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Best Value Registered Nursing Colleges in New Jersey

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

New Jersey nursing programs reveal stark financial differences, with net costs spanning from $11,732 at New Jersey City University to $25,458 at The College of New Jersey. Saint Elizabeth University graduates command the highest salaries at $83,768, nearly $13,000 above Georgian Court University's $71,015 average. The state's position between major pharmaceutical companies like Johnson & Johnson and Merck, plus proximity to New York City medical centers, creates strong demand for nursing professionals across clinical practice, administration, and research roles. Public universities dominate the value equation, with six of the top eight programs charging under $20,000 annually. Private institutions like Saint Peter's University deliver competitive outcomes at $12,973 net cost, while Rutgers-New Brunswick achieves an 85% graduation rate. The TAG grant program helps New Jersey residents access quality nursing education at state schools, where graduates enter a job market strengthened by the state's healthcare infrastructure and pharmaceutical research sector.
24
Programs
$11,732 – $41,315
Net Price Range
$76,284
Avg. Program Earnings
58.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

24 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,168 $82,238 $13,426 43.4% 82.6%
2 $11,732 $77,087 $13,971 38.7% 90.1%
3 $12,973 $81,886 $41,054 63.1% 88.8%
4 $15,266 $76,146 $35,822 61.7% 84.1%
5 $17,949 $83,768 $35,942 40.2% 71.9%
6 $17,764 $76,946 $15,150 47.7% 91.5%
7 $18,778 $77,966 $30,680 31.1% 78.2%
8 $20,360 $79,631 $15,978 71.9% 70.5%
9 $18,803 $72,975 $17,079 66.4% 76.5%
10 $19,634 $71,947 $15,532 72.0% 85.5%
11 $20,218 $71,015 $37,110 55.1% 75.8%
12 $21,188 $72,134 $39,450 58.7% 66.4%
13 $22,185 $71,015 $15,700 68.3% 76.9%
14 $23,519 $72,975 $17,239 85.0% 66.3%
15 $25,458 $75,946 $18,685 85.2% 64.4%
16 $28,921 $74,576 $51,370 71.5% 75.1%
17 $41,315 $83,546 $37,830 49.7% 89.2%
18 $36,438 $71,315 $20,462 90.0%
19 $31,650 $44,850 70.3% 90.9%
20 $14,159 $14,766 64.3% 91.3%
21 $20,549 $28,600 44.8%
22 $25,287 $38,900 63.3% 84.1%
23 $24,415 $35,822 72.3% 89.1%
24 $23,532 $18,947 25.5% 17.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $13,753 earnings gap between the highest and lowest paying nursing programs?

Saint Elizabeth University graduates earn $83,768 compared to Georgian Court University's $71,015, reflecting differences in clinical partnerships and geographic placement. Saint Elizabeth's Morristown location provides access to Atlantic Health System hospitals, while specialized tracks in nursing administration and research command premium salaries. The 71.92% acceptance rate at Saint Elizabeth suggests more selective admissions may correlate with stronger career outcomes.

How do public versus private nursing programs compare in New Jersey?

Public programs average $18,500 in net costs while delivering comparable earnings to private alternatives. Kean University achieves $82,238 graduate earnings at just $12,168 net cost, outperforming several private programs costing twice as much. However, private schools like Saint Peter's University maintain 88.83% acceptance rates with strong $81,886 earnings, offering different pathways to nursing careers.

Is the 85% graduation rate at Rutgers-New Brunswick worth the higher cost?

Rutgers-New Brunswick charges $23,519 but delivers the state's highest graduation rate at 85%, compared to the 43-72% range at other programs. This translates to better completion odds and $72,975 average earnings with $24,952 debt loads. The flagship campus offers research opportunities in nursing science that smaller programs cannot match.

Does location within New Jersey affect nursing program value?

Northern New Jersey programs benefit from pharmaceutical industry proximity and New York City healthcare access, with Saint Elizabeth University graduates earning $83,768 near major medical centers. Southern programs like Stockton University offer lower living costs but still achieve $71,947 earnings. Jersey City programs leverage urban hospital partnerships while maintaining affordable $11,732-$12,973 net costs.

Where can nursing students find the best debt-to-earnings ratio?

Several programs maintain $12,500 debt levels while delivering strong earnings, including New Jersey City University ($77,087 earnings), Saint Elizabeth University ($83,768), and Rowan University ($71,015). Kean University achieves the optimal balance with $18,009 debt against $82,238 earnings. These ratios position graduates for financial stability in New Jersey's competitive healthcare market.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.