2024 Best Colleges for Public Policy 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

• Piscataway, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  6,020 reviews

Junior: Rutgers University is a transformative institution that offers a world-class education. The faculty's expertise and dedication to student success are remarkable. The campus facilities are top-notch, providing an excellent environment for learning and growth. Rutgers fosters a vibrant and diverse community, promoting inclusivity and cultural exchange. The university's emphasis on research and innovation opens doors to exciting opportunities. With extensive extracurricular offerings and a robust alumni network, Rutgers, particularly the Business School, prepares students for rewarding careers. Proud to be a Scarlet Knight!... Read 6,020 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $11,803

• SAT range 1240-1470

• 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

• 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

• West Long Branch, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  970 reviews

Alum: Monmouth was a great experience for me! I did so much growing as a man, a partner, an athlete, a child of God and so so much more. At Monmouth, I made some of my greatest friends, people that I will be in contact with probably for the rest of my life. The struggles, laughs, cries, triumphs and defeats were all shared with them and for that I will be forever in debt and gratitude for Monmouth and the amazing people. I was able to come in contact with. As an athlete, I learned so much about my body and others' bodies which allowed me to really take my talents to a new level athletically and help contribute to my love for my major, Exercise Science. At Monmouth, I also had the opportunity to seek God without my parents and I am so blessed for the bonds I made this way and how closer to God I have through these groups and events.... Read 970 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $29,059

• SAT range 1070-1250

• South Orange, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  2,145 reviews

Junior: I have loved my time here at Seton Hall! Since my first tour, I felt welcomed and a part of the campus community immediately. The sense of community at SHU is genuinely a game changer- I have met so many people from different majors, states, and even countries! One of my favorite things about Seton Hall is the academics here. Aside from having excellent and strong academic programs, the smaller class sizes and personalized attention have helped me grow and succeed as a student both in class and on campus. I have gotten to know exceptional faculty, and that personalized attention has helped me develop a strong bond with many of my professors! As a big school-spirit person, the events, Christmas tree lighting, and basketball games are so fun! It also is helpful being right outside NYC- a 30-minute train ride for internship opportunities, jobs, and entertainment is hard to beat!... Read 2,145 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $33,177

• SAT range 1200-1370

• 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

• Lakewood, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  348 reviews

Graduate Student: I attend GCU as a transfer student from Ocean County College. While I was nervous as it is a bigger campus and a 4-year university, I assimilated quickly as the student community was strong. There were many activities to be involved in, strong athletics teams, and students met for study groups often. I was an education and psychology major, and both programs were rigorous. Tutoring was available and professors were ready and willing to assist when needed. The library was equipped with resources and technology and the classroom technology was high-tech. I really enjoyed my years here and are sad they are behind me!... Read 348 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $20,448

• SAT range 980-1160

• Morristown, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.37 out of 5  221 reviews

Junior: Being a small, private university, the professors here at Saint Elizabeth University are some of the sweetest, most genuine, and truly rewarding leaders and set up the students here for success. With the small population, the student-to-professor ratio is just perfect and there is usually never a moment where the professor doesn't engage each individual in the class. In addition to this, the professors genuinely want each student to succeed and find time to provide students with extra time for assistance regarding the course. The university is still growing in diversity but there are very friendly people everywhere!... Read 221 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $21,774

• SAT range 890-1100

• Galloway, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  1,575 reviews

Other: Stockton was the first university that I attended. I had no friends from high school or my community college that were going to Stockton, and it was an hour away from my home, so I was traveling twice a week to come to my classes. Stockton has so much to offer, and I saw immense opportunity for personal growth. Being a young black female in that space was very hard, but no one ever made me feel like I was less then. The school is huge and always clean and organized and the amount of support that the school offers for the students is relieving. They also have incredible communication; the school keeps you updated with EVERY LITTLE DETAIL! There is almost nothing to go unsaid. All of my professors were incredible and took pride in their work, and held students accountable, but also showed compassion and care. I did unfortunately have to drop out I would return to Stockton in a heartbeat. I loved the atmosphere and would love to be more involved in the school.... Read 1,575 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $19,581

