2017 RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP RANKING BEST COLLEGES IN NJ
Getting the Best Education from One of the Top Colleges in New Jersey
New Jersey gets a bad rap. To some, it’s the place you live in if you can’t afford to live in New York, the land of loudmouthed troublemakers like the colorful characters on reality TV, or, when people are feeling generous, a state of highways and suburbs.
But New Jersey does have a lot to offer, and education is one area that makes it a prime destination. Some of the best colleges in New Jersey include well-known names like Rutgers and Princeton.
Award Emblem: Top 6 Best Colleges in NJ
If attending one of the good colleges in New Jersey is something that appeals to you, this article will help you narrow down your choices even further. We’ve rounded up six of the top colleges in New Jersey to help prospective students decide where they’ll be pursuing higher education for the next four years.
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AdvisoryHQ’s List of the Top 6 Best Colleges in NJ
List is sorted alphabetically (click any of the names below to go directly to the detailed review section for that college)
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Princeton University
- Rutgers University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- Stockton University
- The College of New Jersey
Top 6 Best Colleges in NJ | Brief Comparison & Ranking
Top Colleges in New Jersey | Tuition |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | |
| Princeton University | |
| Rutgers University | |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | |
| Stockton University | |
| The College of New Jersey |
Table: Top 6 Best Colleges in NJ | Above list is sorted alphabetically
Tips for Success During Your First Year at One of the Top Colleges in New Jersey
When it comes to the work involved, it doesn’t matter which of the colleges in New Jersey you choose. While New Jersey colleges like Princeton carry a lot of name recognition, it’s what you do with your time at school that will ultimately determine how successful you’ll be after graduation.
Source: 50states.com
So, how can you set yourself up for success no matter which of these colleges in NJ you choose?
- Look into the support services offered by NJ colleges. Anxious about the transition from high school to university? Worried you’ll hate your major and be unable to switch after the fact? Look into the student services offered by your school of choice so that you can get the guidance and information you need while at school.
- Start reading during the summer. It may be the last thing you want to do while you’re on vacation, but doing a bit of reading can help you prepare for the heavy course load you’re bound to receive in your first year. Looking up books related to your major is extra helpful.
- Take a job during the summer. Even if you have to take out loans to pay for one of the best schools in New Jersey, prioritize working before you start school and during your summer breaks to minimize your debt upon graduation.
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Detailed Review – Top Ranking Good Colleges in New Jersey
Below, please find the detailed review of each of the New Jersey colleges on our list of the top colleges in New Jersey. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these colleges in New Jersey to score so well in our selection ranking.
New Jersey Institute of Technology Review
New Jersey Institute of Technology is one of the top colleges in New Jersey with a history spanning 130 years. Like many of the good colleges in New Jersey and across the country, the New Jersey Institute of Technology has made an effort to blend the critical thinking needs of a liberal arts education with the technical skills demanded by today’s workforce.
Undergraduate Programs
As one of the colleges in New Jersey, the New Jersey Institute of Technology offers several undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. For those who wish to earn a bachelor’s degree, there are several undergraduate programs to choose from, including:
- Architecture
- Bioinformatics
- Computer Science
- Information Systems
- Electrical Engineering
- Applied Physics
- Biology
- Communication and Media
- Environmental Science
- Theatre Arts and Technology
- Biology and Mathematical Sciences
Undergraduate Research and Innovation
The top colleges in NJ attract bright and motivated students. It’s not surprising that these sorts of students seek out interesting and exciting opportunities to conduct research in their area of study.
The New Jersey Institute of Technology offers students the chance to be innovative and to pursue ideas that will solve the problems of today and tomorrow.
The school’s URI programs are designed to equip students with the skills and training to become strategic thinkers and designers. They are also meant to provide students with the kind of environment where they can work with experts. This familiarizes them to the real-world considerations like market trends, redesigns, team building, planning, and more.
By providing practical experience that students can instantly apply to their work upon graduation, the New Jersey Institute of Technology earns its place as one of the best colleges in New Jersey.
