Colleges in New Jersey
Why go to College in New Jersey?
New Jersey is an ideal location for college students because the state features a variety of recreation, entertainment, and historic locations of interest. Students can visit Revolutionary War sites, including Fort Lee and the Red Bank Battlefield, or tour inventor Thomas Edison's home. New Jersey also contains 11 lighthouses, nine National Parks, and a portion of the Appalachian Trail. The New Jersey Pinelands was the nation's first National Reserve; it is also designated as an International Biosphere Reserve and features one million acres of wetlands and forests. Approximately 700 arts organizations, including music, dance, and theater groups, are located in the state. The Jersey Shore has 130 miles of coastline, and Atlantic City is famous for its many casinos, including Caesars and the Golden Nugget. New York City is also close enough for sightseeing trips and weekend getaways.
What Options are Available for Colleges in New Jersey?
On-Campus
A variety of public and private two- and four-year higher education institutions are located in the state, offering students many opportunities for on-campus college experiences in New Jersey. Students seeking to integrate their living and learning environments may enjoy this type of setting. Communities are built within dormitories, libraries, coffee shops, and outdoor recreation areas, providing students with chances to forge friendships with their peers and build relationships with their professors. On-campus life also affords students the opportunity to join arts groups, sports teams, student government, and hundreds of other types of clubs and organizations.
Online Programs
Students attending online colleges in NJ enjoy the convenience of pursuing a degree program according to their own schedule. Most programs are taught asynchronously, which allows students to login at their convenience to access course material, review lectures, participate in message boards, and submit assignments. However, some courses and programs may feature synchronous elements. Online programs are ideal for students who work and/or have families and require extra flexibility while earning an education.
To be successful, students in online programs must be able to work independently. Diligence in meeting deadlines and participating in class discussions is also necessary because grades are often based largely on participation. Some programs offer a cohort learning model, which groups students together for the duration of their coursework and promotes a shared educational experience.
Hybrid Programs
Certain degree programs at online schools in NJ offer hybrid opportunities. The majority of coursework in these programs can be completed online, typically asynchronously, but a portion of classes must be taken on campus. These in-person requirements may include lectures or labs. Some colleges provide weekend options or special week-long courses during the year. This helps make the on-campus component more manageable for students because they can integrate these requirements into their work and family schedules without having to commit to regular visits. Students interested in enrolling in a hybrid program at an online college in NJ should take the location of the school into consideration.
Popular Degree Programs in New Jersey
Most New Jersey residents are employed in jobs dealing with trade, transportation, and utilities. Careers in education, health services, and professional and business services are also popular. Because the state is home to numerous higher education institutions, healthcare facilities, and businesses, it is unsurprising that the following majors are among the most popular for New Jersey students.
Statistics and Decision Science This major explores how people make decisions as both individuals and groups by studying psychology, philosophy, statistics, and calculus. Students in this major typically pursue master's or doctorate degrees in the field. The findings of decision science scholars influence a variety of industries, from medicine to business management.
Business Management and Administration Students majoring in business management and administration learn a range of skills to prepare them for leadership positions. This includes accounting, finance, human resources, marketing, and communication. Students also learn about business and how to best motivate and interact with their team members.
What are the Best Online Colleges in New Jersey?
Selecting the right college is one of the most important decisions you can make for your future. This undertaking can feel overwhelming, so we've simplified part of the research process for you. The following information should make it easier to compare online colleges in New Jersey. This ranking details the state's best online colleges, including some of the characteristics that make each school unique. It should make it easier to see what makes these online schools in NJ special, how their degree programs work, what they cost, and which ones best match your educational goals.
Top 10 Colleges in New Jersey for 2019
Admissions Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
80%
Online Enrollment
4%
Retention Rate
93%
Default Rate
5%
Though physically based in New Brunswick, Rutgers offers the university's rigorous academic programs to students throughout the country. Several fully online , asynchronous programs are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Undergraduates can pursue bachelor's degrees in nursing, business administration, or labor relations. Master's degrees are also available in liberal studies, public administration, and social work.
On top of its other graduate-level programs, Rutgers offers master's and doctoral degrees in education in areas such as language education, adult and continuing education, and music education. Graduate admissions requirements vary by program. Some programs require GRE or GMAT scores. Undergraduate applicants should submit transcripts, essays, and test scores. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate.
