Top Universities in New Jersey 2025: Rankings, Courses, Tuition & Admissions Guide
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Thinking about studying in New Jersey in 2025? You’re on the right track! From the prestigious halls of Princeton to the tech labs of NJIT and the vibrant student communities at Rutgers and Montclair, there’s a perfect fit here for every kind of student.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top universities in New Jersey—covering everything from rankings and courses to tuition and admissions—to help you choose the right path for your academic future.
Why Should You Choose New Jersey Institute of Technology in 2025?
If you’re thinking about a future in technology, engineering, or business, then New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) could be the perfect place for you in 2025. Located in Newark, New Jersey, NJIT is a public polytechnic university that focuses on giving students hands-on learning, research experience, and career-ready skills—all at an affordable cost. NJIT is ranked among the top national universities by U.S. News & World Report and is also listed as a top value school.
It stands out for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, business, and architecture, and it offers more than 140 research labs and centers for students to explore new ideas and build real-world skills. With more than 11,900 students, including 1,400+ international students from 70+ countries, NJIT is a diverse and welcoming campus. Following are the key details of New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT):
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1881 |
| Location | Newark, New Jersey, USA |
| Campus Size | 48 acres |
| Total Enrollment | Approx. 9,300 undergrads, 2,600 grad students |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 17:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 66% |
| First-Year Retention | 88% of freshmen return for their second year |
| Graduation Rate | 67% finish their degree within 6 years |
| Tuition (2024–2025) | In-state: $16,334/year; Out-of-state: $34,024/year |
| Popular Majors | Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture, Business, Information Tech |
| Average SAT Score | 1230–1410 |
| Application Deadline | Rolling admissions; recommended by March 1 |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Campus Life | 100+ clubs, NCAA Division I sports, tech incubators, career events |
| Research Facilities | 140+ labs and centers; $170M+ in annual research funding |
| Top Recruiters | Google, IBM, Verizon, Lockheed Martin, PSEG |
| Top Student accommodation near New Jersey Institute of Technology | The Beacon, 308 West 18th Street, 55 John Street, 230 Sullivan Street, 152 West 15th Street, New Yorker |
| Website | www.njit.edu |
Why Is Rutgers University a Top Choice for Students in New Jersey in 2025?
If you want a big-name university that gives you lots of program choices, strong job opportunities, and great research options, then Rutgers University is an excellent pick in 2025. With campuses in New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden, Rutgers is New Jersey’s top public university and part of the Big Ten Academic Alliance, which connects students to top resources across the U.S. According to U.S. News & World Report, Rutgers–New Brunswick ranks #41 among national universities in 2025.
It’s especially strong in fields like business, engineering, computer science, public health, and psychology. The university also runs over 175 research centers, so students have lots of opportunities to work on exciting projects and gain hands-on experience. Rutgers has a huge student body of more than 70,000 students, including 8,500+ international students from 125+ countries. Even with its size, students still get support thanks to a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. Following are the key details of Rutgers University:
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1766 |
| Campus Size | 2,600+ acres (New Brunswick campus) |
| International Students | 8,500+ from more than 125 countries |
| Acceptance Rate | 61% |
| First-Year Retention | 93% |
| Graduation Rate | 84% (within 6 years) |
| Tuition (2024–2025) | In-state: $17,929/year; Out-of-state: $37,441/year |
| Popular Majors | Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Public Health, Psychology |
| Average SAT Score | 1300–1480 |
| Application Deadlines | Early Action: Nov 1; Regular Decision: Dec 1 |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Campus Life | 500+ student clubs, sports, events, cultural fests, and global housing |
| Research & Innovation | $750M+ in research funding annually |
| Top Recruiters | Google, Amazon, Johnson & Johnson, Goldman Sachs, Bristol Myers Squibb |
| Top Student accommodation near Rutgers University | Standard New Brunswick, 44 Courtlandt, The Hub on Morell |
| Website | www.rutgers.edu |
Why Is Princeton University One of the Best Universities in New Jersey in 2025?
Princeton University holds the #1 spot in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, and it’s famous for its world-class education, beautiful campus, and strong financial aid. Located in the peaceful town of Princeton, New Jersey, this Ivy League school was founded way back in 1746. It’s especially great for students interested in economics, public policy, engineering, computer science, and history. Many Princeton graduates go on to become leaders in business, government, science, and education.