Tuition
The New Jersey Institute of Technology is one of the public colleges in New Jersey. So not only is it one of the best colleges in NJ, it is one of the more affordable schools in the state as well.
In-state tuition for the 2016/2017 school year was $6,801 to attend the New Jersey Institute of Technology, one of the top public colleges in New Jersey.
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Princeton University Review
Does Princeton University really need an introduction? It’s one of the eight Ivy League universities, and as a result, one of the most well-known schools in the world. It goes without saying that it is also one of the top colleges in New Jersey. It was chartered in 1746 and is one of the oldest colleges in the United States.
Over 1,100 faculty members, 5,200 undergraduate students, and 2,600 graduate students make Princeton University one of the best colleges in New Jersey.
Academic Programs
Like several of the best colleges in NJ, Princeton University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs. Students can receive a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Princeton University. A few of the undergraduate programs this school offers include:
- African American Studies
- Anthropology
- Astrophysical Sciences
- Classics
- Computer Science
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- English
- Geosciences
- History
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Sociology
- Spanish and Portuguese
Study Abroad Opportunities
One of the most exciting parts about studying at one of the best schools in New Jersey…is leaving it for adventures abroad.
Princeton’s study abroad program gives student the chance to supplement their learning with course work in a foreign country. Students regularly report feeling inspired and focused upon returning from their study abroad experience. Princeton outlines a few of the many benefits students get from supplementing their studies at one of the best New Jersey colleges with an international learning experience.
- Unique academic opportunities. Students get a chance to take courses that aren’t offered by Princeton University. Studying abroad also exposes them to perspectives they may not be privy to while studying at one of the best colleges in NJ.
- Immersive language learning experience. The best way to learn a new language is to go to a place where everyone speaks it. Even the best NJ colleges can’t offer a fully immersive environment for learning French, Spanish, Arabic, or whichever language other than English a student wishes to pick up. Studying abroad provides that opportunity.
- Global experience for future employment. In today’s global work environment, international experience is a desirable trait among job candidates. Students with experience adapting to a foreign environment, second language skills, and an undergraduate degree from one of the best NJ colleges become competitive graduates.
Tuition
Tuition to attend Princeton University, one of the best colleges in NJ, for 2017/2018 is an estimated $47,500.
Rutgers Review
Rutgers University is one of the public colleges in New Jersey. Not only is Rutgers one of the best New Jersey state colleges, it is also the largest university in New Jersey. It has close to 69,000 students and 22,000 faculty members.
Public Service Mission
As one of the public colleges in New Jersey, Rutgers’s mission as a research and higher learning institution is oriented toward contributing to the public good. It has a threefold mission, which can be found in full on its website and consists of the following parts:
- Providing for the instructional needs of New Jersey’s citizens
- Conducting cutting-edge research
- Promoting public service
Overall, as one of the best schools in New Jersey, Rutgers takes its responsibility to contribute to the betterment of its local and global community seriously.
Diverse Undergraduate Programs
Rutgers provides the world’s leading educators and the best resources, classrooms, and labs for students to receive a first-class education from one of the best New Jersey state colleges.
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They offer a range of liberal arts programs, science programs, and professional programs. Their undergraduate program offerings include:
- Animal Science
- Astrophysics
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology and Neuroscience
- Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
- Chinese
- Cinema Studies
- Comparative Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Landscape Architecture
- Latino and Caribbean Studies
- Linguistics
- Russian
Rich Student Life
Students admitted to one of the best New Jersey state colleges were likely involved in numerous extracurricular activities while in high school. There are several campus clubs, activities, and organizations for these well-rounded students to join.
Getting involved in student life is the fastest way for students at the top colleges in NJ to make friends, find like-minded individuals, and get the most from their college experience.
