Overview
The College of New Jersey is a less selective public four-year institution in Ewing, New Jersey. The school accepts 64.4% of applicants and enrolls 6,831 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 64.4%
- Average SAT
- 1,245
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,140–1,350
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 27
- Total Enrollment
- 6,831
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
The College of New Jersey requires two supplemental essays that dig deeper than typical "why us" questions, so prepare for prompts that ask about specific academic interests and how you'll contribute to campus communities. Your responses need concrete details about TCNJ's programs, not generic college language.
Strong applications highlight fit with specific academic departments. The School of Engineering, Science, and Mathematics offers direct admission to competitive programs like biomedical engineering and computer science, while the School of Business provides early career preparation through internship partnerships with regional companies. If you're interested in education, mention TCNJ's teacher preparation programs, which have strong placement rates in New Jersey school districts.
The Honors Program admits about 150 first-year students and requires a separate application with additional essays. Apply early if you're interested, as spots fill quickly. The program offers smaller seminars, priority registration, and honors housing in Cromwell Hall.
TCNJ operates on rolling admissions for some programs, meaning you'll hear back within weeks rather than months. Submit your application by November for the best chances at merit scholarships, which range up to full tuition for top candidates.
Campus culture centers around close professor relationships and undergraduate research opportunities. Most classes have fewer than 30 students, and professors expect participation. You'll find students who are academically focused but not cutthroat competitive. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life. The campus sits between New York City and Philadelphia, giving you internship and cultural access without urban distractions.
Your application should show intellectual engagement beyond grades. TCNJ admissions officers want to see sustained involvement in activities that connect to your intended major. If you're applying for nursing, highlight healthcare volunteering. For education majors, emphasize tutoring or mentoring experience. Engineering applicants should demonstrate hands-on technical projects or math competitions.
Don't submit generic essays about TCNJ's "beautiful campus" or "small class sizes." Instead, research specific faculty members in your intended department and mention their work. Reference particular courses, research opportunities, or student organizations that align with your goals. The admissions team can tell when you've done your homework versus when you've recycled essays from other applications.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $25,458/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $18,685
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $24,568
- Students Receiving Aid
- 20%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 85.2%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $73,323/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 90.2%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The College of New Jersey require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
The College of New Jersey has a test-optional admissions policy. Students can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for The College of New Jersey?
The College of New Jersey has an early decision deadline of November 15 and a regular decision deadline of February 1. Early decision is binding, while regular decision is not.
Can you transfer to The College of New Jersey from another college?
The College of New Jersey accepts transfer students who have completed at least 12 credit hours at an accredited institution. Transfer applications are due by March 1 for fall admission and November 1 for spring admission.
Does The College of New Jersey have early admission options?
The College of New Jersey offers early decision with a November 15 deadline. This is a binding commitment, meaning accepted students must attend TCNJ and withdraw applications from other schools.