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Urban Colleges in New Jersey

24 schools in New Jersey. See our methodology.

Princeton University stands as New Jersey's academic crown jewel with a 97.1% graduation rate and median earnings reaching $110,066, yet students pay just $10,555 net annually thanks to generous aid packages. The state's urban college market spans 24 institutions with costs ranging from $4,622 at Essex County College to $23,532 at Eastern International College. New Jersey's position between New York City and Philadelphia creates unique opportunities for students at schools like Rutgers-New Brunswick, where 36,357 students benefit from proximity to major pharmaceutical companies including Johnson & Johnson and Merck. The state's TAG grant program helps keep costs manageable at community colleges, while technical programs at New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark prepare graduates for $84,276 median salaries in the region's growing tech sector. Acceptance rates vary dramatically from Princeton's selective 5.7% to open-access community colleges, reflecting New Jersey's commitment to educational access across all economic levels.
24
Schools
$12,355
Avg. Net Price
$59,481
Avg. Earnings
57.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in New Jersey

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Small 5,579 $10,555 97.1%
2 City-Small 36,357 $23,519 85.0%
3 City-Large 8,762 $16,496 73.1%
4 City-Large 7,187 $19,407 67.6%
5 City-Small 3,819 $18,803 66.4%
6 City-Small 172 $7,820 88.2%
7 City-Small 177 $14,880 93.8%
8 City-Small 2,077 $6,549 32.5%
9 City-Small 6,685
10 City-Large 474 $23,532 25.5%
11 City-Small 132 $8,036 69.6%
12 City-Small 25 $11,297 65.0%
13 City-Large 469 $5,804 34.1%
14 City-Large 5,643 $4,622 20.8%
15 City-Large 6,386 $5,902 22.8%
16 City-Small 1,174 $20,218 55.1%
17 City-Large 1,939 $12,973 63.1%
18 City-Large 4,076 $11,732 38.7%
19 City-Small 189 $6,103 68.3%
20 City-Small 125 $6,505 32.1%
21 City-Small 3,532
22 City-Small 13
23 City-Small
24 City-Small

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Princeton University so affordable despite its elite status?

Princeton's net price averages just $10,555 annually due to need-based aid that eliminates tuition for families earning under $100,000. With a 97.1% graduation rate and $110,066 median earnings, the return on investment proves strong for the 5,579 enrolled students.

How do Rutgers campuses compare across New Jersey's urban areas?

Rutgers-New Brunswick serves 36,357 students with an 85% graduation rate and $23,519 net cost. Newark campus enrolls 7,187 with a 67.6% graduation rate at $19,407, while Camden handles 3,819 students with 66.4% graduating at $18,803 net cost.

Is New Jersey Institute of Technology worth the investment for tech careers?

NJIT graduates earn a median $84,276 annually, making the $16,496 net cost highly worthwhile. The Newark location provides 8,762 students direct access to tech companies and pharmaceutical giants like Johnson & Johnson and Merck headquarters.

What opportunities exist at New Jersey's community colleges?

Essex County College costs just $4,622 annually and serves 5,643 students in Newark, while Hudson County Community College enrolls 6,386 at $5,902 net cost. Both provide affordable pathways to four-year degrees and local employment.

Does location matter for New Jersey college graduates' earning potential?

Urban proximity significantly impacts earnings, with Princeton graduates earning $110,066 and NJIT graduates making $84,276. Even community college graduates benefit from the metro area, with Essex County College alumni earning $37,230 compared to rural counterparts.

Where can students find the most affordable college options in New Jersey cities?

Essex County College offers the lowest cost at $4,622 net price, followed by Hudson County Community College at $5,902. Pillar College in Newark provides four-year education for just $5,804, serving 469 students with strong financial aid.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.