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What are the Best Online Community Colleges in New Jersey?
Universities typically require a four-year commitment to attain a degree and provide other opportunities for advanced graduate work. Alternatively, community colleges are a popular choice for students pursuing a two-year degree program that prepares them for immediate entry into the workforce. Community colleges also deliver foundation coursework that can be transferred to degree-completion programs at four-year institutions. The following information is provided to help you learn more about the variety of online community colleges in New Jersey, making it easier to select the right educational program for your career and life goals.
Top 10 Online Community Colleges in New Jersey for 2019
Graduation Rate
34%
Online Enrollment
12%
Retention Rate
69%
Default Rate
17%
Located in Toms River, Ocean County College compares favorably to the other online community colleges in New Jersey and runs more than 20 educational sites throughout the county. The school offers many of its associate programs online, including studies in business administration, criminal justice, and information technology. OCC delivers all online coursework asynchronously and offers accelerated courses that last as few as five weeks.
While many of OCC's programs run in a blended format, students can speak with college enrollment specialists about completing their degree without in-person requirements. The school gives online students gain access to the school's online library, technology support, and advising services.
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How We Ranked the Schools
To determine the best programs, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school's commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the best online master's in management information systems programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.
Education Trends in New Jersey
Education spending and tax structuring vary by state. New Jersey spends less on each of its full-time postsecondary students than the national average and allocates much less of its tax revenue to higher education than the U.S. average. However, it is important to understand that states have differing tax rates and tax sources (e.g., income, property, sales, services, and/or lottery taxes). New Jersey residents are more educated than the average U.S. resident; a significantly higher percentage of them hold an advanced degree.
| New Jersey | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Education Spending per Full-Time Student | $5,766 | $6,954 |
| Percent of Tax Revenue Allocated to Higher Education | 3.6% | 5.8% |
| Percentage of adults over 25 with associate degree | 6.3% | 8.1% |
| Percentage of adults over 25 with bachelor's degree | 22.8% | 18.5% |
| Percentage of adults over 25 with graduate degree or higher | 14.0% | 11.2% |
| Source: SHEEO and U.S. Census | ||
Paying for College in New Jersey
When researching New Jersey colleges, it's crucial to understand their financial impact on your future. Tuition prices are just one piece of the higher education financial puzzle. It is important to also consider college fees, books, supplies, rent, transportation, food, and all of the other living costs you'll have to cover while enrolled in school. Financial aid opportunities should be prioritized when looking at colleges. It is also prudent to be diligent about pursuing a variety of funding sources, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study options.
Tuition Prices
Attending college in New Jersey is more expensive relative to most other U.S. states. Tuition rates are significantly higher than the U.S. average, as noted below. In addition to tuition, you'll have to budget for a range of other costs, from books and supplies to living expenses and transportation.
Financial Aid
Regardless of the state where you go to school, you should research and apply for a variety of financial aid. After completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you should have a complete understanding of the options available to you. Federal-, state-, and employer-funded grants are ideal because they don't have to be repaid. Additionally, many public and private scholarships are available based on your degree program, academic/athletic talent, financial need, heritage, life experiences, etc. Federal, state, and private loans are also an option, and work-study opportunities can be used to further supplement a student's funding.
Cost for Online Programs in New Jersey
If you elect to attend an online college in New Jersey, you have the same financial aid options as on-campus students. Distance learners should complete the FAFSA and apply for suitable grants, scholarships, and loans. While tuition for online programs tends to be comparable to that of on-campus programs, the overall cost for a degree is typically less. This is because online students don't incur the same costs of living, transportation, book, and supply fees that on-campus students experience. Attending an online school in NJ is a relatively affordable option, and the cost can be significantly alleviated by financial aid opportunities.
Cost of Living by Region
Many college graduates pursue careers in the cities where they attended college. This is important to keep in mind as you look into possible degree programs. It's also helpful to do some research about the cost of living in the cities and regions where you may attend school. These costs can impact your financial requirements and lifestyle during your studies.
Scholarships for New Jersey College Students
Can all Scholarships be Used for Online Programs?
