Colleges in New Jersey

Why go to College in New Jersey?

New Jersey is an ideal location for college students because the state features a variety of recreation, entertainment, and historic locations of interest. Students can visit Revolutionary War sites, including Fort Lee and the Red Bank Battlefield, or tour inventor Thomas Edison’s home. New Jersey also contains 11 lighthouses, nine National Parks, and a portion of the Appalachian Trail. The New Jersey Pinelands was the nation’s first National Reserve; it is also designated as an International Biosphere Reserve and features one million acres of wetlands and forests. Approximately 700 arts organizations, including music, dance, and theater groups, are located in the state. The Jersey Shore has 130 miles of coastline, and Atlantic City is famous for its many casinos, including Caesars and the Golden Nugget. New York City is also close enough for sightseeing trips and weekend getaways.

Population

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 8.94 million people reside in New Jersey. Its population increased 1.7% between 2010 and 2016. It is also the most densely populated state in the nation. Newark is the state’s most populous city, with Jersey City coming in second.

Climate

New Jersey is located on the East Coast of the U.S. and is one of the Mid-Atlantic States. Its climate varies depending on the region; for example, the clime in the Kittatinny Mountains in the northwest is quite different from the coastal zone on the Atlantic Ocean. The state experiences four distinct seasons and has an average precipitation of 43 to 47 inches each year. Snow can fall from October or November until April (source: Office of the NJ State Climatologist, Rutgers University).

Number of Higher Learning Institutions

The state has 207 postsecondary education institutions. This includes public and private colleges and universities, community colleges, and technical institutes that prepare students for specific careers, such as dental and cosmetology schools.

Sporting Events

As a close neighbor of New York, New Jersey is the home base for the New York Jets and New York Giants NFL teams, both of which play at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. The New York Red Bulls MLS team plays in Harrison, and the New Jersey Devils NHL team is based in Newark. There are also many opportunities to attend minor league baseball games statewide - four teams call the state home.

Nightlife

From Atlantic City to Asbury Park to Newark, there is always something to do in New Jersey. The state’s many bars, restaurants, comedy clubs, dance clubs, casinos, and amusement parks offer opportunities to spend time with friends and meet new people.

What Options are Available for Colleges in New Jersey?

Popular Degree Programs in New Jersey

Most New Jersey residents are employed in jobs dealing with trade, transportation, and utilities. Careers in education, health services, and professional and business services are also popular. Because the state is home to numerous higher education institutions, healthcare facilities, and businesses, it is unsurprising that the following majors are among the most popular for New Jersey students.

• Statistics and Decision Science

  This major explores how people make decisions as both individuals and groups by studying psychology, philosophy, statistics, and calculus. Students in this major typically pursue master’s or doctorate degrees in the field. The findings of decision science scholars influence a variety of industries, from medicine to business management.

• Business Management and Administration

  Students majoring in business management and administration learn a range of skills to prepare them for leadership positions. This includes accounting, finance, human resources, marketing, and communication. Students also learn about business and how to best motivate and interact with their team members.

What are the Best Online Colleges in New Jersey?

Selecting the right college is one of the most important decisions you can make for your future. This undertaking can feel overwhelming, so we’ve simplified part of the research process for you. The following information should make it easier to compare online colleges in New Jersey. This ranking details the state’s best online colleges, including some of the characteristics that make each school unique. It should make it easier to see what makes these online schools in NJ special, how their degree programs work, what they cost, and which ones best match your educational goals.

