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Montclair State University accepts 91.3% of applicants while charging just $14,159 net price, making it one of New Jersey's most accessible public options. This pattern reflects a broader trend across the state's 35 schools with acceptance rates above 70%, where costs range from $11,732 to $41,315. What makes these numbers particularly compelling is how they connect to New Jersey's job market. Graduates from schools like Rutgers-Newark earn $74,479 annually, benefiting from proximity to pharmaceutical giants like Johnson & Johnson and Merck. The state's TAG grant program helps reduce costs further, while geographic advantages put students within reach of both New York City and Philadelphia job markets. Schools like Stockton University combine high acceptance rates (85.5%) with strong graduation rates (72%), proving that accessibility doesn't compromise outcomes. The earnings data tells an interesting story too, with graduates from smaller schools like Drew University ($63,646) competing well against larger state universities. New Jersey's finance and tech sectors actively recruit from these campuses, creating pathways that justify the investment even at higher-cost private schools.
35
Schools
$16,942
Avg. Net Price
$60,759
Avg. Earnings
48.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Easy Admission Colleges in New Jersey

College listings
# School Acceptance Rate Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 100.0% 93 $6,055 4.3%
2 100.0% 189 $6,103 68.3%
3 100.0% 68 33.3%
4 100.0% 81 $6,594 25.0%
5 96.5% 934 $19,037 56.6%
6 94.7% 197 $13,452 18.3%
7 92.6% 72 $9,429 7.4%
8 91.5% 6,526 $17,764 47.7%
9 91.3% 17,677 $14,159 64.3%
10 90.9% 3,831 $31,650 70.3%
11 90.1% 4,076 $11,732 38.7%
12 90.0% 1,316 $36,438
13 89.2% 1,754 $41,315 49.7%
14 89.1% 1,958 $24,415 72.3%
15 88.9% 52 $16,189 14.3%
16 88.8% 1,939 $12,973 63.1%
17 86.4% 70 $7,240
18 85.5% 7,770 $19,634 72.0%
19 84.1% 3,192 $25,287 63.3%
20 84.1% 2,578 $15,266 61.7%
21 83.3% 79 $6,841 50.0%
22 82.6% 10,842 $12,168 43.4%
23 81.3% 59 $9,706 33.3%
24 78.2% 901 $18,778 31.1%
25 76.9% 14,647 $22,185 68.3%
26 76.5% 3,819 $18,803 66.4%
27 75.8% 1,174 $20,218 55.1%
28 75.1% 5,924 $28,921 71.5%
29 75.0% 109 $8,030
30 73.9% 7,187 $19,407 67.6%
31 73.3% 96 $5,774 3.6%
32 72.7% 1,510 $25,644 72.4%
33 71.9% 636 $17,949 40.2%
34 70.5% 125 $6,505 32.1%
35 70.5% 4,664 $20,360 71.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What New Jersey colleges have the highest acceptance rates above 70%?

William Paterson University leads with 91.5% acceptance, followed closely by Montclair State at 91.3% and Monmouth University at 90.9%. Fairleigh Dickinson's Florham campus accepts 89.1% of applicants, while Yeshivas Be'er Yitzchok admits 88.9%. These schools offer multiple pathways into New Jersey's growing job market.

How much do graduates earn from high-acceptance New Jersey schools?

Earnings vary significantly, from $52,745 to $92,405 annually. Rutgers campuses in Newark and Camden both produce graduates earning $74,479, while Seton Hall graduates average $70,196. Even at schools with 80%+ acceptance rates like Monmouth University, graduates earn $67,991 annually, reflecting New Jersey's strong regional economy.

Is there a relationship between acceptance rates and graduation rates?

Not necessarily. Drew University accepts 72.7% of students but graduates 72.4%, while Montclair State accepts 91.3% yet still graduates 64.3%. Stockton University combines an 85.5% acceptance rate with a 72% graduation rate, showing that accessible admissions can still lead to successful completion.

What makes New Jersey attractive for college graduates?

New Jersey's pharmaceutical industry employs thousands at companies like Johnson & Johnson and Merck, while finance and tech sectors offer additional opportunities. The state's position between New York City and Philadelphia doubles job market access. The TAG grant program also helps residents afford college, with net prices ranging from $11,732 to $41,315.

Does school size affect acceptance rates in New Jersey?

School size varies dramatically among high-acceptance institutions. Montclair State enrolls 17,677 students with 91.3% acceptance, while tiny Yeshivas Be'er Yitzchok has just 52 students but accepts 88.9%. Mid-sized Rowan University enrolls 14,647 with 76.9% acceptance, showing no clear correlation between size and selectivity.

Where can students find the best value among these schools?

Montclair State offers strong value at $14,159 net cost with 64.3% graduation rates and $61,415 average earnings. Kean University costs just $12,168 but has lower graduation rates at 43.4%. Rutgers campuses balance $18,803-$19,407 costs with strong $74,479 earnings and 66-68% graduation rates.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.