One of the best parts? Princeton offers generous financial aid, and most families earning under $100,000 per year pay little or no tuition at all. The university keeps class sizes small with a 5:1 student-faculty ratio, so students get lots of personal attention. Its strong residential college system also makes it easy to feel part of a tight-knit, friendly community. Following are the key details of Princeton University:
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Princeton, New Jersey, USA |
| Campus Size | 600 acres |
| Total Enrollment | Approx. 8,500 students (5,600 undergrads, 2,900 grads) |
| International Students | 13% of total enrollment (approx. 1,100+ students from around the world) |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 5:1 (very small class sizes) |
| Acceptance Rate | 6% (very competitive) |
| First-Year Retention | 98% |
| Graduation Rate | 98% finish their degree within 6 years |
| Tuition (2025–2026) | $65,210/year |
| Total Cost of Attendance | Approx. $90,718/year (with housing, meals, and other fees) |
| Popular Majors | Economics, Public Policy, Computer Science, Engineering, History |
| Average SAT Score | 1490–1570 |
| Application Deadlines | Early Action: Nov 1; Regular Decision: Jan 1 |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 7.0+ |
| Campus Life | 300+ clubs, NCAA Division I sports, arts programs, eating clubs |
| Financial Aid | 100% of need-based aid covered; low-income students often pay $0 tuition |
| Top Recruiters | Google, Goldman Sachs, World Bank, Microsoft, McKinsey, top universities |
| Website | www.princeton.edu |
What Makes Stevens Institute of Technology a Great Option in 2025?
Stevens Institute of Technology, located in Hoboken, New Jersey, just 10 minutes from New York City, giving students easy access to internships, jobs, and big tech companies. Stevens is a private research university that mixes engineering, science, and business—perfect if you’re interested in areas like mechanical engineering, computer science, business analytics, or cybersecurity.
The university ranks high nationally and focuses on career-ready learning, meaning students work on real industry projects, research, and internships. Stevens is also known for its strong job results. About 96% of students get hired or go to grad school within 6 months of graduating. Plus, the average starting salary is over $84,000, which is one of the highest in the country for new grads. Following are the key details of Stevens Institute of Technology:
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1870 |
| Location | Hoboken, New Jersey, USA (10 minutes from NYC) |
| Campus Size | 55 acres |
| Total Enrollment | Around 8,200 students (4,000 undergrads, 4,200 grad students) |
| International Students | 2,000+ from over 60 countries |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 11:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 47% |
| First-Year Retention | 93% |
| Graduation Rate | 88% (within 6 years) |
| Tuition (2024–2025) | $63,462/year |
| Total Cost of Attendance | Approx. $84,906/year (includes housing, food, and fees) |
| Popular Majors | Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Business Analytics |
| Average SAT Score | 1350–1510 |
| Application Deadlines | Early Action: Nov 15; Regular Decision: Jan 15 |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Campus Life | 100+ student clubs, NCAA Division III sports, tech incubators |
| Career Outcomes | 96% job/grad school placement; average salary: $84,700 |
| Top Recruiters | Lockheed Martin, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Deloitte, Verizon |
| Top Student accommodation near Stevens Institute of Technology | St. George Towers, Hotel 99, 92NY Residence, Lorimer Williamsburg Home, Pratt Bedford Home |
| Website | www.stevens.edu |
Why Should You Consider Rutgers University–New Brunswick in 2025?
If you want a big university with top academics, fun campus life, and great career opportunities, then Rutgers University–New Brunswick is an awesome choice in 2025. It’s the main and largest campus of the Rutgers system and has something for everyone—from exciting classes to clubs, sports, and internships. In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Rutgers–New Brunswick is ranked #41 among national universities.
It’s especially known for strong programs in engineering, business, psychology, journalism, and biological sciences. Plus, it’s part of the Big Ten Academic Alliance, which gives students access to even more research and learning resources. With nearly 50,800 students on campus, you’ll never run out of things to do. You can join any of the 750+ clubs, cheer on the Division I sports teams, or get involved in leadership and volunteer programs. Following are the key details of Rutgers University–New Brunswick:
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1766 |
| Location | New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA |
| Campus Size | Over 2,600 acres across five campuses |
| Total Enrollment | Approx. 50,800 students (36,000 undergrads, 14,800 grads) |
| International Students | 8,000+ from 125+ countries |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 16:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 61% |
| First-Year Retention | 93% (students come back for their second year) |
| Graduation Rate | 84% (within 6 years) |
| Tuition (2024–2025) | In-state: $17,929/year; Out-of-state: $37,441/year |
| Popular Majors | Engineering, Business, Psychology, Journalism, Biological Sciences |
| Average SAT Score | 1300–1480 |
| Application Deadlines | Early Action: Nov 1; Regular Decision: Dec 1 |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Research Facilities | 175+ centers; $750M+ in annual research funding |
| Top Recruiters | Johnson & Johnson, Deloitte, Merck, Amazon, Bloomberg |
| Website | www.rutgers.edu |
Why Is Montclair State University a Good Pick for Students in 2025?
