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70.5%Acceptance
$15,978Tuition
4,664Students
72%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$67,541Earnings
#6 in New JerseyPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Ramapo College of New Jersey

Ramapo College builds its reputation on small classes and personal attention for its 4,664 students in suburban Mahwah. The college operates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, making it feel more intimate than most public institutions. Students here get the liberal arts experience without the massive lecture halls found at bigger state schools. The campus draws almost entirely from New Jersey, with 95% of students coming from in-state.

The financial picture looks reasonable for a public college. Students pay an average net price of $20,360 after aid, though this varies by family income. Low-income families pay just $10,142 while higher earners face costs around $26,671. Graduates earn a median of $67,541 ten years after graduation, which helps offset the typical $21,000 in student debt. Monthly loan payments average $223, making the degree manageable for most graduates.

The student body leans female at 58% and reflects New Jersey's diversity with 25% Hispanic students and 11% Asian students. As a Division III school, Ramapo fields 20 varsity sports teams for 317 student-athletes who compete for pride rather than scholarships. The 87% retention rate suggests most students find what they're looking for in this blend of public accessibility and liberal arts focus.

Academics & Faculty

Ramapo operates as a public liberal arts college, meaning students get broad exposure across disciplines rather than narrow pre-professional training. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classes where professors actually know their students' names. Nearly 71% of students graduate within four years, reflecting solid academic support systems. The college emphasizes undergraduate education over research, so faculty focus on teaching rather than publishing. Business and communications programs draw many students, along with strong offerings in education and nursing. With 4,664 students, Ramapo feels more like a private college than a typical state university. The liberal arts approach means students develop critical thinking skills employers value across industries.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
16:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
70.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
71.9%
Retention Rate
87.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$67,541
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $97,604
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $79,631
Educational Administration and Supervision. Master $77,715
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Bachelor $73,635
Education, Other. Master $63,855
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $59,666
Special Education and Teaching. Master $58,221
Information Science/Studies. Bachelor $55,547
Economics. Bachelor $47,260
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $44,979

View all 63 programs →

Campus Life

Just 25 miles from Manhattan, Ramapo sits on 300 wooded acres in the Ramapo Mountains where students need both winter coats and sunscreen throughout the year. About 56% of the 4,664 students live on campus in residence halls that blend into the natural landscape. The campus feels intimate with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio creating small discussion-based classes rather than lecture halls.

Weekends often center around the campus's outdoor recreation opportunities, from hiking trails that connect directly to campus to intramural sports among the 20 varsity programs. With 95% of students coming from New Jersey, many head home on weekends, though campus programming keeps residents engaged. The Roadrunners compete in NCAA Division III, drawing modest but loyal crowds to athletic events. Students frequently take advantage of the proximity to New York City for internships and cultural activities, while the suburban Mahwah setting provides a quieter study environment. The 87% retention rate suggests most students adapt well to this balance of natural beauty and urban access.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
2,615 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

23 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Domestic Violence 4 4 0 0
Dating Violence 2 2 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 1 0 0
Arson 1 1 0 0
Fondling 1 1 0 0
Rape 1 1 0 0
Stalking 1 1 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
19°–37°F
July Avg
64°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
48.2"
Annual Snowfall
28.1"

Student Demographics

Ramapo draws heavily from New Jersey, with 95% of students staying in-state for college. The student body reflects the state's diversity, with about half being white students and a quarter Hispanic students. Women outnumber men by 15 percentage points, typical for liberal arts colleges that emphasize education, psychology, and social work programs. About 27% receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves middle-class families seeking affordable quality education. This mix creates a community of local students who appreciate Ramapo's personal attention and strong regional connections for internships and jobs.
Men
42.4%
Women
57.6%
White
54.5%
Black
6.2%
Hispanic
25.2%
Asian
10.5%
In-State Students
95.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
26.7%

Location

Ramapo College sits in Mahwah, New Jersey, just 25 miles northwest of New York City. The campus occupies 300 acres in the Ramapo Mountains, giving students access to hiking trails and outdoor recreation. About 95% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's strong ties to northern New Jersey communities. The suburban setting provides a quieter alternative to urban campuses while maintaining easy access to internships and jobs in the metropolitan area. Students can reach Manhattan by train in under an hour. The mountainous terrain and preserved green spaces create a more secluded feel than typical New Jersey suburbs. Students considering colleges in New Jersey may also compare Ramapo College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Mahwah, New Jersey 07430-1680

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$67,541
Median Earnings (5 years)
$64,395
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$43,100
Loan Repayment Rate
72.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$223/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Ramapo College of New Jersey?

Ramapo College admits 70.47% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a public institution. The middle 50% of students score between 1100-1295 on the SAT, reflecting the college's commitment to accessible liberal arts education in northern New Jersey.

How much does Ramapo College of New Jersey cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $20,360 annually, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,142 on average, while the typical graduate leaves with $21,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $223.

What are class sizes like at Ramapo College of New Jersey?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 16:1, supporting the college's reputation for personalized attention in small classes. With 4,664 students total, Ramapo maintains its liberal arts focus while offering the resources of a mid-sized public institution.

What do graduates of Ramapo College of New Jersey earn after college?

Alumni earn a median salary of $67,541 ten years after graduation, with 95.4% finding employment. The 71.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the college's supportive environment for students completing their undergraduate degrees.

Where do students live at Ramapo College of New Jersey?

The campus houses up to 2,615 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. Located in suburban Mahwah, the college draws 95.09% of its students from within New Jersey, fostering strong regional connections.

Does Ramapo College of New Jersey offer athletic scholarships?

The Roadrunners compete in NCAA Division III with 20 varsity sports but award $0 in athletic scholarships, following Division III rules. With 317 student-athletes participating in the New Jersey Athletic Conference, sports complement rather than dominate campus culture at this academically-focused institution.