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Small Colleges in New Jersey

50 schools in New Jersey. See our methodology.

Stevens Institute of Technology commands attention among New Jersey's small colleges with graduates earning $108,772 annually, nearly double the state median. This reflects the Garden State's tech and pharmaceutical economy, where proximity to New York City financial markets and companies like Johnson & Johnson creates high-paying opportunities for skilled graduates. The 60 small colleges under 5,000 students span dramatic ranges, from Warren County Community College's $3,550 net price to Stevens' $40,468, while graduation rates stretch from 25.5% to a perfect 100% at Assumption College for Sisters with just 35 students. Religious institutions like Yeshiva Gedola Tiferes Yerachmiel maintain selective 29.27% acceptance rates, contrasting with community colleges that welcome nearly 90% of applicants. New Jersey's TAG grant program helps bridge affordability gaps, particularly benefiting students at the state's community colleges where net costs often stay below $10,000. Geography matters here, with schools like Drew University in Madison capitalizing on suburban access to major metropolitan job markets, while institutions in Lakewood serve specialized religious communities with focused academic programs.
50
Schools
$16,543
Avg. Net Price
$54,004
Avg. Earnings
51.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in New Jersey

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 4,084 $40,468 89.9% 46.2%
2 4,664 $20,360 71.9% 70.5%
3 3,819 $18,803 66.4% 76.5%
4 929 $28,162 63.6%
5 35 100.0%
6 172 $7,820 88.2% 29.3%
7 456 $17,537 63.9%
8 867 $3,550 47.7%
9 2,055 $7,054 44.3%
10 177 $14,880 93.8% 47.9%
11 1,510 $25,644 72.4% 72.7%
12 225 $5,014 27.0% 59.0%
13 4,424 $10,818 33.0%
14 2,077 $6,549 32.5%
15 908 $9,837 37.2%
16 46 57.8%
17 874 $35,162 44.0%
18 1,958 $24,415 72.3% 89.1%
19 47 $6,833 75.0% 48.8%
20 474 $23,532 25.5% 17.1%
21 132 $8,036 69.6% 46.3%
22 3,831 $31,650 70.3% 90.9%
23 69 $10,046 83.3% 62.5%
24 3,192 $25,287 63.3% 84.1%
25 52 $16,189 14.3% 88.9%
26 1,437 $21,188 58.7% 66.4%
27 25 $11,297 65.0% 42.5%
28 2,578 $15,266 61.7% 84.1%
29 3,860 $8,502 24.9%
30 79 $9,827 70.6% 55.6%
31 1,798 $20,549 44.8%
32 469 $5,804 34.1%
33 1,174 $20,218 55.1% 75.8%
34 1,939 $12,973 63.1% 88.8%
35 4,076 $11,732 38.7% 90.1%
36 4,546 $7,857 15.2%
37 1,316 $36,438 90.0%
38 1,754 $41,315 49.7% 89.2%
39 636 $17,949 40.2% 71.9%
40 934 $19,037 56.6% 96.5%
41 4,089 $28,490 33.9% 66.0%
42 68 33.3% 100.0%
43 536
44 901 $18,778 31.1% 78.2%
45 189 $6,103 68.3% 100.0%
46 78 $6,666 10.0% 66.7%
47 79 $6,841 50.0% 83.3%
48 125 $6,505 32.1% 70.5%
49 197 $13,452 18.3% 94.7%
50 53 10.5% 50.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Stevens Institute of Technology stand out among small New Jersey colleges?

Stevens graduates earn $108,772 annually, the highest among small colleges in the state. The 4,084-student institution maintains an 89.90% graduation rate while accepting 46.22% of applicants. Its Hoboken location provides direct access to New York City's finance and tech sectors, explaining the strong earning potential.

How affordable are New Jersey's small community colleges compared to private institutions?

Community colleges average under $10,000 in net costs, with Warren County at $3,550 and Sussex County at $7,054. Private colleges like Stevens cost $40,468 annually. The TAG grant program helps New Jersey residents bridge these gaps, particularly at two-year institutions.

Is there a significant difference in graduation rates between college types?

Graduation rates vary dramatically, from Warren County Community College's 47.70% to Assumption College for Sisters' perfect 100% rate. Religious institutions like Seminary Bnos Chaim achieve 93.80% completion rates, while community colleges typically graduate 30-50% of students within standard timeframes.

Does proximity to major cities affect graduate earnings at these schools?

Schools near New York City and Philadelphia show stronger earnings. Rutgers-Camden graduates earn $74,479 despite the city's challenges, while suburban Drew University produces $63,646 earners. Even smaller institutions benefit from regional pharmaceutical and finance job markets throughout the state.

What role do religious institutions play in New Jersey's small college market?

Religious colleges serve specialized communities with highly focused programs. Yeshiva Gedola Tiferes Yerachmiel enrolls 172 students with selective 29.27% acceptance, while Seminary Bnos Chaim maintains 93.80% graduation rates. These institutions often cost significantly less than secular private colleges at around $5,000-$15,000 net price.

Where do graduates from New Jersey's small colleges typically find employment?

The pharmaceutical corridor including Johnson & Johnson and Merck provides numerous opportunities, particularly for science graduates. Financial services in nearby New York City attract business majors, while growing tech sectors throughout the state increasingly recruit from institutions like Stevens and regional community colleges.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.