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Cheapest Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in New Jersey

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Computer and Information Sciences programs in New Jersey reveal a striking earnings gap that reaches over $30,000 between the lowest and highest-paying graduates. New Jersey City University offers the most affordable path at just $11,732 net cost, while Ramapo College graduates command the highest salaries at $73,635 annually. The state's position between major tech hubs creates unique opportunities for computer science graduates, with pharmaceutical giants like Johnson & Johnson and Merck driving demand for data scientists and software engineers. Public universities dominate the affordability rankings, with 12 of the top 15 schools offering in-state tuition under $20,000. New Jersey Institute of Technology stands out as an anomaly, combining relatively low costs with strong graduate earnings of $64,679. The 90% acceptance rate at New Jersey City University makes computer science education accessible to students who might struggle to gain admission elsewhere, though the 38.70% graduation rate suggests academic challenges ahead.
22
Programs
$11,732 – $41,315
Net Price Range
$58,257
Avg. Program Earnings
64.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,732 $13,971 38.7% 90.1%
2 $12,168 $13,426 43.4% 82.6%
3 $12,973 $41,054 63.1% 88.8%
4 $14,159 $14,766 64.3% 91.3%
5 $15,266 $35,822 61.7% 84.1%
6 $16,496 $19,022 73.1% 66.0%
7 $17,764 $15,150 47.7% 91.5%
8 $18,778 $30,680 31.1% 78.2%
9 $18,803 $17,079 66.4% 76.5%
10 $19,407 $16,586 67.6% 73.9%
11 $19,634 $15,532 72.0% 85.5%
12 $20,360 $15,978 71.9% 70.5%
13 $21,188 $39,450 58.7% 66.4%
14 $22,185 $15,700 68.3% 76.9%
15 $23,519 $17,239 85.0% 66.3%
16 $24,415 $35,822 72.3% 89.1%
17 $25,287 $38,900 63.3% 84.1%
18 $25,458 $18,685 85.2% 64.4%
19 $28,921 $51,370 71.5% 75.1%
20 $31,650 $44,850 70.3% 90.9%
21 $40,468 $60,952 89.9% 46.2%
22 $41,315 $37,830 49.7% 89.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $30,953 earnings difference between the highest and lowest-paid graduates?

Ramapo College graduates earn $73,635 compared to $42,682 at New Jersey City University and Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus. School reputation, alumni networks, and career services quality contribute to these gaps. Ramapo's 71.90% graduation rate and 70.47% acceptance rate suggest more selective admissions and stronger academic support. Geographic location also matters, as Ramapo sits closer to New York's financial district.

How do public universities compare to private options for computer science affordability?

Public universities claim 12 of the 15 most affordable spots, with net costs ranging from $11,732 to $23,519. Private schools like Saint Peter's University cost $12,973 net despite a $41,054 sticker price, showing how financial aid can level the playing field. However, most private options still cost significantly more than public alternatives. The TAG grant specifically helps New Jersey residents attend in-state public universities.

Is New Jersey Institute of Technology worth the higher cost compared to other public schools?

NJIT's $16,496 net cost sits in the middle range but delivers $64,679 in graduate earnings, second only to the Rutgers campuses. The 73.10% graduation rate ranks among the highest, and the 65.99% acceptance rate indicates selectivity without exclusivity. NJIT's location in Newark provides direct access to financial firms and tech startups. The investment pays off with graduates earning $12,572 more than the state average for computer science majors.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in New Jersey computer science programs?

The relationship proves inconsistent across price points. New Jersey City University offers the lowest cost but shows a concerning 38.70% graduation rate, while Rutgers-New Brunswick costs double but graduates 85.00% of students. However, Montclair State University achieves a solid 64.30% rate at just $14,159 net cost. Private schools don't automatically perform better, as Bloomfield College graduates only 31.10% despite charging $18,778.

Where do computer science graduates find the best job prospects in New Jersey?

The pharmaceutical corridor along Route 1 employs thousands of software engineers and data analysts at companies like Johnson & Johnson and Merck. Financial services firms in Jersey City and Newark recruit heavily from local programs, while proximity to New York City expands opportunities exponentially. Graduates from Rutgers campuses and NJIT report the highest earnings at over $64,000, reflecting strong industry connections. The state's tech sector continues growing as companies relocate from Manhattan seeking lower costs.

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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.