About The College of New Jersey
Students pay an average net price of $25,458, which varies dramatically by family income from just $12,814 for families earning under $30,000 to $33,080 for those earning over $110,000. Graduates earn a median of $73,323 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $23,250 manageable with monthly payments of $246. The investment pays off quickly with 96% of graduates finding employment.
TCNJ operates more like a private college than a typical state school. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates small class sizes uncommon at public universities. With 90% of freshmen returning for sophomore year and 85% graduating within four years, students clearly find what they're looking for in this liberal arts environment.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 49.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 85.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 85.2%
- Retention Rate
- 90.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $73,323
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $75,946 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $70,009 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,219 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,660 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $64,581 |
| Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education. | Certificate | $64,493 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $62,632 |
| Engineering Science. | Bachelor | $58,866 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $58,568 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,402 |
Campus Life
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. With 93.63% of students coming from in-state, the campus has a distinctly New Jersey character. Weekend social life revolves around residence hall programming, student organizations, and trips to nearby cities. The Lions compete in 16 Division III sports with 533 total athletes, creating a spirited but not overwhelming athletic presence. Students often head to Princeton for dining and entertainment or catch trains to New York for internships and cultural experiences. The campus culture emphasizes academic achievement and close-knit community relationships rather than big-time party scenes.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 3,867 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1855
Campus Safety (2023)
27 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 23°–39°F
- July Avg
- 66°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 46.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 43.1%
- Women
- 56.9%
- White
- 59.1%
- Black
- 5.8%
- Hispanic
- 18.0%
- Asian
- 10.5%
- In-State Students
- 93.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.1%
Location
- Address
- Ewing, New Jersey 08628-7718
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $73,323
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $70,958
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $49,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 84.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at The College of New Jersey?
The College of New Jersey admits 64.43% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a public institution. Students typically need SAT scores between 1140 and 1350 to be competitive. The school has built a reputation as one of New Jersey's most strong public colleges.
How much does The College of New Jersey cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $25,458 annually after aid is applied. In-state tuition runs $18,685, while students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,814 on average. Only 20.13% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's appeal to middle and upper-middle class families.
What are academics like at The College of New Jersey?
Classes average 13 students per faculty member, creating an intimate learning environment typical of top liberal arts colleges. The school maintains an impressive 90.18% retention rate, suggesting students are satisfied with their academic experience. TCNJ has transformed from a teachers college into a highly regarded comprehensive institution.
What do graduates earn after attending The College of New Jersey?
Alumni earn a median salary of $73,323 ten years after graduation, well above the national average. The 85.20% six-year graduation rate demonstrates strong student success. Graduates typically leave with $23,250 in debt and enjoy a 95.9% employment rate.
Where is The College of New Jersey located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Ewing, a large suburban area near Trenton and Princeton. With 3,867 housing spots for 6,831 students, about half live on campus in what many consider one of the most beautiful college settings in New Jersey. The Lions compete in NCAA Division III with 533 student-athletes across 16 sports.
Is The College of New Jersey diverse in its student body?
The student population is 59.05% white, 18.02% Hispanic, and 10.47% Asian, reflecting New Jersey's demographics. Women comprise 56.86% of enrollment, and an overwhelming 93.63% of students come from in-state. The college serves as a flagship destination for high-achieving New Jersey residents seeking a premium public education.
