2024 Best Colleges for Middle-Class Students in New Jersey

• Princeton, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  463 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, my experience at Princeton was really amazing. There were so many opportunities to become involved on campus, especially in the many music groups (accapella, synphohnia, etc.). There are also so many opportunities to become involved in service through the Pace Center for Civic engagement. The one issue I have is that there are too many things to do and not enough time! The courses here are no joke, and they take up a huge chunk of your time, so I would definitely prepare to be spending a lot of time studying and working on assignments. The academic semesters here are also relatively short (12 weeks), which sometimes makes it difficult to keep up with work. That being said, I am spending my summer on campus and having an incredible time. Finally, I think the accessibility of professors at Princeton is really amazing. They are always willing to meet one-on-one, and they have many office hours (especially in intro-level courses) to help students prepare for exams.... Read 463 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $20,908

• SAT range 1460-1570

• Ewing, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,471 reviews

Alum: I had a wonderful experience at TCNJ! I was a Psychology major and Communication Studies minor. I took part in extracurricular activities which ultimately shaped my career path. Through this experience, I was able to apply what I was learning in the classroom to my work outside of the classroom. The faculty and staff truly care about their students and you get such a personalized experience. If it was not for meaningful conversations and experiences, I would not be where I am today. I was successful because of people who also cared about my success. In addition to my co-curricular experiences, I also made a lot of life long friends that I still have today because of TCNJ.... Read 1,471 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $13,269

• SAT range 1170-1350

• Newark, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  1,201 reviews

Junior: I give 5 stars based on programs that help with tuition. I was told I was eligible so when fall starts, I should be covered. However, I do think as a state school, the cost of tuition should drop. Additionally, if it stays at the cost now, there should be significant upgrades and renovations. The bathrooms are total crap, they smell like urine and all the stall hinges are broken. Just leave the door open because it won’t close. Wave when someone walks past. There are roaches crawling in hill hall in real-time. Printers always breaking. Computer labs are old. Chairs have stains. Teachers barley have supplies! my god, the amount of times my professor had to beg his colleague for chalk or a marker. Projectors never work. I could go on, but it’ll put you to sleep. Overall, 16k, I should have pride in my school. (Sometimes I tell people I go to New Brunswick because of the stare a get when I say Newark ). I could use that MacBook though. I need a computer for fall ! Help me out! :)... Read 1,201 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $11,364

• SAT range 1030-1270

• Lincroft, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  1,419 reviews

Freshman: Brookdale Community College is an exceptional institution that I absolutely love. The college provides a welcoming environment for all students, with a wide variety of clubs and organizations to join. The community at Brookdale is diverse and inclusive, providing opportunities for students from all backgrounds to engage and connect with one another. In addition to its vibrant student life, Brookdale also offers an extensive range of academic programs to meet the needs and interests of its students. Whether you're looking to pursue a degree or certification, or just want to take some courses to develop new skills, Brookdale has something for everyone. Overall, I highly recommend Brookdale Community College to anyone seeking a supportive and inclusive environment, a wide range of academic programs, and opportunities to engage with a diverse community of students. Thank you, Brookdale, for providing me with an outstanding college experience!... Read 1,419 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,559

• SAT range —

• Camden, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  830 reviews

Sophomore: Faculty: The university boasts a dedicated and accomplished faculty comprising experienced professors and researchers who are often recognized for their contributions to their respective fields. Many faculty members are actively engaged in research and scholarship, providing students with opportunities for hands-on learning and collaboration. Civic Engagement: Rutgers University–Camden emphasizes civic engagement and community service. It encourages students to actively participate in service-learning initiatives, internships, and community-based research projects to make a positive impact in the local community and beyond. Campus Life: The university provides a vibrant campus life with a range of student organizations, clubs, and extracurricular. Location: Being located in Camden, the university benefits from its proximity to Philadelphia, one of the major cities in the United States.... Read 830 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $10,104

• SAT range 1040-1230

• Mahwah, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.43 out of 5  1,023 reviews

Freshman: The college overall was an excellent experience. The program I was a part of, however, was new and undeveloped. I felt as though I wasn't given a path that made me feel confident in following. The offices responded in a timely manner and were always willing to help. All of the professors that I encountered in my time at this college were very pleasant. This college sold me when I saw their housing, commitment to their students' safety, diversity, and welcoming community. The small campus allows for a close community between students and professors, and aids in lessening confusion as you learn to navigate campus. This college provides unlimited extracurricular opportunities and hosts a multitude of events weekly! I was also surprised to find that the TWO dinning halls were always preparing amazing food. Both the atrium and standard dinning hall offered excellent, diverse, options; this includes those who are vegetarian and vegan. They also have Dunkin' and Starbucks as great options!... Read 1,023 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $12,251

• SAT range 1100-1280

• Carneys Point, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  64 reviews

Other: My experience at Salem Community College has been great. The faculty provides much assistance to students, and excels in quick and efficient communication.... Read 64 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,851

• SAT range —

• Branchburg, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  668 reviews

Alum: Small college, friendly students and staff, several clubs free to join any time, after a couple semesters you feel like family with the community. The food in the cafeteria not the greatest and also expensive in my opinion for it's quality. Shoprite is walking distance to college. Tuition costs are lower than four year college. Free parking! I had a great experience, very recommended.... Read 668 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,412