There are also general activities for students who aren’t yet sure where their specific interests lie. Activities that are organized for the entire Rutgers community include:
- Homecoming Weekend
- Rutgers Day
- Dance Marathon
- Noontime Concert Series
- Road Trips
Students at Rutgers, one of the top colleges in NJ, can also participate in religious groups so they can comfortably practice their faith while on campus. They can also join an athletic team, take in shows and performances, and more.
Tuition
Tuition for the 2016/2017 school year at Rutgers, one of the top colleges in NJ, was $11,408.
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Stevens Institute of Technology Review
Stevens Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Hoboken, New Jersey. It is one of the best colleges in NJ, with over 6,600 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels as well as more than 290 faculty members.
Focus on Technical Learning
Students who attend Stevens Institute of Technology, one of the top colleges in New Jersey, receive an education that provides a relevant blend of technical training, internships, and cooperative education.
This focus on helping students become in-demand graduates is one of the reasons Stevens Institute of Technology is considered one of the best colleges in NJ.
Distinguished Centers of Excellence and Research Facilities
As one of the top colleges in New Jersey, Stevens Institute of Technology has several standout programs, research facilities, and centers of excellence. They include:
- Three National Centers of Excellence
- A dozen research programs
- Facilities and centers focused on advancing research in cybersecurity, defense, energy, finance, healthcare, and more
An additional factor that makes Stevens Institute of Technology one of the top colleges in New Jersey is the extensive network of professional, industrial, and government connections that it cultivates.
Undergraduate Studies
Students who wish to receive a comprehensive technical education from one of the good colleges in New Jersey can choose from many undergraduate program options at Steven Institute of Technology, including the following:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Software Engineering
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Cyber Security
- Business and Technology
- Marketing
- History
- Philosophy
- Literature
Tuition for the 2017/2018 school year at Stevens Institute of Technology is $50,725.
Stockton University Review
Stockton University is one of the top public colleges in New Jersey. As of fall 2016, Stockton had over 8,000 students, 1,190 first-time freshmen, and 971 transfer students.
Undergraduate Degree Offerings
Stockton University is one of the colleges in New Jersey that offers a wide range of degrees. The undergraduate degrees they offer are the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Bachelor of Science.
Specific undergraduate programs offered by this institution include:
- Communication Studies
- Literature
- Business Studies
- Computer Science and Information Systems
- International Education
- Applied Physics
- Biology
- Geographic Information Systems
Vibrant Arts & Culture Scene
Stockton students can take in music, theatre, and dance at the Stockton Performing Arts Center, where there is always something interesting on display. Interested students can purchase tickets from their website.
Tuition
Tuition to attend Stockton, one of the public colleges in New Jersey, was $8,435 for the 2016/2017 school year.
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The College of New Jersey Review
The College of New Jersey is one of the public colleges in New Jersey located in Ewing. The school prioritizes providing rich research and learning experiences through student-faculty collaboration.
Variety of Undergraduate Degree Programs
Undergraduate programs at this university are grouped into seven categories:
- School of the Arts & Communication
- School of Business
- School of Education
- School of Engineering
- School of Humanities & Social Sciences
- School of Nursing, Health & Exercise Science
- School of Science
Specific programs offered by these separate schools include:
- Art History
- Communication Studies
- Journalism & Professional Writing
- Accountancy
- Economics
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- Biomedical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- African-American Studies
- English
- International Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
The College of New Jersey is one of the very selective public colleges in New Jersey. It strives to attract and keep New Jersey’s best talent in state.
Rich Campus Life
Students at The College of New Jersey can get involved in many ways. They can find their place on campus through athletics, clubs and organizations, entertainment and recreation, multicultural associations, and more.
Tuition
Tuition and fees for attending The College of New Jersey in 2016/2017 was $15,793.
Source: Team Unify
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Conclusion – Top 6 Best Colleges in NJ
New Jersey make get a lot of flak for its highways, suburbs, and reality television caricatures, but one area where it comes out on top is education. There are several top colleges in New Jersey for high school students and mature students to choose from. Our list of the best colleges of NJ is meant to help you narrow down your list of options so you can find the school that is perfectly suited to you.
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