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1	Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ		ADMISSIONS RATE 58% GRADUATION RATE 80% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 4% RETENTION RATE 93% DEFAULT RATE 5% Though physically based in New Brunswick, Rutgers offers the university's rigorous academic programs to students throughout the country. Several fully online, asynchronous programs are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Undergraduates can pursue bachelor's degrees in nursing, business administration, or labor relations. Master's degrees are also available in liberal studies, public administration, and social work. On top of its other graduate-level programs, Rutgers offers master's and doctoral degrees in education in areas such as language education, adult and continuing education, and music education. Graduate admissions requirements vary by program. Some programs require GRE or GMAT scores. Undergraduate applicants should submit transcripts, essays, and test scores. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate.	Visit Site
2	Rowan University Glassboro, NJ		ADMISSIONS RATE 71% GRADUATION RATE 67% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 7% RETENTION RATE 86% DEFAULT RATE 5% A leader in online education, Rowan offers 30 fully online or hybrid academic programs. Live instruction in the hybrid programs takes place at the university's Camden or Glassboro campuses. Online undergraduate programs include bachelor's degrees in construction management, law and justice studies, and nursing. A number of master's and doctoral programs are also offered in areas such as finance, special education, and educational leadership. Students use the latest multimedia tools including audio, video, and discussion boards technologies that are managed through eLearning platforms. Most programs have three start dates in the fall, spring, or summer. Applicants should submit their undergraduate or graduate transcripts. In-state and out-of-state online students pay the same per-semester hour tuition rate.	Visit Site
3	Seton Hall University South Orange, NJ		ADMISSIONS RATE 76% GRADUATION RATE 63% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 5% RETENTION RATE 84% DEFAULT RATE 4% Renowned throughout the country since 1856 as a leading Catholic university, Seton Hall is also well known among online colleges in New Jersey for offering a variety of online graduate degree and certificate programs. Students can pursue master's degrees in accounting, business administration, adult gerontology, and non-profit management. A unique certificate program in post-conflict state reconstruction and sustainability is also available. While specific admissions requirements vary by program, all applicants should have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and must submit transcripts that showcase a GPA of at least 3.0. GMAT or GRE scores are generally required but may be waived if a student has relevant work experience. All students pay the same per-credit tuition rate regardless of state residency. Financial aid is available to qualified applicants.	Visit Site
4	Stockton University Galloway, NJ		ADMISSIONS RATE 64% GRADUATION RATE 73% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 2% RETENTION RATE 87% DEFAULT RATE 6% Stockton is one of several online schools in New Jersey to offer both fully online and hybrid class options. While a majority of programs are available entirely online through the Blackboard learning platform, some classes have occasional face-to-face meetings at the university's Galloway campus. Online students must also attend a mandatory on-campus orientation. New undergraduates should submit SAT scores, high school transcripts, AP scores, and an essay. Graduate applicants should have completed their bachelor's degree and must submit transcripts and letters of recommendation. Transfer students with GPAs of 2.0 or higher are also welcome to apply. New Jersey residents receive discounted tuition.	Visit Site
5	Montclair State University Montclair, NJ		ADMISSIONS RATE 70% GRADUATION RATE 66% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 2% RETENTION RATE 83% DEFAULT RATE 5% Montclair State in New Jersey offers a number of online graduate and certificate programs for working professionals and distance learners. Montclair is distinctive among online colleges in New Jersey for its master of fine arts in dance. The two-year hybrid program is designed for working mid-career dance professionals. Students in this innovative program take on-campus classes for four weeks every summer, but complete the majority of their coursework online during the rest of the academic year. Other notable programs at Montclair include its master's degrees in child advocacy, business administration, and sustainability science. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same per-credit tuition rate and may qualify for financial aid. Applicants to Montclair's graduate programs must have earned a bachelor's degree. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher may exempt some applicants from GRE requirements.	Visit Site
