Best Colleges in New Jersey for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

New Jersey College Guide – What You Need to Know

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Unemployment in New Jersey is on the decline. In June 2018, the rate dropped to 4.3%, marking the lowest statewide rate in over a decade. It’s also worth pointing out that the state is one of the wealthiest in the nation; home to a wide range of job prospects and a world-class selection of colleges and universities that attract students from all over the US and the world.

Other fields leading the way do actually employ a significant number of workers. Unlike some states, New Jersey’s job market is quite diverse. In some states, the lion’s share of the growth is within the healthcare space. Now, healthcare, whether you opt for a nursing degree or plan on pursuing medical school, is almost always a good bet. But, it’s safe to say these professions aren’t for everyone.

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What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in New Jersey?

Popular bachelor’s degrees vary by institutions, but across the board, we found that students tend to gravitate toward a handful of majors that attract students from all over the country. Popular majors in New Jersey include health professions like nursing or pre-med, social sciences, and business. Communications and engineering are other popular choices, too.

But, then there are some outliers. Schools like Seton Hall and Montclair State enroll a large number of visual and performing arts students. Rutgers is one of a handful of the state’s institutions where education is a top major. While it was hard to narrow our list—here are some of the more popular bachelor’s degree offerings from Princeton to Ramapo to Stevens Institute of Technology.

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Education Level & National Average Median Compensation

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*
*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
arizona-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment

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Most Popular Degrees and Careers in New Jersey

Top Business Administration Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME NUMBER OF JOBS AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Accountant 39,820 $51,600
Management Consultant 15,250 $87,800
Financial Advisor 4,480 $59,700
Marketing Manager 11,220 $66,000

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  • Accountant:
    Accountants require a strong command of accounting best practices and the ability to communicate well. The bulk of their work is spent preparing and posting entries to the general ledger, preparing audit schedules, and preparing reports, balance sheets, and reconciling bank accounts.
  • Management Consultant:
    A management consultant works with companies to improve things like productivity, company image, and organizational structure. The consultant identifies current problems and risks and prepares reports or presentations to recommend solutions. Communication, public speaking, and collaboration skills are needed for this role.
  • Financial Advisor:
    Financial advisors can work in a variety of settings like insurance companies, banks, or mutual funds. They might also work independently in a consulting capacity. The financial advisor’s primary function is helping individuals or companies assess their financial needs, set goals, and make smart investments. Advisors help clients avoid risk and can help explain tax laws and put together a big-picture financial strategy.
  • Marketing Manager:
    Marketing managers supervise and create ad campaigns, content strategies, or social media efforts. This role differs by industry and organization; a manager may be assigned to a product line or brand, or they may oversee all marketing efforts for an organization.
  • Business Administrator
  • Business Manager
  • Business Specialist
  • Entrepreneur

Best New Jersey Schools for Business Administration

  • Kean University
  • Montclair State University
  • Rowan University
  • Rutgers University
  • William Paterson University
  • Centenary University

Top Biology Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME NUMBER OF JOBS AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Biological Technician 1,130 $38,500
Genetic Counselor 80 $73,600
Pharmaceutical sales 4,680 $85,300
Health Services Manager 12,620 $70,400
Biochemist 7,280 $62,200
  • Biological Technician:
    A biological technician fills an assistant role in a research setting. Their job is to help biologists research water, blood, soil, plants, or animals. They also maintain lab equipment, making sure all materials and tools are kept clean, and maintain accurate data sets. Additionally, a biological technician will analyze data, interpret results, and summarize findings.
  • Genetic Counselor :
    Genetics counselors are in-demand in the state of New Jersey, more so than other states. Usually, counselors will work with couples trying to conceive, looking for potential areas where there’s a risk of mutation; i.e., congenital diseases, tumors, and genetic diseases. Genetic counselors may work in a lab or healthcare facility alongside physicians, surgeons, and oncologists. Additionally, they might also write academic papers or present research at industry conferences.
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Rep:
    Pharmaceutical sales reps can come from a variety of backgrounds; biology, as well as marketing, business administration, or a related field. However, knowledge of medical terminology and basic science is an asset in this field and biology majors with a knack for sales can do well here. Reps meet with medical professionals like physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and administrators selling drugs or medical devices. They must know changes in products, policies, and report accurate sales records.
  • Health Services Manager:
    A health services manager works for a healthcare facility like a clinic, hospital, or nursing home. They might oversee one department or the entire facility, depending on the size of the operation. This role involves taking on a variety of clerical tasks like accounting, budgeting, creating rate plans, and generating reports. Managers create business strategies, coordinate daily operations, and hire and train personnel. Additionally, the manager might interact with patients in a customer service capacity or manage patient records, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
  • Biochemist:
    A biochemist is a scientist that looks at how cells within biological compounds interact. Biochemists work in a variety of settings; research universities and hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, or food manufacturing companies. Still, the bulk of their day-to-day work involves researching a lab setting. Biochemists must be well-versed in how to properly handle organic materials, set up experiments, and handle lab equipment.
    Students begin their career by earning a degree in biology, and often work as a research assistant while earning their degree. Those students who wish to teach at the university level or work in a leadership role may choose to earn a master’s degree.

