Discovering the Top Public Colleges in New Jersey: Money Magazine’s Best Picks
When it comes to higher education, New Jersey is home to some remarkable institutions that offer more than just a diploma. With lower tuition costs for in-state students and strong local job prospects, public colleges in New Jersey can be both an affordable and wise choice for many. Recently, Money Magazine released its list of the Best Public Colleges in the U.S., highlighting two exceptional schools from the Garden State that are making waves for their value and outcomes.
The Criteria Behind the Ranking
Money Magazine evaluated over 700 colleges, ultimately narrowing it down to 87 of the best public institutions based on a rigorous analysis of several factors. The criteria included:
- Graduation Rates
- Cost of Attendance
- Financial Aid Availability
- Alumni Salaries
- Overall Value for Students
The colleges that made the list scored within the top 30% of national rankings for the 2025-26 school year.
1. New Jersey Institute of Technology
A Beacon of Innovation
Located in Newark, the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) stands out as a polytechnic university emphasizing STEM fields. With an impressive reputation, NJIT has been ranked as the No. 1 public university in the state for alumni earnings, economic mobility, and academic profile by the New York Times. It also holds a prestigious position as a Top 50 Public National University according to U.S. News & World Report.
Academic Offerings
Students can explore diverse programs, with degrees spanning:
- Architecture & Design
- Business
- Computing
- Engineering
- Humanities & Liberal Arts
- Math & Science
COURTESY OF NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Key Statistics
- Estimated Price (with Average Aid): $17,800
- Graduation Rate: 80%
- Median Student Debt: $21,000
- Typical Early Career Earnings: $84,280
Matthew Golden, Vice President for Communications at NJIT, expressed pride in the recognition, stating, “We are very proud that Money has, once again, ranked NJIT among the best universities in the nation and behind only Princeton in the state of New Jersey.”
2. The College of New Jersey
A Community of Scholars
Nestled in Ewing, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is regarded as one of the nation’s finest public institutions. Offering over 160 undergraduate programs across seven schools, TCNJ provides students with rich, diverse learning opportunities.
Academic and Extracurricular Engagement
Programs include areas like:
- Arts and Communication
- Business
- Education
- Engineering
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Nursing, Health & Exercise Science
- Science
COURTESY OF THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 and more than 200 student organizations, TCNJ fosters a vibrant community where student engagement thrives. Impressively, 90% of students return for their sophomore year, showcasing a strong commitment to student satisfaction and success. TCNJ ranks 9th for four-year graduation rates among traditional public universities, based on IPEDS data from 2022.
Key Statistics
- Estimated Price (with Average Aid): $23,700
- Graduation Rate: 86%
- Median Student Debt: $23,250
- Typical Early Career Earnings: $73,320
A representative from TCNJ noted, “At TCNJ, we are committed to providing the highest quality education for our students at a value price point. We appreciate Money recognizing those efforts in its rankings.”
Conclusion: A Smart Choice for New Jersey Students
Choosing to attend a public college in New Jersey not only provides financial benefits but also leads to strong career readiness upon graduation. With institutions like NJIT and TCNJ at the forefront, students can expect a quality education designed to launch them into successful futures.
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Additional Reading
- The Top 10 Colleges & Universities in NJ For 2025, According to New Report
- This NJ University Ranks Among the World’s Best, Says U.S. News
Explore the educational landscape of New Jersey and find the right path for you!