6	Rider University Lawrenceville, NJ	ADMISSIONS RATE 69% GRADUATION RATE 64% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 4% RETENTION RATE 80% DEFAULT RATE 7% Though physically located in Lawrenceville, Rider's online undergraduate and graduate degrees are accessible from anywhere. Rider offers bachelor's degrees in nursing, business administration, health studies, and psychology. Its graduate degree offerings include a master of arts in athletic leadership, a master of accountancy, and a master of business administration. Students in Westminster's online programs can also earn an online certificate in critical pedagogy and enroll in a number of unique two-month-long seminars. Rider is especially accommodating to transfer students. Applicants can gain admission and a generous scholarship by participating in a special "Transfer Tuesday" event. All applicants should fill out the online application and submit transcripts.	Visit Site
7	Caldwell University Caldwell, NJ	ADMISSIONS RATE 64% GRADUATION RATE 64% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 4% RETENTION RATE 82% DEFAULT RATE 9% Caldwell offers a host of online graduate programs, including master's degrees in educational administration, higher education, and business administration. The school also offers an affordable RN to BSN completion program for registered nurses. All programs are delivered entirely online in an asynchronous format for maximum flexibility. Some degrees are available in an accelerated format, with classes offered in eight-week-long sessions throughout the calendar year. To apply, students should complete the online applications and submit transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution. Caldwell awards up to 90 transfer credits. Due to regulations, online courses are not open to residents of California, Florida, and Massachusetts. The university is located in Caldwell, New Jersey. Tuition is the same regardless of state residency.	Visit Site
8	Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus Teaneck, NJ	ADMISSIONS RATE 80% GRADUATION RATE 49% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 7% RETENTION RATE 74% DEFAULT RATE 6% Fairleigh Dickinson has the distinction of serving as New Jersey's largest independent university. It offers two fully online undergraduate degrees: an associate of arts in liberal studies and bachelor of arts in individualized studies. Both degrees are taught asynchronously. Designed as a degree completion program, the bachelor's degree allows up to 90 credits to be transferred in from another accredited institution. The associate degree also accepts up to 30 transfer credits. Classes are delivered in 10- to 12-week terms. Applicants should submit transcripts along with their online applications. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, and there are four start dates throughout the year: September, January, April, and July. The school's metropolitan campus is located in Teaneck. In-state and out-of-state residents pay the same tuition for online classes.	Visit Site
9	Saint Peter's University Jersey City, NJ	ADMISSIONS RATE 67% GRADUATION RATE 55% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 2% RETENTION RATE 81% DEFAULT RATE 9% Saint Peter's is known among online schools in New Jersey for infusing its distance programs with a rich Jesuit tradition. The university offers two fully online undergraduate programs: the bachelor of science in business administration and the RN to BSN program. The university also offers an Ed.D. and master's degree in higher education, both of which are taught in a hybrid format. Admissions requirements vary by program, but all programs require transcripts from prior institutions. Graduate applicants must submit GRE or GMAT scores. Prospective students wishing to pursue the Ed.D. must have earned a master's degree. Transfer students are welcome to apply to all four programs. The Ed.D. accepts up to nine transfer credits, while the RN to BSN program requires students to have earned an associate degree. Tuition is the same for all online students.	Visit Site
10	Centenary College Hackettstown, NJ	ADMISSIONS RATE 87% GRADUATION RATE 59% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 2% RETENTION RATE 78% DEFAULT RATE 7% Centenary is proud that its professors and administrators know every student by name. This personal attention is extended to online students, who are able to enroll in a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Notable degree programs include the associate degree in business, bachelor's degree in business administration, and the accelerated master's degree in business administration. The school also offers certificates in health administration, leadership, and social media marketing. Applicants should submit transcripts from prior institutions. Bachelor's degree applicants should be at least 20 years old and have one year of work experience. Graduate applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same per-credit tuition rate. The university's campus is located in Parsippany.	Visit Site