Best New Jersey Schools for Biology

  • Rowan University
  • Seton Hall University
  • New Jersey Institute of Technology
  • Rutgers University
  • Ramapo College of New Jersey
  • Centenary University

Top Engineering Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME NUMBER OF JOBS AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Chemical Engineer 1,350 $75,500
Software Engineer 50,320 $86,700
Civil Engineer 7,420 $67,200
Aerospace Engineer 2,100 $84,600
  • Chemical Engineer:
    Chemical engineers solve problems within the context of chemical substances. For example, they might work to improve chemical solutions like a cleaning solvent, fuel, or improve an existing product. This role involves a good deal of troubleshooting, research, and experimentation and engineers might find work in product development or in a position designed to reduce waste in an industrial facility. Additionally, engineers need to keep records and maintain documentation, as well as ensure all processes are performed with codes and compliance in mind.
  • Software Engineer:
    Software engineers work with design and development teams to create software. They also work with coders and programmers to ensure that software features work as planned. During the initial design phase, the engineer helps the team figure out how the software is expected to perform; they’ll plan out automated tasks required and create documents and flow charts that lay out how the software will work. Later, software engineers will modify and debug applications, and work to incorporate new features into an existing program.
  • Civil Engineer:
    Civil engineers design, plan, and manage construction projects. This type of engineer works to solve structural problems; conducting bridge repairs or getting buildings up to code. Civil engineers work with a range of people; clients, construction teams, architects, and CAD employees. As such, a civil engineer needs to be comfortable working in a team environment and a skilled communicator. Engineers work with modeling software, analyze surveys, and create documentation describing technical problems and potential solutions.
  • Aerospace Engineer:
    Aerospace engineers design spacecraft, aircraft, satellites, and missiles. In general, engineers receive proposals for new projects and evaluate them for several factors, most importantly if the project is technically possible and financially viable. The aerospace engineer plays a role in designing, constructing, and testing equipment and may make recommendations, conduct research, and troubleshoot problems. To find work in this field, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, and possibly, a Professional Engineering license. You’ll also need to be a critical thinker with excellent math and analytical skills.

Best New Jersey Schools for Engineering

  • Princeton University
  • New Jersey Institute of Technology
  • Rutgers University
  • The College of New Jersey
  • Rowan University

Top Healthcare Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME NUMBER OF JOBS AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Registered Nurse 80,140 $65,500
Medical Assistant 19,120 $34,300
Home Health Aide 57,060 $29,700
Physician 16,650 $152,300
  • Registered Nurse:
    Registered nurses take care of patients by assessing their health concerns and developing a plan for care. Nurses need to be able to use medical equipment, administer treatment, and teach patients and caregivers how to manage illnesses or injuries at home. Most RNs work on a team with doctors, medical assistants, and other nurses though settings can vary. RNs might work in an oncology ward at a hospital, a smaller private practice, or caring for babies in the maternity ward.
  • Medical Assistant:
    Medical assistants take medical histories and record a patient’s vital signs. They’re often the first point of contact when you go to a doctor’s appointment; the person who asks a series of questions, takes blood pressure, and schedules appointments.
  • Home Health Aide:
    One of the most in-demand jobs across the country, home health aides provide in-home care to people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Their job is to help patients with their daily living activities, which may include dressing, grooming, and tending to wounds, as well as making sure clients take their medication. Due to an aging population, the BLS reports this job is growing at a whopping 41% rate, yet wages are relatively low.
  • Physician:
    Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, prescribe medications, and order and interpret medical tests. They might also counsel patients on preventative healthcare, diet, or hygiene. Physicians must complete a bachelor’s degree, then attend medical school, and complete a residency. Additional training may be required for those who wish to specialize in an area such as cardiology or oncology.
  • Healthcare Administrator:
    The healthcare field is a rapidly growing industry and there is a high demand for professional administrators. The healthcare administration field includes an array of job duties such as strategic planning, budgeting, regulatory compliance, and organizational development.

