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New Jersey may be small, but it’s packed with some of the best colleges in the country.
Whether looking at prestigious Ivy League schools or innovative tech institutes, the best colleges in New Jersey offer something for everyone.
Today, we’ll explore five standout schools that prove why New Jersey is a great place to pursue higher education.
Princeton University
Location: Princeton, NJ
First up is Princeton University, the crown jewel of New Jersey colleges and a name recognized worldwide.
Founded in 1746, Princeton is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in New Jersey. The Ivy League college is known for its challenging academics, rich history, and alumni network that includes U.S. presidents, Nobel Prize winners, and industry leaders.
Princeton’s 500-acre campus is special, with beautiful architecture that draws visitors from all over. Nearly all students live on campus, which creates a tight-knit community where learning and living go hand in hand.
But what makes Princeton standout is its commitment to research. The university has connections to over 40 Nobel laureates, which speaks volumes about the groundbreaking work happening here.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Location: Hoboken, NJ
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken is a gem among New Jersey universities, especially if you want to study STEM.
Starting in 1870 as the first college in the U.S. focused on mechanical engineering, Stevens has come a long way.
Now, it offers a wide mix of technical and business programs, making it a top pick for students who want a solid return on their education investment.
What’s great about Stevens, aside from its strong academic reputation, is its location. The campus sits right on the Hudson River, giving you amazing views of New York City—just a quick hop away.
More importantly, Stevens has strong ties with various industries, which means students graduate ready to hit the ground running in their careers.
So, whether you’re into engineering, business, or something in the arts, Stevens is a leader among N.J. colleges as it mixes innovation with practical skills.
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Location: New Brunswick, NJ
Rutgers University-New Brunswick is the flagship of New Jersey’s most extensive public university system. Established in 1766, it is one of the oldest New Jersey universities, and its student body proudly spans all 50 states and over 100 countries.
The university has five campuses in New Brunswick and Piscataway, offering students a traditional college experience with a strong athletic presence.
One of the things students love about Rutgers is its range of academic choices. With 19 schools and colleges, it’s a place where you can dive into just about any field of study.
And if you’re interested in research, Rutgers invests heavily in it, driving innovation and discovery across numerous disciplines.
Rutgers’s location near New York City and Philadelphia offers something special. Being so close to these cities means you have easy access to internships, job opportunities, and cultural experiences that can really enrich your college life.
You can spend your weekdays focused on your studies and your weekends exploring everything these cities offer: networking with professionals, enjoying a museum, or catching a show.
Rutgers is considered one of the best colleges in N.J. thanks to its strong academics and the practical, real-world experiences it offers.
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)
Location: Ewing, NJ
The College of New Jersey, or TCNJ as most people know it, has established itself as one of the top colleges in New Jersey.
Since its founding in 1855, TCNJ has built a strong reputation for its academic rigor, especially in liberal arts.
One of the things that really sets TCNJ apart is its impressive four-year graduation rate—one of the highest among public universities in the U.S. Evidently, this speaks volumes about how committed they are to seeing their students succeed.
Starting from day one, TCNJ challenges students with its First-Year Seminar program, designed to get them thinking critically right out of the gate.
The campus in Ewing is beautiful and creates a supportive environment where academic challenges are balanced with an active student life.
So, if you’re looking for a high-quality education within a tight-knit community, TCNJ is definitely one of the best New Jersey colleges to consider.
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
Location: Newark, NJ
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) stands out in STEM education. Amazingly, NJIT offers over 125 degree programs in engineering, architecture, computing, and the humanities.
Because of that, it’s no surprise that it’s known as one of the best universities in N.J. for tech-savvy students.
Step onto the Newark campus, and you’ll feel the energy of innovation everywhere. Did you know the campus is home to the state’s largest high-tech and life science business incubator?
What’s more, NJIT’s strong focus on career readiness means many graduates quickly move up in their fields.
And with its reputation for practical experience and academic rigor, NJIT consistently earns its place among the top in N.J. college rankings.
Find Your Perfect Fit at the Best Colleges in New Jersey
When picking a college in New Jersey, you’ve got some great options.
You’ll find schools with rich histories, cutting-edge tech programs, close-knit communities, and strong STEM focuses.
These top colleges in New Jersey will help you find your path, grow as a person, and prepare for whatever comes next. Undoubtedly, there’s a perfect fit waiting for you here.
Before heading out, check our website for the latest updates and tips on choosing the right college.