Whether you’re a first-time student or are furthering your education in a graduate or certificate program, you won’t have to travel far to find a good college in New Jersey. The state is home to some of the finest universities in the country, including these stand-outs.
Ranked #1 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, Princeton University is an excellent choice for both new and returning students. Small class sizes, world-class professors and instructors, challenging undergraduate programs, and a convenient Central Jersey location are among the many reasons you’ll want to consider Princeton.
Of course, it can be a little difficult to get accepted to the historic university. Just 3.98% of students who applied for the 2021 – 2022 freshman class were admitted, according to the Daily Princetonian.
Rutgers University, the largest university in New Jersey, offers more than 150 undergraduate and more than 400 graduate programs. Although more than 50,000 students are enrolled at the main campus in New Brunswick, the university doesn’t seem overwhelmingly large. The five mini-campuses that make up the university offer their own dining options, student centers, and housing.
If you or your child are looking for the complete 'big college experience', you’ll find it at Rutgers. The college has more than 700 buildings and 26 libraries and participates in the Big Ten Football Conference. Ranked #63 in National Universities by U.S. News and World Report, Rutgers offers quality education to students from around the world.
Bustling Newark is the home of the New Jersey Institute of Technology. More than 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students attend the Institute, which was founded in the late 1800s with just 88 students. In addition to programs in engineering, information technology, cyberpsychology, applied physics, and biochemistry, NJIT also offers business, history, interior design, and transportation majors.
More than 140 clubs and organizations and 19 varsity sports teams keep students busy in their spare time. The Institute is ranked #118 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Ranked #5 in Regional Universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a highly regarded state-supported university. Students pick from more than 50 majors in seven schools (Arts and Communication; Business; Education; Engineering; Humanities and Social Sciences; Nursing, Health and Exercise Science; and Science).
TCNJ’s website notes five signature experiences that offer an educational framework for students. The experiences include leadership development, community-engaged learning, mentored internships, field experiences, and a personalized, collaborative and rigorous education.
If you prefer a small university in a peaceful setting, Drew University may be the perfect school for you. With only 2,000 students and guaranteed housing for all four years, it’s easy to get to know your fellow students. The University offers programs in more than 40 disciplines, including accounting, biology, business management, chemistry, Italian studies, neuroscience, political science, English, software engineering, and forestry.
Drew’s popular Launch program prepares students to graduate with transferable skills, offers a mentorship network, and provides students with experience-based resumes that could include semesters abroad or stints at the United Nations or Wall Street. Drew University is ranked #113 in National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report.
With many colleges and universities offering fully online and hybrid programs these days, you may not even have to leave home to complete your studies. No matter what type of college experience you choose, you’ll need a quiet place at home to study. If your current home doesn’t offer study or office space, why not upgrade to a brand new Country Classics home? You’ll find plenty of room to spread out your books, in addition to spacious living areas and modern amenities and appliances.