Best New Jersey Schools for Healthcare Professions

  • Rutgers University
  • Monmouth University
  • Montclair State University
  • Kean University
  • The College of New Jersey

Top Social Sciences Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME NUMBER OF JOBS AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Mental Health Counselor 10,130 $43,300
Healthcare Social Worker 3,200 $55,400
Child & Family Social Worker 4,910 $42,100
School/Guidance Counselor 7,010 $52,300
  • Mental Health Counselor:
    Mental health counselors work with individuals or groups to improve mental health. This role involves helping people deal with emotions, overcome trauma, and manage mental health disorders or stress.
  • Healthcare Social Worker:
    Healthcare social workers help patients, and their families navigate the psychological challenges associated with a disability or a chronic or terminal illness. Services may include offering patient education and counseling, case management, and addressing barriers to reliable healthcare. Usually, healthcare social workers need a graduate degree and work under supervision before they can become licensed.
  • Child & Family Social Worker:
    Social workers work with children and families, responding to cases of abuse, neglect, or severe illness. In this role, the social worker may help parents find resources that enable them to better care for their children so that they may remain in the home. Or, they may work to find a new placement for children if the parent is deemed unfit. Social workers may also respond to crises outside of the home such as children dealing with bullies or having behavioral problems at school.
  • School/Guidance Counselor:
    School counselors help students deal with issues like learning disabilities, bullying, and poor academic performance. They might also advise students who need help with college applications or finding scholarships, work with teachers and administrators to improve learning conditions and help students address problems and set goals.
  • Addiction Counselor:
    An addiction counselor is a professional who helps people with addictions to drugs, alcohol, or other substances. Addictions can be very harmful, both to the individual and to their loved ones, so it is important to seek help from a professional if you think you or someone you know may be struggling with addiction. Addiction counselors can provide counseling and support, as well as referrals to treatment programs if needed.
  • Counselor
  • Psychologist

Best New Jersey Schools for Social Sciences

  • Princeton University
  • Rutgers University
  • The College of New Jersey
  • Seton Hall University
  • Drew University

Additional Careers in New Jersey

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Best Associate Degrees in New Jersey

Best Associate Degrees in New Jersey
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People who aren’t ready to pursue a four-year degree could still find success with a two-year degree. Associate degrees can get a person started in a chosen career and help them decide if they want to pursue further education. New Jersey has many two-year degree options at some of the best colleges in the state.

Warren County Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
3,251		 Graduation Rate
45%		 Net Price
$4,661 		Grads Salary
$35,300
County College of Morris
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
6,697		 Graduation Rate
35%		 Net Price
$8,145 		Grads Salary
$38,300
Raritan Valley Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
7,080		 Graduation Rate
27%		 Net Price
$5,863 		Grads Salary
$44,000
Rowan College at Burlington County
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
7,316		 Graduation Rate
28%		 Net Price
$6,827 		Grads Salary
$40,700
Rowan College of South Jersey Gloucester
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
6,369		 Graduation Rate
34%		 Net Price
$6,417 		Grads Salary
$39,100
Union County College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
9,181		 Graduation Rate
35%		 Net Price
$5,965 		Grads Salary
$38,200
Middlesex County College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
10,084		 Graduation Rate
26%		 Net Price
$8,709 		Grads Salary
$41,200
Sussex County Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
2,190		 Graduation Rate
39%		 Net Price
$11,226 		Grads Salary
$38,200
Bergen Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
11,409		 Graduation Rate
22%		 Net Price
$9,223 		Grads Salary
$38,400
Ocean County College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
7,480		 Graduation Rate
38%		 Net Price
$13,205 		Grads Salary
$39,400
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Best Bachelor's Degrees in New Jersey

Best Bachelor's Degrees in New Jersey
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Attaining a bachelor’s degree could be the start of a wonderful career. It means greater earning potential and increased opportunities for advancement. For those who are considering getting a bachelor’s degree, New Jersey has a variety of programs available from some of the best schools in the state.

