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2023 Most Popular Schools in New Jersey

129 Schools Ranked
$43,636 Average Earnings
$21,003 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which program is right 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 Most Popular Schools in New Jersey ranking. This report analyzed 129 schools in New Jersey to see which ones were the most popular programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Rutgers University - New Brunswick

New Brunswick, New Jersey
13,381 Total Awards
$51,056 Average Earnings
$24,135 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Rutgers University - New Brunswick the most popular school in New Jersey for students working on their degree. New Brunswick, New Jersey is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 13,381 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Rutgers New Brunswick accumulate an average of $24,135 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 $259 if they 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. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

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#2

Rowan University

Glassboro, New Jersey
5,783 Total Awards
$45,169 Average Earnings
$23,830 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Rowan University. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in New Jersey 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.

On average, students take out $23,830 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $279, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Rowan graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,169 during the early year of their career. Around 51% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Rowan University Report

#3

Montclair State University

Montclair, New Jersey
5,506 Total Awards
$40,886 Average Earnings
$24,767 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 129 schools in New Jersey that were part of this year’s ranking, Montclair State University landed the # 3 spot on the list. Montclair State is located in Montclair, New Jersey and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 5,506 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,767 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $253, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Montclair State graduates make an average of $40,886 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Full Montclair State University Report

#4

Rutgers University - Newark

Newark, New Jersey
3,915 Total Awards
$45,097 Average Earnings
$24,382 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Rutgers University - Newark is a great place for students. Rutgers Newark is a fairly large public school situated in Newark, New Jersey. It awarded 3,915 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Rutgers Newark accumulate an average of $24,382 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 $262.After graduating from Rutgers Newark, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,097 during the early years of their career. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Rutgers University - Newark

#5

Kean University

Union, New Jersey
3,222 Total Awards
$45,194 Average Earnings
$27,358 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Kean University. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Schools in New Jersey list. This fairly large public school is located in Union, New Jersey, and it awarded 3,222 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,358 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $236. During the early years of their career, Kean graduates make an average of $45,194 annually. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

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#6

Seton Hall University

South Orange, New Jersey
3,108 Total Awards
$54,624 Average Earnings
$22,193 Avg Student Debt

Seton Hall University ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in New Jersey list. Seton Hall University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in South Orange, New Jersey that handed out 3,108 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,193 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $521.After graduating from Seton Hall, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $54,624 during the early years of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

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3,020 Total Awards
$64,531 Average Earnings
$24,600 Avg Student Debt

New Jersey Institute of Technology did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #7 on the list. Located in Newark, New Jersey, the fairly large public school handed out 3,020 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,600 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $215, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, NJIT graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $64,531 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 28% were women.

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#8

Stevens Institute of Technology

Hoboken, New Jersey
2,862 Total Awards
$78,765 Average Earnings

Stevens Institute of Technology landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Hoboken, New Jersey, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 2,862 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $696, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Stevens graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $78,765 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 30% were women.

Read full report on Stevens Institute of Technology

#9

Stockton University

Galloway, New Jersey
2,667 Total Awards
$39,517 Average Earnings
$24,498 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Stockton University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Stockton State is located in Galloway, New Jersey and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,667 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $24,498 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $265 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Stockton State graduates make an average of $39,517 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Full Stockton University Report

#10

Thomas Edison State University

Trenton, New Jersey
2,587 Total Awards
$58,555 Average Earnings
$18,852 Avg Student Debt

Thomas Edison State University came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in New Jersey ranking. 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.

On average, students take out $18,852 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, TESU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $58,555 during the early year of their career. Around 43% of those degree recipients were women.

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#11

Bergen Community College

Paramus, New Jersey
2,319 Total Awards
$47,732 Average Earnings
$17,500 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Bergen Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. This fairly large public school is located in Paramus, New Jersey, and it awarded 2,319 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,500 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $94 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Bergen Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,732 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

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2,216 Total Awards
$43,120 Average Earnings
$26,059 Avg Student Debt

William Paterson University of New Jersey landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Wayne, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school handed out 2,216 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from William Paterson University accumulate an average of $26,059 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 $188 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, William Paterson University graduates make an average of $43,120 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

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#13

The College of New Jersey

Ewing, New Jersey
2,212 Total Awards
$48,225 Average Earnings
$22,132 Avg Student Debt

The College of New Jersey came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in New Jersey ranking. TCNJ is a medium-sized public school situated in Ewing, New Jersey. It awarded 2,212 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from TCNJ 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. Once they receive their degree, TCNJ graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,225 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Read full report on The College of New Jersey

#14

Princeton University

Princeton, New Jersey
2,075 Total Awards
$58,198 Average Earnings

Princeton University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in New Jersey ranking. Princeton, New Jersey is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 2,075 students in 2020-2021.

