Find Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Best Value Schools in New Jersey

Find Schools Near

2023 Best Value Schools in New Jersey

Identifying High-Quality Schools With More Affordable Pricing

39 Schools Ranked
$19,008 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$21,003 Avg Student Debt*

With all the programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Best Value Schools in New Jersey ranking. Our analysis looked at 39 schools in New Jersey to see which programs offered the best value experiences for students with the aim of identifying those quality schools that are more affordable than some of their counterparts.

Our ranking of value is based on the quality of a program as defined in our per sticker price dollar. More specifically, we discount our quality score by the published tuition and fees charged by a school. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The value is determined by how much quality your dollar buys.

In our regional and nationwide rankings, out-of-state tution and fees are used in our calculations. Average in-state tuition and fees are used for our statewide rankings.

Top Value Schools in New Jersey

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Camden County College

Blackwood, New Jersey
1,598 Total Awards
$3,744 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,573 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Camden County College to be the best value school for students in New Jersey. Located in Blackwood, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,598 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Camden County College are $3,744 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,573 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Camden County College graduates make an average of $31,946 annually.

Full Camden County College Report

#2

Thomas Edison State University

Trenton, New Jersey
2,587 Total Awards
$9,342 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Thomas Edison State University. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Value Schools in New Jersey list. Trenton, New Jersey is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,587 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at TESU are $9,342 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,852 in student loans.After graduating from TESU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $58,555 during the early years of their career.

TESU also took the #3 spot in our Best Schools in New Jersey rankings.

Full Thomas Edison State University Report

#3

Rowan College at Burlington County

Mount Laurel, New Jersey
1,464 Total Awards
$6,901 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,442 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Rowan College at Burlington County. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Value Schools in New Jersey list. Located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,464 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at RCBC are $6,901 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $16,442 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from RCBC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,118 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Rowan College at Burlington County

1,130 Total Awards
$5,550 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,338 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at Rowan College of South Jersey Gloucester Campus helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best value schools in New Jersey. This medium-sized public school is located in Sewell, New Jersey, and it awarded 1,130 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at RCSJ are $5,550 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,338 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, RCSJ graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $33,252 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Rowan College of South Jersey Gloucester Campus

#5

Middlesex County College

Edison, New Jersey
1,873 Total Awards
$7,992 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Middlesex County College. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Best Value Schools in New Jersey list. Located in Edison, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,873 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Middlesex County College are $7,992 a year. On average, students take out $12,313 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Middlesex County College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,545 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#6

Raritan Valley Community College

Branchburg, New Jersey
1,213 Total Awards
$6,912 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,287 Avg Student Debt

Raritan Valley Community College ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value Schools in New Jersey list. RVCC is a medium-sized public school situated in Branchburg, New Jersey. It awarded 1,213 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at RVCC are $6,912 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $14,287 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, RVCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,366 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

#7

Atlantic Cape Community College

Mays Landing, New Jersey
620 Total Awards
$8,340 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,077 Avg Student Debt

Atlantic Cape Community College ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value Schools in New Jersey list. Located in Mays Landing, New Jersey, the small public school awarded 620 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Atlantic Cape Community College are $8,340 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,077 in student loans.After graduating from Atlantic Cape Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,386 during the early years of their career.

Full Atlantic Cape Community College Report

#8

Essex County College

Newark, New Jersey
1,082 Total Awards
$8,966 Average Tuition & Fees

Essex County College came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Schools in New Jersey ranking. Essex County College is a medium-sized public school located in Newark, New Jersey that handed out 1,082 degrees in 2020-2021.

Essex undergraduate students pay an average of $8,966 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $11,116 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Essex, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,750 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Essex County College

#9

County College of Morris

Randolph, New Jersey
1,352 Total Awards
$13,620 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,920 Avg Student Debt

County College of Morris did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students. It came in at #9 on the list. This medium-sized public school is located in Randolph, New Jersey, and it awarded 1,352 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at County College of Morris are $13,620 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $10,920 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from County College of Morris, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,453 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#10

Union County College

Cranford, New Jersey
1,760 Total Awards
$10,562 Average Tuition & Fees

Union County College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Schools in New Jersey ranking. Located in Cranford, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,760 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Union County College undergraduate students pay an average of $10,562 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $16,094 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Union County College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,152 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#11

The College of New Jersey

Ewing, New Jersey
2,212 Total Awards
$29,594 Average Tuition & Fees

The College of New Jersey did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students. It came in at #11 on the list. TCNJ is a public institution located in Ewing, New Jersey. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 2,212 degrees in 2020-2021.

TCNJ undergraduate students pay an average of $29,594 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $22,132 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $327, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from TCNJ, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,225 during the early years of their career.

TCNJ also took the #2 spot in our Best Schools in New Jersey rankings.

Full The College of New Jersey Report

#12

Brookdale Community College

Lincroft, New Jersey
1,736 Total Awards
$9,554 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,009 Avg Student Debt

Brookdale Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students. It came in at #12 on the list. Located in Lincroft, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,736 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Brookdale Community College are $9,554 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,009 in student loans.After graduating from Brookdale Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,016 during the early years of their career.

Full Brookdale Community College Report

#13

Montclair State University

Montclair, New Jersey
5,506 Total Awards
$21,418 Average Tuition & Fees

Montclair State University landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value programs. This large public school is located in Montclair, New Jersey, and it awarded 5,506 degrees in 2020-2021.

