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College For You NJ

Find the Right New Jersey College for You!

New Jersey is home to some of the nation’s finest colleges and universities, including both two- and four-year schools. With state support, earning a degree in the Garden State is more accessible and affordable than ever.

Explore all the schools that can get you where you want to go.

The State of New Jersey helped me a lot thoughout my entire college experience Madeline B.A. in Media and Communications, 2026
College County Years Type
Atlantic Cape Community College Atlantic Two-Year Public
Stockton University Atlantic Four-Year Public
Bergen Community College Bergen Two-Year Public
Eastwick College Bergen Two-Year Public
Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus Bergen Four-Year Private
Felician University Bergen Four-Year Private
Ramapo College of New Jersey Bergen Four-Year Public
Rowan College at Burlington County Burlington Two-Year Public
Camden County College Camden Two-Year Public
Rutgers University–Camden Camden Four-Year Public
Atlantic Cape Community College – Cape May Campus Cape May Two-Year Public
Rowan College of South Jersey – Cumberland Campus Cumberland Two-Year Public
Caldwell University Essex Four-Year Private
Essex County College Essex Two-Year Public
Montclair State University Essex Four-Year Public
Bloomfield College of Montclair State University Essex Four-Year Public
New Jersey Institute of Technology Essex Four-Year Public
Pillar College Essex Four-Year Private
Rutgers University–Newark Essex Four-Year Public
Seton Hall University Essex Four-Year Private
Rowan College of South Jersey – Gloucester Campus Gloucester Two-Year Public
Rowan University Gloucester Four-Year Public
Raritan Valley Community College Hunterdon Two-Year Public
Eastern International College Hudson Four-Year Private
Hudson County Community College Hudson Two-Year Public
New Jersey City University Hudson Four-Year Public
Saint Peter's University Hudson Four-Year Private
Stevens Institute of Technology Hudson Four-Year Private
Mercer County Community College Mercer Two-Year Public
Princeton University Mercer Four-Year Private
Rider University Mercer Four-Year Private
The College of New Jersey Mercer Four-Year Public
Thomas Edison State University Mercer Four-Year Public
DeVry University Middlesex Four-Year Private
Middlesex College Middlesex Two-Year Public
Rutgers University–New Brunswick Middlesex Four-Year Public
Brookdale Community College Monmouth Two-Year Public
Monmouth University Monmouth Four-Year Private
County College of Morris Morris Two-Year Public
Drew University Morris Four-Year Private
Fairleigh Dickinson University – Florham Campus Morris Four-Year Private
Saint Elizabeth University Morris Four-Year Private
Georgian Court University Ocean Four-Year Private
Ocean County College Ocean Two-Year Public
Berkeley College Passaic Four-Year Private
Passaic County Community College Passaic Two-Year Public
William Paterson University Passaic Four-Year Public
Salem Community College Salem Two-Year Public
Raritan Valley Community College Somerset Two-Year Public
Sussex County Community College Sussex Two-Year Public
Kean University Union Four-Year Public
Union College of Union County Union Two-Year Public
Centenary University Warren Four-Year Private
Warren County Community College Warren Two-Year Public
This list does not encompass every college and university in New Jersey. The postsecondary schools included here are those where New Jersey students are eligible to receive State financial aid.

Consider a New Jersey College Fit for You

You’ve explored what’s out there and know the essentials, such as what you may want to study and which schools offer that program. Here are some more factors you may want to consider when choosing the right New Jersey college for you.



Type of Degree

Depending on the type of school you attend, you may be able to obtain a professional certification, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree. Graduates with an associate degree can enter the workforce or choose to continue their education by applying their degree towards a bachelor’s degree. New Jersey makes it more seamless for students to transfer between two and four-year schools if that is the path you want to take.



Location

Consider your preferred distance from home or work and the type of area – such as urban vs. rural – that interests you. New Jersey has a variety of colleges and universities in different settings throughout the state, so it’s easy to find one that fits your needs.



Affordability

In addition to any federal and institutional aid for which you might be eligible, New Jersey offers a wide array of State financial aid depending on your specific circumstances and the school you attend. Some qualifying students can even graduate tuition free in New Jersey! Keep in mind that State financial aid stays in the state and make sure to assess your financial aid options for each school.



Flexibility

Keep the availability of evening, weekend, and online classes in mind to accommodate your unique schedule. New Jersey colleges can work with you to make your education fit into your life.



Support Services

Think about what kind of support you might need. New Jersey colleges offer mental health services and can provide tailored support and advising to help student parents and returning students. Make sure the college you choose has the resources you need to succeed.



Campus Life

As one of the most diverse states in the nation with robust laws in place to protect and promote equity at every level, students from all different backgrounds can find welcoming and inclusive communities at New Jersey colleges. Consider your options to get involved on campus, build your professional network, and make meaningful connections with your peers.



Career Goals

Match your college choice with your career goals. Whether you're looking for specific skills or want to explore different career paths and subjects, New Jersey colleges and the State’s Career Accelerator program provide support for internships and work experience to help you reach your goals.

Narrow Down Your Decision

It’s important to understand the financial aid that’s available to you in New Jersey, which will help make your degree more affordable. Learn more about this on the Financial Aid page.

After that, reach out for more information and campus tours to help you narrow down your choices.

Visit Campus
See what the school environment is like by scheduling a visit, joining a campus tour, or attending an open house.

Talk to Campus Advisors
Get advice about applying and other information by talking to the admissions and financial aid advisors at the schools that interest you.

Connect with a Student
Hear about the college experience from a peer by connecting online with a current student or recent graduate.

Time to Apply

Once you have a shortlist of schools that fit your needs and your life, know your financial aid options, and have consulted with colleges you are interested in attending – what’s next?

It’s time to work on and complete your application. Start by visiting the school’s website to find their application and deadlines, so you can make sure to submit your application on time. Schools may ask for things like your high school or prior college transcript, an essay, letters of recommendation, and other personal information as part of your application.

Once you submit any applications, keep an eye out for the school’s response.


Last Updated: Wednesday, 09/18/24