• SAT range —

• Madison, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  569 reviews

Junior: I love Drew! The campus is in a great, safe town! I’ve always felt safe walking around at night. The community here is amazing as well! I often find myself surrounded by so many friendly faces, big smiles, and people who are eager to help me in any way! Whether that be through my academic work, mental/physical health, or starting up my career. The campus really brings out the best in people and makes the experience overall amazing. I’ve even grown to love the workers who clean up campus at the crack of dawn haha. In the academics department, we have so many accredited professors. Lots of my professors have worked with professionals within my field, some even being awarded with prestigious prizes. Through them I have had the opportunity to speak to people of my interest and network. The student to faculty ratio at Drew University makes it very easy to find comfort and mentorship within your professors. overall, Drew is an amazing school! I have so much fun all the time! let’s go DREW!... Read 569 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $17,033

• SAT range 1030-1250

• Paramus, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  841 reviews

Sophomore: I'm in the nursing program and this is the best 2 years program in NJ I know. This college is very affordable, All the faculty are helping students succeed and they provide good lectures and help us prepare for NCLEX. Highly recommend this college for nursing!... Read 841 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,138

• SAT range —

• Mount Laurel, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  618 reviews

Freshman: I love RCBC! It's a community college so the population is only commuters, however, I appreciate being able to save money on room and board. The price for the amount of activities available and the number of degrees offered is amazing; the class sizes are always small and the professors normally really try to get to know each student personally. There are always students around studying or playing pick-up games of basketball outside and I just love that sense of liveliness that you normally wouldn't get from a typical local community college scene.... Read 618 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,192

• SAT range —

• Randolph, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  563 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, a truly fantastic community college! Many of the professors are highly accomplished and well-known in their fields. It is constantly rated as one of the best county colleges in the nation. It boasts multiple degree programs, as well as numerous certificates in a variety of subjects. Checksheets for all of the above can be found on their website or outside the Academic Advisement office. The fall and spring semesters mostly run on 15, 13, or 7 early/late week schedules, depending upon the particular course. CCM also offers a 4-week winter term, which is completely online, along with various summer terms (5 week early/late, 10-week, and 7-week). Many courses are available in multiple formats: in-person, remote, and online. Definitely take advantage of the free articles & databases service through the library when enrolled! CCM offers honors courses each semester and is working on expanding its program; there are also a few honors societies and other clubs one can join.... Read 563 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,315

• SAT range —

• Toms River, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  689 reviews

Sophomore: It's not the most enjoyable experience to attend a community college, especially when you watch all of your friends at colleges having a good time, making new friends, partying, joining sororities, and doing other things you might be losing out on. Since I was unable to have the same experience that I watched everyone else having, I began to feel really upset and lonely. I didn't start to really appreciate it until the beginning of spring semester at Ocean County College. In the English class I was enrolled in, I met someone. Due to the fact that we were in a comparable situation, we quickly became the best of friends. She had a significant influence on my life and encouraged me to see the good in everything. I am quite happy that I went to community college because I know I would have never met her otherwise.... Read 689 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,765

• SAT range —

• Cranford, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  582 reviews

Alum: At the time I attended and graduated, it was called UCC for short. In non abbreviated terms, Union County College. This college and their professors were fixing and truly innovating their school and uplifting to students. I really became close to many professors and I can attest, you can't find that elsewhere. This warmth made me felt how much they cared. Believe me it wasn't just their surroundings and how rich it looks but their students. Alerts from the school was majority of the time accurate, most of the professors were professional. Although, you will find some that aren't. The cafeteria is always clean the food always delicious! I enjoyed their events, the clubs and trips they offered. The only thing I would like to see change, would be the catalogs as I can remember. They had many for example as an education major. It was hard to select one, even with an advisor. Also, how expensive it was, however still affordable. I missed all the hardships and reward at the college.... Read 582 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $12,757

• SAT range —

• Vineland, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  222 reviews

Freshman: So far my experience with the Rowan Cumberland College of South Jersey has been quite the interesting journey. As a nineteen year old, I am meeting with some obstacles that I have been trying to figure out all on my own. And so far, the school has already shown me that sometimes you just got to ask for help. No matter how stubborn you may want to be at times. This school has given me the opportunity to express myself in ways that no other place has given me the chance to do so before. This particular school is giving me the chance to showcase my skills and interests not only as a wannabe artist, but also as the person I truly am going to become. As coming of age stories go, not many places are willing to give the newcomers a shot. So as a soon-to-be freshman attending Rowan College of South Jersey, I am proud to admit that I chose the right place to begin my journey that of which is called life itself. And every journey has to start somewhere. So why not at Rowan College?... Read 222 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,014

• SAT range —

• Jersey City, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  760 reviews

Sophomore: I really have enjoyed my experience so far at NJCU. They are extremely welcoming and I really felt comfortable with all of my professors. They are understanding and will work with you through everything. Overall, the campus and people are so nice. The school feels like home and not like a huge campus where you can sometimes feel like a small fish in a sea. There are so many opportunities and clubs here that they offer. It is an amazing university!... Read 760 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $13,756

• SAT range 890-1140

• Edison, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  647 reviews

Alum: They were able to give me the classes I needed to teach me how to understand certain aspects of social work and understand how important learning sociology is. The majority of the professors I had really did their best to work with me so I can have a good experience, especially in the language department my asl teacher helped me grasp the language!... Read 647 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,738

• SAT range —

• Lakewood, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Alum: amazing best staff great vibes friendly students very helpful and caring the staff takes really good care of the boys highly recomended... Read 1 review

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 31%

• Net price $8,002

• SAT range —