Montclair State undergraduate students pay an average of $21,418 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $24,767 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $253, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Montclair State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,886 during the early years of their career.

Full Montclair State University Report

#14

Kean University

Union, New Jersey
3,222 Total Awards
$19,771 Average Tuition & Fees

Kean University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Schools in New Jersey ranking. This fairly large public school is located in Union, New Jersey, and it awarded 3,222 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Kean are $19,771 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $27,358 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $236, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Kean graduates make an average of $45,194 annually.

Read More…

#15

Ramapo College of New Jersey

Mahwah, New Jersey
1,533 Total Awards
$24,694 Average Tuition & Fees

Ramapo College of New Jersey came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Schools in New Jersey ranking. Ramapo College is located in Mahwah, New Jersey and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,533 degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Ramapo College are $24,694 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,964 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $376, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Ramapo College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,404 during the early year of their career.

Ramapo College excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 20% of all schools on our Best Schools in New Jersey list.

Read More…

#15

Hudson County Community College

Jersey City, New Jersey
1,088 Total Awards
$11,798 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,191 Avg Student Debt

Hudson County Community College ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value Schools in New Jersey list. HCCC is a medium-sized public school situated in Jersey City, New Jersey. It awarded 1,088 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at HCCC are $11,798 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $13,191 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, HCCC graduates make an average of $29,989 annually.

Read full report on Hudson County Community College

#17

Rutgers University - Newark

Newark, New Jersey
3,915 Total Awards
$32,409 Average Tuition & Fees

Rutgers University - Newark did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students. It came in at #17 on the list. Rutgers Newark is located in Newark, New Jersey and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,915 degrees to qualified students.

Rutgers Newark undergraduate students pay an average of $32,409 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,382 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $262. During the early years of their career, Rutgers Newark graduates make an average of $45,097 annually.

Rutgers Newark also made our Best Schools in New Jersey list, coming in at #5.

Full Rutgers University - Newark Report

#18

Rowan University

Glassboro, New Jersey
5,783 Total Awards
$23,408 Average Tuition & Fees

Rowan University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for students. It came in at #18 on the list. Glassboro, New Jersey is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 5,783 students in 2020-2021.

Rowan undergraduate students pay an average of $23,408 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $23,830 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $279 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Rowan, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,169 during the early years of their career.

Full Rowan University Report

#19

Rutgers University - Camden

Camden, New Jersey
1,995 Total Awards
$32,299 Average Tuition & Fees

Rutgers University - Camden came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Schools in New Jersey ranking. Located in Camden, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,995 degrees in 2020-2021.

Rutgers Camden undergraduate students pay an average of $32,299 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $24,092 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $249, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Rutgers Camden graduates make an average of $47,992 annually.

Read full report on Rutgers University - Camden

#20

Rutgers University - New Brunswick

New Brunswick, New Jersey
13,381 Total Awards
$33,005 Average Tuition & Fees

Rutgers University - New Brunswick came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Schools in New Jersey ranking. Rutgers New Brunswick is a large public school situated in New Brunswick, New Jersey. It awarded 13,381 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Rutgers New Brunswick are $33,005 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,135 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $259, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Rutgers New Brunswick graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,056 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Rutgers University - New Brunswick

#21

Stockton University

Galloway, New Jersey
2,667 Total Awards
$22,467 Average Tuition & Fees

Stockton University landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value programs. Stockton State is a public institution located in Galloway, New Jersey. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 2,667 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Stockton State are $22,467 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $24,498 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $265, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Stockton State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,517 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

2,216 Total Awards
$22,946 Average Tuition & Fees

William Paterson University of New Jersey ranked #22 on this year’s Best Value Schools in New Jersey list. Wayne, New Jersey is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,216 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at William Paterson University are $22,946 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $26,059 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $188.After graduating from William Paterson University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,120 during the early years of their career.

Full William Paterson University of New Jersey Report

#23

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Newark, New Jersey
3,020 Total Awards
$34,034 Average Tuition & Fees

New Jersey Institute of Technology landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value programs. Located in Newark, New Jersey, the fairly large public school handed out 3,020 degrees in 2020-2021.

NJIT undergraduate students pay an average of $34,034 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $24,600 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $215, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from NJIT, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $64,531 during the early years of their career.

In addition to its great value ranking, NJIT is in the top 15% of all schools on our Best Schools in New Jersey list.

Read full report on New Jersey Institute of Technology

#24

New Jersey City University

Jersey City, New Jersey
1,784 Total Awards
$25,364 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,694 Avg Student Debt

New Jersey City University came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Schools in New Jersey ranking. Jersey City, New Jersey is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,784 students in 2020-2021.

NJCU undergraduate students pay an average of $25,364 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,694 in student loans. During the early years of their career, NJCU graduates make an average of $44,871 annually.

Read full report on New Jersey City University

1,490 Total Awards
$38,074 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,191 Avg Student Debt

Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus ranked #25 on this year’s Best Value Schools in New Jersey list. Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Teaneck, New Jersey that handed out 1,490 degrees in 2020-2021.

FDU undergraduate students pay an average of $38,074 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $23,191 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $305 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from FDU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,330 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus

Best Value Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

View Best Value Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited colleges across the U.S.