Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey in 2024

The Bais Medrash Torash Chesed ranks as one of the most cost-efficient schools in the New Jersey area. It is a licensed, accredited Talmudic school, located in Lakewood, NJ that offers a program leading to a Bachelor of Talmudic Studies. Students can get their education, without going into incredible debt to receive their degree and begin their professional careers. This is an exceedingly small campus and has a faculty to student rate of 18 to one.

For in-state residents, Stockton University was established in 1969 and classes began in 1971 in temporary locations until the build-out was complete. The college is known for an innovative approach to traditional teaching methods. The school has an exemplary teaching staff; 95% have tertiary degrees. The school was named one of the top 10 public universities in the Northeast by U.S. News and World Report in 2021.

Kean University has a long and illustrious history. It was founded in 1855 and was the first public post-secondary institute in New Jersey. The university offers more than 50 undergraduate degrees ad over 60 different courses of study for graduate degrees. It also has six different doctoral programs for those looking for a full course of study. Kean University offers world-class instruction with “real-world” professional experience and diverse educational offerings. The faculty has been recognized for its’ distinguished faculty and long tradition of opportunity and affordability.

Those looking for flexibility and structure in a positive environment should consider Thomas Edison State University located in Trenton, NJ. Thomas Edison has over 100 undergraduate degree programs. Since 1972 it has been a leader in adult education and because it does cater to adult learning they have versatile online programs to meet the busy schedule of those that may be juggling work and school.

Whether a new student is looking to start their education or a student is transferring from another school, Bloomfield College is a great choice. The college was founded originally in 1868 as a German Theological Seminary. It moved to Bloomfield from Newark in 1872 and became a four-year college in 1923.

Bloomfield College currently has a student to faculty ratio of 15:1.

Drew University, a Phi Beta Kappa liberal arts university, includes the College of Liberal Arts, the Drew Theological School and the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies. Drew is located on a beautiful, wooded, 186-acre campus in Madison, New Jersey, a small town with easy access to New York City. Drew’s one-of-a-kind path to an undergraduate degree, Launch, ensures that every student graduates with a purpose, sought-after transferable skills, a network of mentors, and an experience-based résumé—guaranteed.

The College of New Jersey is located on 289-acres of beautiful woodland in Ewing Township, NJ. It is convenient for those located in both New York and Philadelphia. It is known as a liberal art college with specialties in arts, communication, business, education, engineering, humanities, and social services like nursing, health, and exercise science. The college was originally founded in 1855 as the New Jersey State Normal School, as is proud of its high graduation rate.

Montclair State University is a great option for those living in New York City as it is just 12 miles away. Located on a picturesque 252-acre campus, it was founded in 1908 and is currently one of the largest universities in New Jersey. The University offers over 300 different majors, minors, concentrations and certificate programs. Popular degrees include education, business, psychology, computer science, humanities, social work, biology, and justice studies. The student to faculty ratio is 17:1.

William Paterson University of New Jersey is one of the leading schools in the area with over 10,000 students. It is situated in Wayne, NJ, on 370 wooded acres of land and adjacent to over 1,200 acres of beautiful wetlands and woodlands and just a couple miles from Paterson Great Falls.

The University offers a wide range of learning opportunities both on and off-campus. They also boast an impressive faculty. The student to faculty ratio is 14 to 1 and has 41 Fulbright scholars on staff. Many others have received awards, grants, and fellowships.

Located in Lakewood, NJ, Georgian Court University is a great option for those that are currently working and looking to elevate their career with a diploma or certificate. They offer several different career options that can be obtained in around 14-months, the nursing program is just one of them. The university was founded in 1908 as a Roman Catholic Church by the Sisters of Mercy. The university was a women’s college for more than 100 years but finally began admitting males in 2014. The main campus is on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985. The faculty to student ratio is 13:1.