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Stevens Institute of Technology commands the highest earnings among New Jersey's 56 suburban colleges, with graduates earning $108,772 annually despite a net price of $40,468. This reflects the Garden State's tech and engineering job market, where pharmaceutical giants like Johnson & Johnson and Merck compete for STEM talent. The state's suburban campuses span an enormous range, from Stevens' selective 46% acceptance rate to Montclair State's open 91% admission policy. Community colleges like Ocean County College offer pathways at just $10,576 annually, while specialized schools like Assumption College for Sisters achieve perfect 100% graduation rates with only 35 students. New Jersey's TAG grant program helps bridge affordability gaps, particularly important given the $5,014 to $40,468 cost spectrum. Geographic proximity to New York City and Philadelphia creates unique advantages for suburban students, whether they're studying at Drew University in Madison or attending County College of Morris in Randolph. The state's pharmaceutical corridor and financial services sector provide clear career pipelines, especially for graduates from technical programs at schools like Eastwick College. graduation rates vary dramatically from 27% to 100%, reflecting the different missions these institutions serve across New Jersey's suburban communities.
50
Schools
$17,364
Avg. Net Price
$54,865
Avg. Earnings
49.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Suburban Colleges in New Jersey

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Suburb-Large 4,084 $40,468 89.9%
2 Suburb-Large 6,831 $25,458 85.2%
3 Suburb-Large 4,664 $20,360 71.9%
4 Suburb-Large 929 $28,162 63.6%
5 Suburb-Large 35 100.0%
6 Suburb-Large 14,647 $22,185 68.3%
7 Suburb-Large 456 $17,537 63.9%
8 Suburb-Large 17,677 $14,159 64.3%
9 Suburb-Large 5,566 $10,576 39.1%
10 Suburb-Large 5,315 $9,259 35.3%
11 Suburb-Large 6,174 $6,101 37.9%
12 Suburb-Large 8,321 $6,000 34.5%
13 Suburb-Large 1,510 $25,644 72.4%
14 Suburb-Large 7,760 $7,251 34.8%
15 Suburb-Large 6,555 $5,124 33.0%
16 Suburb-Large 225 $5,014 27.0%
17 Suburb-Large 4,424 $10,818 33.0%
18 Suburb-Large 908 $9,837 37.2%
19 Suburb-Large 5,924 $28,921 71.5%
20 Suburb-Large 7,898 $8,882 28.9%
21 Suburb-Large 46 57.8%
22 Suburb-Large 10,597 $9,376 23.9%
23 Suburb-Large 874 $35,162 44.0%
24 Suburb-Large 10,842 $12,168 43.4%
25 Suburb-Large 1,958 $24,415 72.3%
26 Suburb-Large 47 $6,833 75.0%
27 Suburb-Large 3,831 $31,650 70.3%
28 Suburb-Large 6,526 $17,764 47.7%
29 Suburb-Large 69 $10,046 83.3%
30 Suburb-Large 3,192 $25,287 63.3%
31 Suburb-Large 52 $16,189 14.3%
32 Suburb-Large 1,437 $21,188 58.7%
33 Suburb-Large 2,578 $15,266 61.7%
34 Suburb-Large 79 $9,827 70.6%
35 Suburb-Large 1,798 $20,549 44.8%
36 Suburb-Large 4,546 $7,857 15.2%
37 Suburb-Large 1,316 $36,438
38 Suburb-Large 1,754 $41,315 49.7%
39 Suburb-Large 636 $17,949 40.2%
40 Suburb-Large 934 $19,037 56.6%
41 Suburb-Large 4,089 $28,490 33.9%
42 Suburb-Large 68 33.3%
43 Suburb-Large 536
44 Suburb-Large 901 $18,778 31.1%
45 Suburb-Large 78 $6,666 10.0%
46 Suburb-Large 79 $6,841 50.0%
47 Suburb-Large 197 $13,452 18.3%
48 Suburb-Large 53 10.5%
49 Suburb-Large 59 $9,706 33.3%
50 Suburb-Large 8

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Stevens graduates earn $108,772 annually, nearly $35,000 more than the next highest earner. The Hoboken campus maintains an 89.9% graduation rate with selective 46.2% admissions. Its proximity to New York City's tech sector and New Jersey's pharmaceutical industry creates strong career opportunities for its 4,084 students.

How do community college costs compare to four-year options in suburban New Jersey?

Community colleges range from $5,124 at Camden County College to $10,576 at Ocean County College. Four-year public schools like Montclair State cost $14,159, while private institutions reach $40,468 at Stevens. Community college graduates still achieve solid earnings, with County College of Morris alumni earning $50,243 annually.

Where do graduates from New Jersey suburban colleges typically find employment?

New Jersey's pharmaceutical corridor employs many graduates, with companies like Johnson & Johnson and Merck headquartered in-state. The proximity to New York City and Philadelphia expands opportunities in finance and technology. Earnings range from $38,020 to $108,772, reflecting varied career paths from healthcare to engineering.

Does the TAG grant program help with college costs in New Jersey?

The Tuition Aid Grant helps New Jersey residents attend in-state colleges, particularly important given the $5,014 to $40,468 cost range among suburban schools. Community colleges offer the most affordable options, while schools like The College of New Jersey at $25,458 provide middle-ground pricing for quality education.

What graduation rates can students expect at New Jersey suburban colleges?

Graduation rates span from 27% to 100% across the 56 suburban institutions. Four-year colleges typically achieve higher rates, with Stevens at 89.9% and The College of New Jersey at 85.2%. Community colleges average around 35%, with Ocean County College reaching 39.1% among its 5,566 students.

How competitive are admissions at top suburban New Jersey colleges?

Acceptance rates range from Stevens' selective 46.2% to Montclair State's accessible 91.3%. The College of New Jersey accepts 64.4% of applicants, while Rowan University admits 76.9%. This range allows students various entry points based on their academic preparation and career goals in New Jersey's job market.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.