What are the Best Online Community Colleges in New Jersey?

Universities typically require a four-year commitment to attain a degree and provide other opportunities for advanced graduate work. Alternatively, community colleges are a popular choice for students pursuing a two-year degree program that prepares them for immediate entry into the workforce. Community colleges also deliver foundation coursework that can be transferred to degree-completion programs at four-year institutions. The following information is provided to help you learn more about the variety of online community colleges in New Jersey, making it easier to select the right educational program for your career and life goals.

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1	Ocean County College Toms River, NJ		GRADUATION RATE 34%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 12%	RETENTION RATE 69%	DEFAULT RATE 17%	Located in Toms River, Ocean County College compares favorably to the other online community colleges in New Jersey and runs more than 20 educational sites throughout the county. The school offers many of its associate programs online, including studies in business administration, criminal justice, and information technology. OCC delivers all online coursework asynchronously and offers accelerated courses that last as few as five weeks. While many of OCC's programs run in a blended format, students can speak with college enrollment specialists about completing their degree without in-person requirements. The school gives online students gain access to the school's online library, technology support, and advising services.	Visit Site
2	Rowan College at Burlington County Mount Laurel, NJ		GRADUATION RATE 22%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 12%	RETENTION RATE 63%	DEFAULT RATE 11%	One of the larger online community colleges in New Jersey, Rowan College at Burlington County enrolls over 8,000 students, a number that includes both on-campus students and distance learners. RCBC offers several fully online programs, including associate degrees in liberal arts, political science, psychology, education, health information technology, and business. RCBC delivers all online coursework asynchronously through the Blackboard LMS and provides distance learners with dedicated academic advising -- which the college highlights as crucial to navigating the course catalog and distance education. The college does not list any distance education admissions requirements aside from registering for online courses.	Visit Site
3	Raritan Valley Community College Branchburg, NJ		ADMISSIONS RATE 99% GRADUATION RATE 26% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 6% RETENTION RATE 70% DEFAULT RATE 13% Based in North Branch, Raritan County Community College serves the areas in and around Somerset and Hunterdon Counties. Distance learners interested in online community colleges in New Jersey need never visit the school to earn their associate degree from Raritan, as the college offers an online degree in accounting without in-person requirements. Raritan also offers several other partially online programs, including 85% online degrees in fields such as business administration, criminal justice, English, mathematics, and liberal arts. In total, the college offers over 150 online courses per semester. Catering to working professionals, Raritan delivers all online coursework asynchronously to allow students to create a schedule that fits their needs.	Visit Site
4	Sussex County Community College Newton, NJ		GRADUATION RATE 30%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 5%	RETENTION RATE 65%	DEFAULT RATE 17%	Based in Newton, Sussex County Community College boasts a recent increase in the size of its on-campus and online presence. The college's online presence, which consists of an associate of arts degree in liberal arts and an associate of science degree in business administration, enables students to complete coursework entirely online. Both programs deliver coursework asynchronously through the Canvas LMS and aim to make continuing education accessible to working professionals. As with other online community colleges in New Jersey, both of Sussex's two-year online degrees transfer to four-year institutions in the Garden State. Sussex differentiates between in-county and out-of-county student tuition rates, with in-county receiving a discounted rate.	Visit Site
5	Bergen Community College Paramus, NJ		GRADUATION RATE 20%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 4%	RETENTION RATE 63%	DEFAULT RATE 13%	Operating a central campus in Paramus and satellite centers in Hackensack and Lyndhurst, Bergen serves as one of the more expansive online community colleges in New Jersey. The school offers several distance learning options, including fully online associate degrees in various business administration and liberal arts areas. Specific fields include marketing, accounting, sociology, and philosophy. Bergen delivers coursework in all of its online programs asynchronously. Thanks to transfer agreements, students can easily continue their education at a four-year school in New Jersey after finishing their studies at Bergen. Bergen gives distance learners access to several services, including tutoring, advising, and an online library.	Visit Site
