College of Physical Education and Hygiene, changing its name to Montclair State College, adopting its final name in 1994 when it became designated as a teaching university. The school has a 17 to 1 student to teacher ratio, and an average of 23 students per class, much lower than average for public institutions. MSU school is located 14 miles away from New York City, offering students a large urban center with many cultural and other assets that are accessible to interested students. Academics Montclair State University offers over 250 majors and minors, as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees. The school provides students with a high quality low cost education, and is considered one of the best public universities in the northeastern United States. The school does not utilize graduate students as teachers; ensuring undergraduates have access to knowledgeable and capable professors who pride themselves on providing students personal attention. Additionally, Montclair State University is the first public institution to provide master's degrees. Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid Students interested in enrolling at Montclair State University must submit a completed application prior to the listed deadlines. All applications must include a letter of recommendation, SAT and/or ACT scores, all pertinent transcripts and a personal statement. Some programs may require an additional interview. After the application is submitted it will be reviewed by the admissions board and a final decision will be mailed to the applicant. A GPA of 3.1 and SAT score of 1500 or ACT score of 20 is generally required to be considered for admission. Admission into a graduate program requires a bachelor's degree to be considered. Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and student employment. The school's financial aid office is in place to assist students with the application process and to answer any questions students may have. Student should complete the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) ro determine eligibility and awards. Athletics The Montclair State University Red Hawks are members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III, and participate in the Skyline Conference. The school offers a number of intercollegiate athletic programs to foster a healthy sense of competition among students and athletes. Athletic programs assist in developing skills that may be useful in academics or a career, such as teamwork, discipline and good health. Athletic programs at Montclair State University:- Baseball (Men Only)
- Football (Men Only)
- Basketball
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Swimming and Diving
- Indoor Track and Field
- Outdoor Track and Field
- Field Hockey (Women Only)
- Volleyball (Women Only)
- Softball (Women Only)
- Accounting Society
- Cosmetology Factory
- Arabic Student Club
- Gotta Be Green
- Filmmakers Club
- History Club
- Russian Club
- Service for Peace
Enrollment
21,115
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
Rutgers University - Camden is a public university that has a large number of programs available for students to choose from. The school is located in Camden, New Jersey, in a predominantly urban area. About six thousand students enroll at Rutgers University - Camden annually.
Students may choose from a few areas of study, including but not limited to:
- Legal Professions And Studies
- Psychology
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Security And Protective Services
To be considered for admissions, applicants may be asked to fill out an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit school records, which are then reviewed by the admissions office. Most students accepted to this school score in a range of 1460 - 1752 on the SAT exam. 54% of students that apply are admitted to Rutgers University - Camden, of which 13 percent choose to enroll. More information from the admissions office can be found here.
The cost of tuition is different for in-state and nonresidents. In-state residents pay around $14,000, while out-of-state residents pay $28,000 annually. Housing may be available for those who wish to live on-campus at an estimated cost of $8,500 annually. This school may help with costs by offering financial aid for students that are eligible as grants and loans.
The mascot for Rutgers University - Camden is the "Scarlet Raptors", and they participate in intercollegiate athletics through the oversight and organization of the NCAA. Athletic programs available may include the following:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
Students can take a look at the school's http://www.rutgers.edu to view additional information.
Enrollment
7,171
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
William Paterson University of New Jersey provides a variety of program options for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Wayne, New Jersey and publically funded. Enrollment at William Paterson University of New Jersey exceeds 11,000 annually.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs William Paterson University of New Jersey offers:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Communications And Journalism
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
Students applying for admission are most often asked to submit an application, transcripts, records, test scores and any requested personal statements, which will then be reviewed by the admissions staff. Most students accepted to WP score in a range of 900 to 1100 on the SAT. This school accepts approximately 60 percent of students applying yearly. Of those admitted, around 33 percent enrolled. More information on admissions can be found at wpunj.edu.
Tuition & fees at WP are different for in-state and out-of-state residents. In-state tuition costs approximately $13,000 per year with out-of-state tuition costing $20,000 per year. The price of on-campus housing is estimated to be $7,400 per year. Students enrolled at William Paterson University of New Jersey may qualify for aid which is usually scholarships, grants, and loans.
Athletic programs are available at WP through the NCAA, allowing students to participate in intercollegiate sports. Athletic programs available may include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Field Hockey (NCAA Division III)
Students should visit the WP website to obtain a complete list of areas of study, programs, financial aid details, and more that is available at this school.
Enrollment
10,198
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Kean, a public institution, offers a large number of educational opportunities, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Union, NJ, it offers a suburban setting for students to study in. Approximately sixteen thousand students are enrolled per year at Kean University. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Psychology
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Security And Protective Services
- English Language And Literature
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Field Hockey (NCAA Division III)
- Football (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
14,056
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
NJCU provides a variety of program options for students to guide them in their growth and development. The school is located in Jersey City, NJ and publically funded. Enrollment at NJCU is nearly 8,500 annually. Here is a list of some of the popular programs New Jersey City University offers:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Psychology
- Security And Protective Services
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Golf (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
7,991
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Where Do You Begin Your College Search in New Jersey?

Students just starting the college search process should start by reading our eBooksThe Complete Guide to the College Admissions ProcessandGetting into Your Top College Choice. Establish your priority list based on criteria that is important to you and then begin sorting schools that meet your thresholds. Manually sift and sort schools on your abbreviated list on our state portal page or leverage our search tools to expedite the process. In either case, the more you know about your goals and academic preferences the better equipped you will be to find your perfect college match in short order.
-2
The 8 schools listed below are part of the -2 system. By following the links below, you can view each school's profile in detail.
Institution Name | Information |
---|---|
Ocean County College in Newark, NJ | info |
Rowan College at Gloucester County in Glassboro, NJ | info |
Rutgers University - New Brunswick in Camden, NJ | info |
Rutgers University - Newark in New Brunswick, NJ | info |
Talmudical Academy - New Jersey in Galloway, NJ | info |
The College of New Jersey in Trenton, NJ | info |
The Kubert School in Jersey City, NJ | info |
Union County College in Ewing, NJ | info |
Notes: Tuition & fee amounts are for both New Jersey in-state residents and out of state students, unless noted otherwise. The tuition information displayed is an estimate, which we calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only. Please contact the respective school for information about the current school year.
Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.