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.

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Kean University

Founded in 1855, Kean University is a public school in northeast New Jersey and the state’s first public post-secondary institution of higher learning. Kean grants undergraduate degrees in over 50 areas of study and graduates the most teachers in the...

“…

Kean University is a great school to attend if you like diversity, a beautiful campus, and a great education.

” – Brianna from Piscataway, NJ
Centenary University

Centenary University is a private, career-focused liberal arts college situated in Hackettstown, New Jersey. The university was founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church and operates a 65-acre Equestrian Center in Long...

“…

I absolutely love this school. The small class sizes make it easier for teachers to get to know their students better and help them one on one when they need it. All of the teachers I've had so far are excellent at thoroughly explaining the material...

” – Nicole from Hillsborough, NJ
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Founded in 1868, Bloomfield College is a private liberal arts school based in Bloomfield, New Jersey, affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. Bloomfield offers several programs for students, including an Honors Program, the McNair Scholarship...

“…

Bloomfield College has taught me many things thus far both inside and outside the classroom.

” – Ashley from Camden, NJ
Rutgers University-Camden

Originally founded as the the South Jersey Law School, Rutgers University-Camden is 4-year public school and a campus of the Rutgers University system in south New Jersey. RU-Camden grants undergrad degrees in 38 academic majors featuring a liberal...

“…

The teachers make there schedule around you and if you don't understand they are happy to help. They will even take the time to make extra work just for you. I am really learning a lot and actually remembering it later on.

” – Cesyana from Washington, DC
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus

Fairleigh Dickinson University operates two campuses in New Jersey, a metropolitan campus in Teaneck, and a suburban campus in Florham, which makes FDU the largest private university in the state. FDU offers a Two Worlds degree programs, which allow...

“…

FDU offers many majors/minors, and has exceptional programs available for prospective and current students. Many of the professors here are highly qualified and challenge students to get the most out of their education. The small class sizes allow...

” – Sandra from Avenel, NJ
New Jersey City University

Originally founded as a teacher training institution, New Jersey City University is a 4-year public liberal arts university in northeast New Jersey. NJCU is home to colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, Professional Studies, and Education conferring...

“…

I learned that you can get individual attention while you are in class. Plus, as much as it sucks that there's an attendance policy, it's seriously helpful. NJCU is a nice school with a great faculty. The Media Arts Program is wonderful (which was my...

” – Priya from Jersey City, NJ
William Paterson University of New Jersey

Founded in 1855, William Paterson University of New Jersey is 4-year public school in northern New Jersey. Set on a 370-acre wooded campus, William Paterson is home to colleges of Arts & Communication, Business, Education, Science, and Humanities...

“…

William Paterson University offers an education of tremendous value in a learning community that is committed to providing academic excellence.

” – Deziree from Paterson, NJ
Georgian Court University - Cumberland

In partnership with Cumberland County College, Georgian Court University in Cumberland confers bachelor degrees in social work. GCU’s main campus is located in Lakewood, New Jersey, and is sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, who place particular...

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Partnering with Brookdale Community College, Georgian Court University in Hazlet, New Jersey, offers 4-year degree programs as well as graduate degrees. Located within of the community college, GCU Hazlet’s location and class times are designed to be...

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Yeshiva Gedolah Shaarei Shmuel is an Orthodox Jewish yeshiva in southern New Jersey dedicated to training future Torah scholars. Gedolah Shaarei Shmuel features a 4-year Talmudic Studies program with the goal of preparing students to enter advanced...

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Named for a former Chief Rabbi of New York’s Association of American Orthodox Hebrew Congregations, Rabbi Jacob Joseph School is an Orthodox Jewish yeshiva in Staten Island and northern New Jersey. RJJS hosts a degree-granting Talmudic Studies...

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The School of Nursing at the JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. & Dorothy A. Snyder Schools is a nursing academy located just outside of NYC in eastern New Jersey. The School of Nursing features four degree tracks including generic and accelerated tracks, an...

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Bais Medrash Toras Chesed is an Orthodox Jewish Yeshiva in southern New Jersey with a curriculum emphasizing ethical works and teachings. BMTC offers a Talmudic Studies program focused on the study of sacred texts in order to prepare students to...

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Rabbinical College of America is a Chabad Lubavitch Hasidic Jewish yeshiva in northern New Jersey dedicated to training rabbis. The yeshiva offers a Rabbinical Ordination Program as well as a Jewish higher  education program for teachers and communal...

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Yeshiva Yesodei Hatorah is a Jewish institution of higher learning in southeast New Jersey. The Yeshiva features a Talmudic Studies program tailored to the talents of each individual student. As an Orthodox institution, the Yeshiva is home to an all...

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Established in 1958, Salem Community College is a public, 2-year institution located in Carney's Point, New Jersey, with a satellite education center in Alloway. As the only institution of higher learning operating in Salem County, SCC’s main campus...

“…

While most of the teachers are cool, some of the adjunct faculty can be a real challenge to deal with. Overall though, the material covered is in-depth, and professors are readily available for discussing any questions or concerns.

” – John
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Brookdale Community College is a public institution located in Lincroft, New Jersey. Along with the main campus, the college also includes five additional campuses throughout Monmouth county. For students over the age of 18, a high school diploma is...

“…

I have learned so much here at Brookdale!For the first time in my life I have recieved all straight A's because the teachers teach very well and the classes are easy.Thats what I love about college!You can pick your own classes.Their are many majors...

” – Daniella from Tinton Falls, NJ
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Yeshiva Toras Chaim is an Orthodox Jewish yeshiva in southern New Jersey dedicated to educating students in the laws of the Torah. The yeshiva offers a bachelor’s degree in Talmudic Studies program with a curriculum consisting of classes in Talmud...