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Best New Jersey Colleges and Universities

Updated on 10 May, 2023

Shivangi Mishra

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

Looking up universities in New Jersey? You’re not alone! International students prefer New Jersey over several other study abroad destinations.

Here are a few facts that will help you dive deeper into the unique flavour of the State and its culture.

  • New Jersey has the country’s 11th highest population of 8.8 million and is also the most densely populated State in the entire nation. 
  • Interestingly, the Monopoly board game was inspired by Atlantic City, New Jersey! 
  • 92%+ people stay in urban zones, the highest proportion in the USA. 
  • New Jersey has more horses per square mile than any other State in the USA. It is also the headquarters of the United States Equestrian Team. 
  • New Jersey also has several milestones, including the first-ever drive-in cinema at Camden (1933), the first baseball game at Hoboken (1846), and more diners (per person) than other States in the USA. 
  • Famous people from New Jersey include iconic inventor Thomas Edison, actors Meryl Streep and James Gandolfini, and musicians Frank Sinatra, Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, and Jay-Z. Poet Allen Ginsberg and author Philip Roth also hail from New Jersey. 

A literary and sporting atmosphere, coupled with reputed universities make New Jersey an ideal choice for international students. 

Why Study in New Jersey? 

Here are some of the biggest reasons for choosing to study in New Jersey: 

  • Reputed Institutions- You can study at the best colleges in New Jersey, which are globally-ranked for their academics. Leading New Jersey colleges and universities include names like Princeton University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Rutgers, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and many others. 
  • Business Growth- New Jersey has offered exciting opportunities for international students with steady business growth. As per news reports,  2022 saw the State’s GSP (gross state product) touching US$569.5 billion, posting 1.2% growth in the last five-year period. Businesses hired 4,947,099 people this year, with annual growth in employment of 0.3%. The top sectors included professional, scientific, and technical services, real estate and rental and leasing, and manufacturing
  • Quality of Life- New Jersey also ensures great livability for residents. A 2021 report by WalletHub ranked it as the best State in the USA for  livability. This ranking was based on five categories: economy, affordability, quality of life, education and health, and safety. New Jersey ranked first in safety, fifth in education and health, and seventh in quality of life. 
  • Robust Educational Framework- International students are also drawn to New Jersey’s solid educational system, which is the best State framework in the nation. Education Week has previously ranked New Jersey on top for its spending on education. The State allocates 4.8% of tax income for education, which is the third-highest in the USA. It also ensures that funds are evenly allocated between poor and affluent school districts. 

These are some compelling reasons to study in New Jersey as far as international students are concerned. 

Best Universities in New Jersey 

Here are some of the top universities in New Jersey: 

University NameQS World University Ranking (2023)Type of UniversityPopular CoursesAvg Tuition Fees*
Princeton University16Private Ivy League research universityEngineering, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Computer and Information Sciences, Literature, Languages, and Linguistics 

$60,000-$65,000

 

 

Rutgers- the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick267Public research universityBiology, Computer and Information Sciences, Economics, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Finance $34,000-$48,000 
New Jersey Institute of Technology651-700Public research universityComputing and Business, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Management $35,000-$45,000
Rutgers University- Newark801-1000Public research universitySupply Chain Management, Logistics, Finance, Psychology, Accounting, Management and Business Administration $33,000-$48,000 
Stevens Institute of Technology701-750Private research universityMarketing, Management, Physics, Engineering, Business and Technology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Ocean Engineering$80,000-$90,000 

*As per university sites

Admission Requirements for studying in New Jersey

The best colleges in Jew Jersey have varying admission requirements. Undergraduate courses usually have the following requirements: 

  • Academic transcripts, including internal grades from classes, and marks in external exams like Std X/XII in India, IB, IGCSE, etc. Leaving examinations, if essential for admissions, should be substantiated by achieved/predicted results by the school officials. 
  • Graded written papers must be submitted in English and may come from students' A or O level coursework. The teacher comments should also be in English. 
  • English language proficiency must be proved with TOEFL/PTE/IELTS scores. Students can skip this if English is their native language or they have spent at least three years at a secondary school where the primary language of instruction is English. 
  • Universities for undergraduate admissions may require SAT/ACT scores. 
  • Other requirements may include school reports, midyear reports, and final reports. 

 Here are the general requirements for postgraduate courses: 

  • Graduate school applicants may be required to furnish English language proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL).
  • There could be average GRE/GMAT scores at specific universities. 
  • Some universities may have minimum GPA requirements, while some may not. 
  • Students are required to provide academic transcripts, including high school GPAs and also undergraduate degrees. 
  • Other requirements may include the student’s resume, statement of academic purpose, letters of recommendation, and writing sample in some cases. 

Conclusion

Choosing to study in New Jersey is a wise decision if you’re looking for a State with the best universities, cutting-edge infrastructure, and an elevated lifestyle. Of course, the thriving business sector and employment opportunities after graduation are the icing on the cake. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is New Jersey known for?

New Jersey is one of the most historic States in the USA, known for its business growth, sporting history (the State hosted the country’s first-ever baseball game), lovely beaches, casinos, natural attractions, boardwalks, and more. It is also known for its diverse culinary delights. 

What are the best places to live in New Jersey?

Some of the top places to live in New Jersey include Jersey City, Madison, Hoboken, Upper Montclair, Paramus, Cranford, and Livingston.

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!

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