About New Jersey City University
New Jersey City University serves the diverse communities of the New York metropolitan area with 4,076 students. The school has built its reputation on accessible education and strong programs in education, business, and criminal justice. With a 90% acceptance rate, NJCU opens doors for students who might struggle to gain admission elsewhere. The university draws heavily from local communities, with 97% of students coming from New Jersey.
Students pay an average net price of $11,732 after financial aid, making NJCU one of the more affordable options in the region. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving working-class families. Graduates earn a median of $52,745 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $18,500. The monthly loan payment of $196 represents a manageable burden for most graduates in the New York job market.
The student body reflects the area's diversity, with Hispanic students making up 48% of enrollment and Black students representing 21%. Only 617 students live on campus, creating a commuter school atmosphere. The Gothic Knights compete in 16 Division III sports with 247 total athletes. The 39% graduation rate suggests students face significant challenges completing their degrees, often due to work and family obligations common among commuter populations.
Students pay an average net price of $11,732 after financial aid, making NJCU one of the more affordable options in the region. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving working-class families. Graduates earn a median of $52,745 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $18,500. The monthly loan payment of $196 represents a manageable burden for most graduates in the New York job market.
The student body reflects the area's diversity, with Hispanic students making up 48% of enrollment and Black students representing 21%. Only 617 students live on campus, creating a commuter school atmosphere. The Gothic Knights compete in 16 Division III sports with 247 total athletes. The 39% graduation rate suggests students face significant challenges completing their degrees, often due to work and family obligations common among commuter populations.
Academics & Faculty
New Jersey City University operates as a full public university serving the diverse New York metropolitan area. The school maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, providing relatively personalized attention in classroom settings. However, the 38.7% six-year graduation rate suggests students face significant academic and financial challenges completing their degrees. The university has built a reputation for its education, business, and criminal justice programs, which align with career opportunities in the nearby New York City region. As a teaching-focused institution rather than a research university, NJCU emphasizes practical preparation for regional job markets. The school particularly serves first-generation college students and working adults who need flexible academic pathways.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 38.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.7%
- Retention Rate
- 66.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,745
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $77,087 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $75,204 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Master | $71,015 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $68,079 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $65,320 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,749 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $58,479 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $57,318 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $57,318 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $56,776 |
Campus Life
Jersey City puts you right across the Hudson River from Manhattan, with skyline views and subway access to the city. With housing for only 617 students and total enrollment of 4,076, just 15% of students live on campus. Most commute from home since 97% are New Jersey residents. You'll need a winter coat for snowy January mornings and light layers for humid August days.
The diverse student body reflects Jersey City itself, with 48% Hispanic students and 21% Black students creating a multicultural environment. Campus life centers around the Gothic Knights' 16 Division III sports teams, though with 247 total athletes, most students aren't competing. Weekends often mean trips into Manhattan for entertainment or staying local in Jersey City's growing arts and dining scene. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes despite the urban setting. With 53% receiving Pell Grants, this is a working-class campus where many students balance jobs with studies. The Newark PATH train connects you to both Manhattan and Newark, making internships and part-time work accessible throughout the metro area.
The diverse student body reflects Jersey City itself, with 48% Hispanic students and 21% Black students creating a multicultural environment. Campus life centers around the Gothic Knights' 16 Division III sports teams, though with 247 total athletes, most students aren't competing. Weekends often mean trips into Manhattan for entertainment or staying local in Jersey City's growing arts and dining scene. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes despite the urban setting. With 53% receiving Pell Grants, this is a working-class campus where many students balance jobs with studies. The Newark PATH train connects you to both Manhattan and Newark, making internships and part-time work accessible throughout the metro area.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 617 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1929
Campus Safety (2023)
9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Fondling | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 24°–39°F
- July Avg
- 68°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 28.2"
Student Demographics
New Jersey City University draws almost entirely from within state borders, with 97% of students calling New Jersey home. The student body reflects the diversity of the greater New York metropolitan area, with Hispanic students making up nearly half the enrollment and significant Black and white populations. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves as an affordable pathway to higher education for working-class families. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, likely reflecting the school's strength in education and social service programs that traditionally attract female students.
- Men
- 42.6%
- Women
- 57.4%
- White
- 16.0%
- Black
- 20.6%
- Hispanic
- 47.8%
- Asian
- 8.2%
- In-State Students
- 97.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 52.4%
Location
Jersey City sits directly across the Hudson River from Manhattan, making New Jersey City University one of the most accessible campuses to New York City. The university's location puts students just minutes from the financial district and cultural attractions of Manhattan via PATH train or ferry. Jersey City itself is a rapidly gentrifying urban center with a growing tech sector and diverse neighborhoods. The campus serves a student body that is 97.49% in-state residents, reflecting strong local ties to the metropolitan area. The city offers internship opportunities in finance, healthcare, and education while maintaining lower living costs than Manhattan. Students considering colleges in New Jersey may also compare New Jersey City University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Jersey City, New Jersey 07305
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,745
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,697
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 50.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $196/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at New Jersey City University?
New Jersey City University accepts 90.14% of applicants, making it an accessible option for students in the metro area. The university focuses on serving the diverse communities of Hudson County and surrounding areas.
How much does New Jersey City University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $11,732 annually, with 52.38% receiving Pell Grants. The university keeps costs manageable for working-class families, with students from households earning under $30,000 paying just $10,254 net.
What is the student-faculty ratio at New Jersey City University?
The university maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio across its 4,076 students. NJCU has built a reputation for small class sizes that support first-generation college students and career changers.
What are the graduation outcomes at New Jersey City University?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 38.70%, reflecting the challenges many working students face in completing degrees. Graduates earn a median of $52,745 ten years after enrollment, with strong employment opportunities in the New York metro region.
Where do students live at New Jersey City University?
The university houses 617 students on campus, while most of the 97.49% in-state enrollment commutes from the surrounding area. Jersey City's location offers easy access to Manhattan while maintaining lower living costs than New York.
What makes New Jersey City University's student body unique?
Hispanic students comprise 47.79% of enrollment, with Black students making up 20.61% and women representing 57.43% of the student body. The university has become a gateway institution for immigrant families and first-generation college students in Hudson County.
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