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Cheapest Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in New Jersey

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

Saint Peter's University in Jersey City offers Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities degrees for a net price of just $12,973, making it the most affordable option among New Jersey's 20 programs. This represents a dramatic cost advantage over private alternatives, with some charging net prices exceeding $24,000 annually. The 88.83% acceptance rate at Saint Peter's provides accessible entry into fields that align well with New Jersey's finance and pharmaceutical sectors, where liberal arts graduates often find roles in communications, regulatory affairs, and business operations. Montclair State University follows closely at $14,159 net price, while Rutgers-New Brunswick commands the highest graduation rate at 85% despite its $23,519 cost. The stark price variation reflects New Jersey's mix of public universities and private colleges, with public options averaging significantly lower net costs. Graduates in these fields typically earn between $25,194 and $41,007 annually, with Stockton University graduates achieving the highest median earnings at $40,768. New Jersey's proximity to New York City and Philadelphia creates abundant opportunities for liberal arts graduates in media, finance, and corporate communications roles.
21
Programs
$12,973 – $41,315
Net Price Range
$35,627
Avg. Program Earnings
65.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,973 $41,054 63.1% 88.8%
2 $14,159 $14,766 64.3% 91.3%
3 $15,266 $35,822 61.7% 84.1%
4 $16,496 $19,022 73.1% 66.0%
5 $17,764 $15,150 47.7% 91.5%
6 $18,778 $30,680 31.1% 78.2%
7 $18,803 $17,079 66.4% 76.5%
8 $19,037 $37,732 56.6% 96.5%
9 $19,634 $15,532 72.0% 85.5%
10 $20,218 $37,110 55.1% 75.8%
11 $20,360 $15,978 71.9% 70.5%
12 $21,188 $39,450 58.7% 66.4%
13 $22,185 $15,700 68.3% 76.9%
14 $23,519 $17,239 85.0% 66.3%
15 $24,415 $35,822 72.3% 89.1%
16 $25,287 $38,900 63.3% 84.1%
17 $25,644 $45,360 72.4% 72.7%
18 $28,921 $51,370 71.5% 75.1%
19 $31,650 $44,850 70.3% 90.9%
20 $40,468 $60,952 89.9% 46.2%
21 $41,315 $37,830 49.7% 89.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Saint Peter's University the most affordable Liberal Arts option in New Jersey?

Saint Peter's University charges a net price of just $12,973 for Liberal Arts and Sciences programs, nearly $1,200 less than the second-cheapest option at Montclair State. The private Catholic university in Jersey City maintains an 88.83% acceptance rate while offering substantial financial aid packages. Despite the low cost, the school maintains a 63.10% graduation rate, though students typically graduate with $30,250 in debt.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for Liberal Arts costs in New Jersey?

Public universities consistently offer lower net prices, with options like Montclair State at $14,159 and William Paterson at $17,764. Private colleges range from Saint Peter's unusual $12,973 to Fairleigh Dickinson-Florham's $24,415. The average debt load at public institutions tends to be lower, with Rutgers-Camden graduates carrying $21,500 compared to $30,250 at Saint Peter's.

Where do Liberal Arts graduates from New Jersey schools typically find employment?

New Jersey's pharmaceutical giants like Johnson & Johnson and Merck regularly hire liberal arts graduates for regulatory writing and communications roles. The proximity to New York City and Philadelphia expands opportunities in media, finance, and nonprofit sectors. Stockton University graduates achieve the highest median earnings at $40,768, while Montclair State graduates start at $25,194 but benefit from strong regional employer connections.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in New Jersey Liberal Arts programs?

Rutgers-New Brunswick achieves the highest graduation rate at 85% despite charging $23,519 in net costs, while Bloomfield College shows only a 31.10% graduation rate at $18,778. New Jersey Institute of Technology reaches 73.10% graduation rates at $16,496, suggesting that selective admissions and institutional resources matter more than price alone. William Paterson presents an outlier with strong earnings potential but just a 47.70% graduation rate.

Is financial aid sufficient to make private Liberal Arts programs competitive with public options?

Saint Peter's University demonstrates how generous aid can make private education competitive, reducing costs from $41,054 sticker price to $12,973 net. However, most private colleges like Georgian Court at $20,218 net and Caldwell at $21,188 net still exceed public alternatives. Fairleigh Dickinson's two campuses show net prices of $15,266 and $24,415 despite identical sticker prices, indicating varying aid policies.

More Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Rankings

Best Value Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in New Jersey Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Under $20,000 in New Jersey

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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.