Montclair State University located just 14 miles from New York City, offers the best of both worlds—a peaceful campus setting and quick access to big-city opportunities. Montclair is known for supporting students from all walks of life. It’s ranked #12 in the U.S. for Social Mobility and #81 among Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report. That means it does a great job helping students—especially first-generation and underrepresented students—graduate and start strong careers.
The university offers over 300 programs, including top majors in education, business, psychology, communication, and the performing arts. With over 21,000 students, a 252-acre campus, and more than 120 clubs and activities, Montclair gives you the feel of a large university—but with a friendly, supportive vibe. Following are the key details of Montclair State University:
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1908 |
| Location | Montclair, New Jersey, USA (14 miles from NYC) |
| Total Enrollment | Approx. 21,784 students (17,000 undergrads, 4,700 grad students) |
| International Students | 600+ from over 70 countries |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 17:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 83% (welcoming to many students) |
| First-Year Retention | 82% |
| Graduation Rate | 67% (within 6 years) |
| Tuition (2024–2025) | In-state: $15,912/year; Out-of-state: $26,022/year |
| Popular Majors | Education, Business, Psychology, Communication, Performing Arts |
| Average SAT Score | 1050–1250 |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 6.0 |
| Campus Life | 120+ clubs, NCAA Division III sports, music, art, and culture |
| Top Recruiters | NJ Public Schools, Prudential, NBCUniversal, Hackensack Meridian Health |
| Top student Accommodation Near Montclair State University | W 141st St #636, W 115th St #601, Park Avenue East Home, Marymount, The Reserve, Scholes St #207 |
| Website | www.montclair.edu |
Conclusion
New Jersey is more than just a great location—it’s a hub of innovation, diversity, and academic excellence. Whether you’re drawn to research powerhouses like Princeton and Rutgers or want hands-on learning at NJIT or Stevens, there’s a university here that fits your dreams. And once you’ve picked your university, don’t forget about your next step—finding the right student accommodation!
University Living makes it super easy to compare, choose, and book verified student housing near top universities in New Jersey. Whether you want to live close to campus or prefer a spot with extra privacy, we’ve got you covered. Visit University Living and start your smooth student journey today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top universities in New Jersey for international students in 2025?
New Jersey is home to several top-rated universities for international students including:
1. Princeton University
2. Rutgers University
3. Stevens Institute of Technology
4. New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
5. Montclair State University
What is the most affordable university in New Jersey for international students?
Montclair State University is among the most affordable, with tuition for out-of-state students at approximately $26,022/year in 2025. NJIT also offers great value with hands-on STEM programs and tuition around $34,024/year.
Which university in New Jersey has the highest global ranking in 2025?
Princeton University is the highest-ranked, holding the #1 spot in U.S. News & World Report’s national rankings for 2025.
Which universities in New Jersey offer strong STEM programs?
Top STEM-focused universities include:
1. NJIT (Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture)
2. Stevens Institute of Technology (Cybersecurity, Engineering, Analytics)
3. Rutgers University (Data Science, Public Health, Engineering)
What are the application deadlines for top New Jersey universities in 2025?
Following are the application deadlines for top New Jersey universities:
1. Rutgers University: Early Action – Nov 1, Regular Decision – Dec 1
2. NJIT: Rolling admissions (recommended by March 1)
3. Princeton University: Early Action – Nov 1, Regular – Jan 1
4. Stevens Institute: Early Action – Nov 15, Regular – Jan 15
5. Montclair State: Rolling admissions (Priority – March 1)
What are the average SAT/ACT scores needed to get into top NJ universities?
Below are the average SAT/ACT scores needed to get into top NJ universities:
1. Princeton: SAT 1490–1570, ACT 33–35
2. Rutgers: SAT 1300–1480, ACT 28–34
3. Stevens: SAT 1350–1510
4. NJIT: SAT 1230–1410
5. Montclair State: SAT 1050–1250
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