New Jersey is known for its “brain drain,” with more than half of its college bound students heading out-of-state for their higher education. But these students may be overlooking some key advantages of staying within state boundaries.
First of all, there is the matter of tuition. New Jersey is home to 18 community colleges that offer more than 1,700 degree and certificate programs. Students can launch their higher education at minimal cost, and then transfer to a four-year college to earn their diploma. At Raritan Valley Community College, for example, the cost of tuition for local residents is $186 per credit, with substantial discounts to students from families with an adjusted gross income below $80,000.
Students can also enroll directly in one of New Jersey’s public four-year colleges and universities and take advantage of a substantially discounted in-state tuition. Rutgers University – New Brunswick is ranked #15 in the Top Public National Universities, according to U.S. News & World Report. Tuition for in-state students at its College of Arts & Sciences has been set at $14,222 (plus fees) for the 2024-25 school year, while out-of-state students will be billed $33,734 (plus fees).
Similarly, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) was ranked #4 of Regional Universities: North, according to U.S. News & World Report. Its current in-state tuition and fees total $17,980, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $30,774.
The overall acceptance rate at Rutgers University is 66%, while at TCNJ it is 64%.
Other public colleges and universities in NJ include Rutgers at Newark and Camden, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Montclair State University, Rowan University, William Paterson University, Ramapo College, Stockton University, Kean University, New Jersey City University, and Thomas Edison State University.
New Jersey is also home to the school that, year after year, is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 Best National University: Princeton University. Its acceptance rate of only 4.5% makes the application process intimidating. But the good news is that, geographically, New Jersey residents make up the greatest proportion of the Princeton University student body at 18%.
Other private universities within New Jersey, highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report, include Stevens Institute of Technology and Seton Hall University. Stevens is ranked #76 on the Best National Universities roster, with specialties in engineering, computer science, and business administration and management. It has an acceptance rate of 46%.
Seton Hall is a Catholic university with an acceptance rate of 75%. It is particularly attractive to students seeking a health-related career as it offers dual degree programs leading to certification as athletic trainers, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists.
New Jersey students would do well to look in their own backyard before venturing a great distance for college.
Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362
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