6	Rowan College at Gloucester County Sewell, NJ	GRADUATION RATE 23%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 5%	RETENTION RATE 63%	DEFAULT RATE 16%	In 2014, the school then known as Gloucester County College formed a partnership with Rowan University to give students at GCC access to dual enrollment programs at Rowan. This enabled students to transfer from two-year degrees at GCC to four-year programs at Rowan. Now known as Rowan College at Gloucester County, the school offers dual enrollment options in nursing and allied health programs. The school also offers online options comparable to other online community colleges in New Jersey, including associate degrees in human resource management and business administration. Rowan delivers coursework in each program asynchronously in its effort to cater to working professionals.	Visit Site
7	Brookdale Community College Lincroft, NJ	GRADUATION RATE 23%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 4%	RETENTION RATE 68%	DEFAULT RATE 18%	Based in Lincroft, Brookdale Community College operates satellite centers in Monmouth County in the cities and towns of Freehold, Hazlet, Wall Township, Long Branch, and Neptune Township. Similar to other online community colleges in New Jersey, Brookdale runs on open enrollment, allowing applicants to apply any time of the year. The college offers several online programs, including studies in history, English, sociology, political science, liberal arts, and psychology. Distance learners at Brookdale never need to visit campus, and instructors deliver all coursework asynchronously to allow learners to maintain their filial and work obligations while earning college credits.	Visit Site
8	Passaic County Community College Paterson, NJ	GRADUATION RATE 13%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 4%	RETENTION RATE 63%	DEFAULT RATE 10%	Operating its central campus out of Paterson, PCCC offers several programs online. Students can earn associate degrees in criminal justice, humanities, health information technology, and fire science technology from PCCC without ever having to visit any of the college's physical campuses. As with other online community colleges in New Jersey, PCCC delivers online coursework asynchronously through the Blackboard LMS. PCCC provides its distance learners with support services like e-tutoring, an online library, a writing center, academic support labs, and testing help. The college also provides several guides and orientations to help its online students adapt to and thrive in the distance learning environment.	Visit Site
9	Union County College Cranford, NJ	GRADUATION RATE 16%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 3%	RETENTION RATE 64%	DEFAULT RATE 13%	Union County College is the oldest of all of the community colleges in New Jersey, with the school recently celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2008. Operating campuses in the Elizabeth, Scotch Plains, Plainfield, and Cranford, UCC serves pre-professional and transfer students. UCC offers 10 entirely online associate degrees -- which do not include in-person or on-campus requirements -- and three 85% online associate degrees. Online students at UCC earn degrees in fields such as business, sociology, public administration, liberal arts, criminal justice, and computer science. UCC delivers all online coursework asynchronously through the Canvas LMS. Most classes require students to spend approximately three hours per week outside of class on assignments.	Visit Site
10	Atlantic Cape Community College Mays Landing, NJ	GRADUATION RATE 16%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 11%	RETENTION RATE 58%	DEFAULT RATE 23%	Atlantic Cape Community College's central campuses sits on 541 acres of forest approximately 15 minutes from the Atlantic City boardwalk. Despite the school's unique campus situation, online students can earn a degree from Atlantic without ever visiting campus. The school currently offers fully online associate degrees in fields such as English, psychology, business administration, computer programming, business administration, and criminal justice. Primarily catering to working professionals, Atlantic delivers coursework asynchronously to enable students to earn credits while continuing to work. Differing from many other online community colleges in New Jersey, the school does not distinguish between in-state and out-of-state distance learners when charging tuition.	Visit Site