Most scholarships can be applied to any and all degree programs, whether they are on-campus or online colleges in NJ. However, it is important to inform scholarship sponsors that you are an online student and ask about any additional requirements. You should be sure to only apply for scholarships that you are eligible for.
Employment Outlook in New Jersey
Students who select an on-campus or online college in New Jersey have a variety of employment opportunities available to them after graduation. As outlined in the data below, the unemployment rate in the state is slightly lower than the U.S. average, and the annual mean salary is significantly higher. New Jersey is home to many healthcare, education, and private institutions that employ thousands of people. However, the trade, transportation, and utilities industry employs the greatest number of New Jersey residents.
| New Jersey | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate, May 2017 | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Annual Mean Wage, May 2016 | $56,030 | $49,630 |
| Source: BLS and BLS | ||
Top Employers and Industries in New Jersey
Top Industries in New Jersey
Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: This industry includes several types of employers related to trade, from retail stores and wholesalers to warehousing and transportation of goods. Utility companies, such as natural gas, sewage removal, and water supply, also fall within this sector.
Education and Health Services: New Jersey has more than 200 higher education institutions and almost 100 hospitals. Along with elementary and secondary education and other health services organizations, recent graduates of related degree programs have a variety of opportunities for employment. This is a BLS-labeled "supersector" industry.
Professional and Business Services: This industry is also considered a "supersector" by the BLS because it includes so many different types of jobs. These are all service-related jobs, including legal, advertising, engineering, computer systems design, scientific research, accounting, and bookkeeping.
Source: BLS
Top Employers in New Jersey
RWJ Barnabas Health: 31,683 employees
Rutgers University: 29,336 employees
Johnson & Johnson: 13,996 employees
Source: Choosenj.com
Accreditation for Colleges in New Jersey
College accreditation is important to understand when researching college degree programs. Accreditation provides assurance that an educational institution and/or its specific programs meet quality standards. There are six regional accreditation agencies in the U.S. that grant accreditation to colleges and universities. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes these and other accreditation agencies in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education . They publish a list of accredited institutions .
Regional accreditation is generally considered to be more prestigious than national accreditation. However, national accreditation is appropriate for certain schools that offer career training programs, as well as Bible colleges. Transferring credits between regionally- and nationally-accredited schools can be challenging; keep this in mind when researching schools.
If you're interested in pursuing your degree through an online school in New Jersey, be sure to review each college's accreditation credentials; attending an unaccredited school makeS it harder to secure employment or go on to pursue an advanced degree. Checking the history of each school's accreditation and making sure that they are accredited by CHEA-approved organizations provides peace of mind that schools aren't "degree mills" and are legitimate options.
Resources for Students in New Jersey
Higher Education Student Assistance Authority : HESAA provides New Jersey students with educational and financial resources for college. It is the only state agency with this mission and offers need- and merit-based scholarships, grants, and loans. HESAA also works with students to pursue federal funding sources and offers information to families about the financial aid opportunities available to them.
State of New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education : This state office gathers data about higher education institutions, manages the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement for online schools in New Jersey, and oversees the Educational Opportunity Fund for students who require additional financial aid not covered by the Tuition Aid Grant Program (managed by HESAA).
New Jersey Higher Education Resources : This state-operated web portal allows users to research higher education institutions, employment opportunities, and quality of life facts, in addition to other information related to living and working in New Jersey.
Inventory of Program Offerings at New Jersey Colleges and Universities : This is a helpful research tool for identifying degree programs at New Jersey's higher education institutions. You can search by the degree level and program sector.
New Jersey's Troop to College Program : This program connects veterans with the resources required to enter a college degree program at one of New Jersey's 31 public institutions or one of the 12 participating independent institutions. It offers guidance about the GI Bill®, Yellow Ribbon Program, and other benefits.
The New Jersey Council of Community Colleges : This organization assists New Jersey's 19 community colleges by providing leadership and giving suggestions for improving services and degree programs. It also manages the community college portion of the NJ Stars tuition grant program . Students researching online schools in New Jersey should be sure to review this site.
New Jersey State Library : This library is affiliated with Thomas Edison State University and services all of New Jersey's libraries and government employees. Individual residents are also able to register to borrow books and materials.