Once they receive their degree, Princeton graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $58,198 during the early year of their career. Around 46% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Princeton University

#15

Rutgers University - Camden

Camden, New Jersey
1,995 Total Awards
$47,992 Average Earnings
$24,092 Avg Student Debt

Rutgers University - Camden ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in New Jersey list. Camden, New Jersey is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,995 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Rutgers Camden accumulate an average of $24,092 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 $249 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Rutgers Camden graduates make an average of $47,992 annually. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

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#16

Middlesex County College

Edison, New Jersey
1,873 Total Awards
$35,545 Average Earnings
$12,313 Avg Student Debt

Middlesex County College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in New Jersey ranking. Located in Edison, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,873 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

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. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

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#17

Monmouth University

West Long Branch, New Jersey
1,789 Total Awards
$46,267 Average Earnings
$24,982 Avg Student Debt

Monmouth University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in New Jersey ranking. Monmouth is located in West Long Branch, New Jersey and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,789 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Monmouth accumulate an average of $24,982 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 $665.After graduating from Monmouth, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,267 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

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#18

New Jersey City University

Jersey City, New Jersey
1,784 Total Awards
$44,871 Average Earnings
$23,694 Avg Student Debt

New Jersey City University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #18 on the list. NJCU is a medium-sized public school situated in Jersey City, New Jersey. It awarded 1,784 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,694 in student loans.After graduating from NJCU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,871 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Read full report on New Jersey City University

#19

Union County College

Cranford, New Jersey
1,760 Total Awards
$40,152 Average Earnings
$16,094 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Union County College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Cranford, New Jersey is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,760 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Union County College accumulate an average of $16,094 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Union County College graduates make an average of $40,152 annually. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Union County College Report

#20

Brookdale Community College

Lincroft, New Jersey
1,736 Total Awards
$40,016 Average Earnings
$15,009 Avg Student Debt

Brookdale Community College came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in New Jersey ranking. Lincroft, New Jersey is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,736 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $15,009 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Brookdale Community College graduates make an average of $40,016 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

Read full report on Brookdale Community College

#21

Ocean County College

Toms River, New Jersey
1,572 Total Awards
$37,831 Average Earnings
$15,414 Avg Student Debt

Ocean County College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Toms River, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,572 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,414 in student loans.After graduating from OCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,831 during the early years of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Ocean County College

#22

Camden County College

Blackwood, New Jersey
1,598 Total Awards
$31,946 Average Earnings
$15,573 Avg Student Debt

Camden County College landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Blackwood, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,598 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Camden County College accumulate an average of $15,573 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Camden County College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $31,946 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Full Camden County College Report

#23

Ramapo College of New Jersey

Mahwah, New Jersey
1,533 Total Awards
$42,404 Average Earnings
$22,964 Avg Student Debt

Ramapo College of New Jersey landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. This medium-sized public school is located in Mahwah, New Jersey, and it awarded 1,533 degrees in 2020-2021.

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. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Full Ramapo College of New Jersey Report

1,490 Total Awards
$48,330 Average Earnings
$23,191 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. FDU is located in Teaneck, New Jersey and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,490 degrees to qualified students.

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. During the early years of their career, FDU graduates make an average of $48,330 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

Full Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus Report

#25

Rider University

Lawrenceville, New Jersey
1,489 Total Awards
$43,094 Average Earnings
$25,127 Avg Student Debt

Rider University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #25 on the list. Rider is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. It awarded 1,489 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Rider accumulate an average of $25,127 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $521, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Rider graduates make an average of $43,094 annually. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

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Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

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Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular schools ranking:

Rank School Location
26 Rowan College at Burlington County Mount Laurel, NJ

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.

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