Education Trends in New Jersey

Education spending and tax structuring vary by state. New Jersey spends less on each of its full-time postsecondary students than the national average and allocates much less of its tax revenue to higher education than the U.S. average. However, it is important to understand that states have differing tax rates and tax sources (e.g., income, property, sales, services, and/or lottery taxes). New Jersey residents are more educated than the average U.S. resident; a significantly higher percentage of them hold an advanced degree.

Paying for College in New Jersey

When researching New Jersey colleges, it’s crucial to understand their financial impact on your future. Tuition prices are just one piece of the higher education financial puzzle. It is important to also consider college fees, books, supplies, rent, transportation, food, and all of the other living costs you’ll have to cover while enrolled in school. Financial aid opportunities should be prioritized when looking at colleges. It is also prudent to be diligent about pursuing a variety of funding sources, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study options.

Tuition Prices

Attending college in New Jersey is more expensive relative to most other U.S. states. Tuition rates are significantly higher than the U.S. average, as noted below. In addition to tuition, you’ll have to budget for a range of other costs, from books and supplies to living expenses and transportation.

Financial Aid

Regardless of the state where you go to school, you should research and apply for a variety of financial aid. After completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you should have a complete understanding of the options available to you. Federal-, state-, and employer-funded grants are ideal because they don’t have to be repaid. Additionally, many public and private scholarships are available based on your degree program, academic/athletic talent, financial need, heritage, life experiences, etc. Federal, state, and private loans are also an option, and work-study opportunities can be used to further supplement a student’s funding.

Cost for Online Programs in New Jersey

If you elect to attend an online college in New Jersey, you have the same financial aid options as on-campus students. Distance learners should complete the FAFSA and apply for suitable grants, scholarships, and loans. While tuition for online programs tends to be comparable to that of on-campus programs, the overall cost for a degree is typically less. This is because online students don’t incur the same costs of living, transportation, book, and supply fees that on-campus students experience. Attending an online school in NJ is a relatively affordable option, and the cost can be significantly alleviated by financial aid opportunities.

Cost of Living by Region

Many college graduates pursue careers in the cities where they attended college. This is important to keep in mind as you look into possible degree programs. It’s also helpful to do some research about the cost of living in the cities and regions where you may attend school. These costs can impact your financial requirements and lifestyle during your studies.

Scholarships for New Jersey College Students

AAA South Jersey Scholarship Program

$5,000; must be a high school senior in Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, or Salem counties in New Jersey and entering a two- or four-year accredited educational institution. View Scholarship

Architects League of Northern New Jersey Scholarship

$2,000; must be a high school student residing in Bergen, Hudson, Passaic, or Sussex counties in New Jersey and accepted into a NAAB accredited architecture program at a U.S. college. View Scholarship

Bernard Kilgore Memorial Scholarship

$5,000; must be graduating from a New Jersey high school, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, have participated in journalism for at least two years in high school, and be pursuing a degree program in journalism or media studies. View Scholarship

Betsy Niles Scholarship and Missy’s Miracle Scholarship

$5,000 each; must be a high school senior and resident of New Jersey. Applicants must also have a personal experience with (or have a relative who experienced) organ/tissue donation or transplantation or be an “awareness advocate.”
View Scholarship

Builders League of South Jersey Scholarship Foundation

$2,000; must reside or attend school in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, or Salem counties in New Jersey and be entering a construction or real estate degree program (this includes heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and CAD drafting). View Scholarship

Hellenic University Club of Philadelphia Undergraduate Scholarship

varies; must reside in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, or Salem counties in New Jersey and be of Greek heritage or pursuing a Greek studies major. View Scholarship

Janet Logan Daily Foundation Scholarship

$10,000 over four years; must be a New Jersey resident and high school senior who has worked approximately 30 hours per week during summer vacations (since the student was 16 years old), have a minimum 2.5 GPA, and participate in an extracurricular activity. View Scholarship

Melissa Anne Centrella Scholarship Foundation

varies; must be a New Jersey resident, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be an active volunteer, and be entering a degree program in nursing, medicine, or medical technology. View Scholarship

Monmouth Civic Chorus Vocal Scholarship

varies; must be a high school senior and resident of New Jersey. A vocal audition is also required for application. View Scholarship

National Association of Water Companies New Jersey Chapter Scholarship

$2,500; must be a five-year resident of New Jersey and a high school senior or college student with a minimum 3.0 GPA who is attending/planning to attend a New Jersey higher education institution. Applicants must also be interested in the water utility industry. View Scholarship

New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund

varies, up to $2,500; must be a New Jersey resident (for at least 12 consecutive months), demonstrate financial need, and be accepted in a degree program at one of the 41 participating New Jersey higher education institutions. View Scholarship

NJ STARS (Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship) Program

$12,500; applicants must be a New Jersey high school junior or senior ranked in the top 15% of their class and be enrolling full-time at a community college in their home county. View Scholarship

New Jersey State Golf Association Caddie Scholarship

$3,000; must have caddied a minimum of two seasons at a NJSGA club, be able to demonstrate financial need, and have a high GPA and SAT scores. View Scholarship