Princeton University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
8,419		 Graduation Rate
98%		 Net Price
$18,685 		Grads Salary
$98,900
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
50,173		 Graduation Rate
84%		 Net Price
$17,835 		Grads Salary
$78,800
New Jersey Institute of Technology
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
11,518		 Graduation Rate
70%		 Net Price
$18,328 		Grads Salary
$82,300
Rutgers University-Newark
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
13,605		 Graduation Rate
65%		 Net Price
$13,832 		Grads Salary
$79,100
Stevens Institute of Technology
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
7,283		 Graduation Rate
88%		 Net Price
$40,303 		Grads Salary
$89,800
The College of New Jersey
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
7,821		 Graduation Rate
86%		 Net Price
$24,617 		Grads Salary
$72,500
Saint Peter's University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,233		 Graduation Rate
55%		 Net Price
$16,487 		Grads Salary
$84,000
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
7,479		 Graduation Rate
53%		 Net Price
$13,941 		Grads Salary
$80,000
Rutgers University-Camden
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
7,233		 Graduation Rate
65%		 Net Price
$15,381 		Grads Salary
$70,100
Ramapo College of New Jersey
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
6,042		 Graduation Rate
72%		 Net Price
$17,286 		Grads Salary
$66,300
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Best Master's Degrees in New Jersey

Best Master's Degrees in New Jersey
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Anyone seeking to be an expert in their field will probably consider getting a master’s or doctorate degree at some point. New Jersey has programs at a number of colleges and universities that will allow people to achieve their end goals.

Princeton University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
8,419		 Graduation Rate
98%		 Net Price
$18,685 		Grads Salary
$98,900
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
50,173		 Graduation Rate
84%		 Net Price
$17,835 		Grads Salary
$78,800
New Jersey Institute of Technology
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
11,518		 Graduation Rate
70%		 Net Price
$18,328 		Grads Salary
$82,300
Rutgers University-Newark
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
13,605		 Graduation Rate
65%		 Net Price
$13,832 		Grads Salary
$79,100
Stevens Institute of Technology
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
7,283		 Graduation Rate
88%		 Net Price
$40,303 		Grads Salary
$89,800
The College of New Jersey
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
7,821		 Graduation Rate
86%		 Net Price
$24,617 		Grads Salary
$72,500
Saint Peter's University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,233		 Graduation Rate
55%		 Net Price
$16,487 		Grads Salary
$84,000
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
7,479		 Graduation Rate
53%		 Net Price
$13,941 		Grads Salary
$80,000
Rutgers University-Camden
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
7,233		 Graduation Rate
65%		 Net Price
$15,381 		Grads Salary
$70,100
Ramapo College of New Jersey
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
6,042		 Graduation Rate
72%		 Net Price
$17,286 		Grads Salary
$66,300
Full Ranking Report
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Cost of New Jersey College Education & Salaries

New Jersey students looking at their options for higher education have many factors to consider. If you’re paying out of pocket or taking out loans, then the state’s public universities will provide the most affordable path toward earning a degree. Before taking out loans or shelling out for tuition, students should look a few things. Graduation rates are at the top of the list, as this metric indicates whether a school is doing a good job supporting their students.

Looking for the best value school can be one of the biggest challenges when it comes to selecting where you’ll spend the next four years. However, value is determined by several factors that extend beyond a school’s reputation and price tag. Evaluating tuition, plus room and board, books, and supplies is an excellent place to start. Other markers of quality education are less objective. You’ll need to consider things like:

  • Internships
  • Networking opportunities
  • Scholarships and financial aid
  • Job placement rate and assistance
  • Average starting salary
  • Class size
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Degree programs

Look at these factors and assess how they play into your goals. What are your priorities? Do you value a school that offers a specialized degree program? Is your goal to land a prestigious internship? Maybe the main concern is finding a school that provides the biggest financial aid package or a wide selection of online courses.