The Governor's Urban Scholarship Program

$1,000; must be a resident of Asbury Park City, Camden City, East Orange City, Irvington Township, Jersey City, Lakewood, Millville City, Newark City, New Brunswick City, Paterson City, Plainfield City, Roselle Borough, Trenton City, or Vineland City in New Jersey (for at least one year). Applicants must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the end of their junior year of high school or rank in the top 5% of their class and be enrolled in a degree program at a postsecondary institution in New Jersey. View Scholarship

Young Christian Leaders Scholarship

$1,000; must be a permanent resident of New Jersey and a high school senior or undergraduate student with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants may be attending college in another state but must be active in their home church. View Scholarship

Can all Scholarships be Used for Online Programs?

Most scholarships can be applied to any and all degree programs, whether they are on-campus or online colleges in NJ. However, it is important to inform scholarship sponsors that you are an online student and ask about any additional requirements. You should be sure to only apply for scholarships that you are eligible for.

Employment Outlook in New Jersey

Students who select an on-campus or online college in New Jersey have a variety of employment opportunities available to them after graduation. As outlined in the data below, the unemployment rate in the state is slightly lower than the U.S. average, and the annual mean salary is significantly higher. New Jersey is home to many healthcare, education, and private institutions that employ thousands of people. However, the trade, transportation, and utilities industry employs the greatest number of New Jersey residents.

Accreditation for Colleges in New Jersey

College accreditation is important to understand when researching college degree programs. Accreditation provides assurance that an educational institution and/or its specific programs meet quality standards. There are six regional accreditation agencies in the U.S. that grant accreditation to colleges and universities. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes these and other accreditation agencies in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education. They publish a list of accredited institutions.

Regional accreditation is generally considered to be more prestigious than national accreditation. However, national accreditation is appropriate for certain schools that offer career training programs, as well as Bible colleges. Transferring credits between regionally- and nationally-accredited schools can be challenging; keep this in mind when researching schools.

If you’re interested in pursuing your degree through an online school in New Jersey, be sure to review each college’s accreditation credentials; attending an unaccredited school makeS it harder to secure employment or go on to pursue an advanced degree. Checking the history of each school’s accreditation and making sure that they are accredited by CHEA-approved organizations provides peace of mind that schools aren’t “degree mills” and are legitimate options.

Resources for Students in New Jersey

• Higher Education Student Assistance Authority: HESAA provides New Jersey students with educational and financial resources for college. It is the only state agency with this mission and offers need- and merit-based scholarships, grants, and loans. HESAA also works with students to pursue federal funding sources and offers information to families about the financial aid opportunities available to them.
• State of New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education: This state office gathers data about higher education institutions, manages the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement for online schools in New Jersey, and oversees the Educational Opportunity Fund for students who require additional financial aid not covered by the Tuition Aid Grant Program (managed by HESAA).
• New Jersey Higher Education Resources: This state-operated web portal allows users to research higher education institutions, employment opportunities, and quality of life facts, in addition to other information related to living and working in New Jersey.
• Inventory of Program Offerings at New Jersey Colleges and Universities: This is a helpful research tool for identifying degree programs at New Jersey’s higher education institutions. You can search by the degree level and program sector.
• New Jersey’s Troop to College Program: This program connects veterans with the resources required to enter a college degree program at one of New Jersey’s 31 public institutions or one of the 12 participating independent institutions. It offers guidance about the GI Bill®, Yellow Ribbon Program, and other benefits.
• The New Jersey Council of Community Colleges: This organization assists New Jersey’s 19 community colleges by providing leadership and giving suggestions for improving services and degree programs. It also manages the community college portion of the NJ Stars tuition grant program. Students researching online schools in New Jersey should be sure to review this site.
• New Jersey State Library: This library is affiliated with Thomas Edison State University and services all of New Jersey’s libraries and government employees. Individual residents are also able to register to borrow books and materials.