Finally, earning potential also depends on your field of study. Those who choose a path such as nursing, engineering, computer science, or another technical area may have an easier time locking down a job after graduating college. Liberal arts grads can land all kinds of jobs, so there’s a lot more variation in how you can apply that degree; it could be education, writing, marketing, or a long career in academia, so earning potential isn’t a sure thing.

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College Cost Analysis - New Jersey vs National

Average New Jersey Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $13,963

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State Tuition – $28,669

National Average – $27,437

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

The state of New Jersey is one of a handful of states in the country that has not joined an interstate student exchange effort like the New England Board of Higher Education’s Tuition Break program. Because the state has not signed on to participate, students can't attend schools in several states while enjoying reduced non-resident rates.

As far as assistance goes, New Jersey ranks fifth in the nation. The average student receives $11,391 in federal aid, which is slightly higher than the national average. That said, it’s important to understand that not every student qualifies for federal assistance. To qualify, you’ll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The acceptance rate for federal aid in NJ is about 68%, which is higher than the national average. Those who need more assistance after aid checks come in should also apply for grants and scholarships to avoid having to take out significant loans to pay for school.

Financial Aid New Jersey Nationally
Received Federal Grants 68% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $11,391 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Scholarships for New Jersey

While New Jersey students receive more federal assistance than their counterparts in most other states, college tuition rates have risen in recent years, leaving many students on the hook for paying back student loans. As such, investing the time into applying for scholarships and grants is bound to pay off.

New Jersey students can apply to a wide range of scholarships and grants. Some are merit-based and go to top performers, while others seek out aspiring nurses, accountants, or visual artists. Those from low-income backgrounds have several options for filling the gaps between government aid and remaining tuition costs. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some standout scholarships, though, keep in mind, a little research will reveal that there’s a lot more where that came from.

NCP_logo

NCP

Newark College Promise

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e44327a52b88927aaaecabd/t/5f58d3e07e871053b883d14f/1599656934346/CollegePromiseCatalog_Rockefeller_Online_Sept2020+%281%29.pdf
Amounts: Varies by student situation
Deadline: Varies (Some required FAFSA completion)
The Newark Housing Authority has put together a scholarship for Newark students who live in public housing. To apply, students must be Essex County residents and attend one of the state’s four-year colleges or universities. Students must also be living in public housing or have participated in a voucher program for at least 12 months before applying for the scholarship.

MCS_logo

MCS

Meredith Corporation Scholarship

https://scholarships.nywici.org/sponsored-scholarships
Amounts: $5,000
Deadline: Varies
This $5,000 scholarship is awarded by New York Women in Communications to one female communications or journalism major. Applicants must be enrolled as an undergraduate and have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher. They must also be available to participate in an internship at Meredith Corporation’s NYC headquarters. The scholarship is non-renewable.

EOF_logo

EOF

New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund

https://www.nj.gov/highereducation/EOF/EOF_Eligibility.shtml
Amounts: $200-$2,600
Deadline: FAFSA Deadline
This grant is offered to low-income NJ students who want to earn a degree but may be ill-prepared for the rigors of college-level work. Eligible students can receive up to $2,500 in annual funding and will gain access to a campus-based outreach and support service there to help them succeed. To qualify, students must come from a low-income background and demonstrate an educational disadvantage.

GUSP

Governor’s Urban Scholarship Program

https://www.nj4dreamers.com/governors-urban-scholarship-faqs/
Amounts: Varies
Deadline: Students must be nominated by their school
This scholarship was launched by Chris Christie back in 2012 as a way to provide aid to high-achieving students living in New Jersey’s urban areas. To qualify for the merit-based award students must rank in the top 5% of their graduating class, enroll in a New Jersey college, and come from one of 14-economically challenged urban areas. The scholarship could cover up to 10 semesters of tuition.

MFNS

Meland Foundation Nursing Scholarships

http://melandfoundation.org/nursing-scholarships-2/nursing-scholarships/
Amounts: $2,000-$5,000
Deadline: N/A – Rolling Application
This award ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 and is awarded to aspiring Air Force Base Hospital nurses. To apply, students must submit a resume, along with a recent transcript, a 500-word personal statement outlining career goals, and a letter of recommendation from the dean. Students must be residents of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, or Connecticut.

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