• SAT range 1050-1250

• Montclair, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  3,121 reviews

Freshman: As someone who is freshly graduated from high school, I was really anxious and scared about going to college. Thankfully everyone at Montclair was super helpful, kind, and patient with me. The actual campus itself is gorgeous, and at least gets me a bit of exercise every time I have class since it's on a hill. There are so many amenities on the grounds and after a few months, everything become relatively close and easy to find. Overall, I've really enjoyed my freshman year at Montclair, and hope to have an even better Sophomore year!... Read 3,121 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $12,026

• SAT range 1010-1210

• Union, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  1,569 reviews

Junior: All of the students and faculty are extremely kind and considerate. The professors give a stimulating amount of work and will accommodate to your needs so long as you tell them your situation. Something that I would change is the advertising of clubs and organizations on campus to make them more well known, my first year I wasn’t a part of any organizations because I didn’t know what the university offered. Now I am a member of a club and an officer of an organization and I love it! The head of student affairs is incredibly generous, and the others officers and I work well together. Something else I love is the use of student input in classroom and university in its entirety. Students can take surveys received in emails to evaluate their class, campus, and university. Also, many courses of all subjects have had open discussions about material where students options matter. More than this, my campus feels very inclusive and this makes me feel safe while learning in the classroom.... Read 1,569 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $18,078

• SAT range 920-1120

• Hackettstown, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  321 reviews

Freshman: My first year attending this college has been quite the unique experience. I found myself enjoying waking up every weekday in my dorm room and getting ready for the classes, which offer me wonderful knowledge for my major in Equine Studies. I feel like I belong here, which isn't something I can usually say! I hope to enjoy the next 3 school years here!... Read 321 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $24,476

• SAT range 990-1170

• Jersey City, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  715 reviews

Senior: I have been at Saint Peters for the last 3 years and I am currently going into my senior year. I've had many good memories and experiences. What I loved the most was the small campus. I am able to make many friends. Saint Peter also allows me to be able to have a connection with my professors and advisers. Since classes are small I am able to get the need I need with my education. I also love how many of my textbooks are for free if needed since I am in the STEM apartment. But there are changes I would love to see. Since it is very small it can get very boring. I would also love to see many of the building updated. Even though they are currently making changes for better it would still be nice to see it faster. Overall, Saint Peters has the resources I need to get my degree.... Read 715 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $12,937

• SAT range 970-1150

• Glassboro, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,825 reviews

Senior: When I first came to Rowan University, it was amidst 2020 and the COVID lockdowns. Expectedly, Rowan University didn't handle this well, but what school did? My first year was absolutely atrocious, it genuinely felt as though I was imprisoned. All classes were online, no activities were schedule across campus in hopes of reducing the spread of the illness, and the food was bad. However, I truly got to see what this University had in store once these restrictions were lightened and eventually lifted. The professors are extremely welcoming and conversive, activities galore, and overall it became the college experience that I assume everyone would imagine. The only issue that I see is that commuters may have an issue with the school as parking can be limited at the time. If Rowan University fixed that issue then it would be perfect as in every other way they are always working towards their improvement!... Read 1,825 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $21,425

• SAT range 1070-1280

• Wayne, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  954 reviews

Alum: Overall, I felt that William Paterson University was an exceptional institution for my undergraduate career. For a student who feels more comfortable in smaller, community-based institutions, like myself, WPU is a great choice. There are many opportunities for students to get involved in including Greek Life; D3, club, and intramural sports; musical ensembles; and a plethora of clubs. The location is about 35 minutes away from NYC and is located within the trees, making it available for many types of terrains based on what you prefer. I personally really enjoyed my time within the Psychology Department at WPU. All professors were extremely helpful and were very passionate within their fields. What I would like to see change within WPU is a more integrated and promoted campus social life. Living on campus, there was never much to do around unless you left campus. I would like to see an influx in opportunities on campus to get students of all years more involved.... Read 954 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $15,762

• SAT range 890-1090

• 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 —

• Cranford, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  583 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 583 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $12,757

• SAT range —

• Jersey City, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  490 reviews

Freshman: Hudson County Community College, both the Union City and the Jersey City campus, provided me with an opportunity that wasn’t in my life before. I am 26 years old, and I never thought I would be going back to college after leaving almost seven years ago. Going back was scary, but I was excited to go to college for me instead of my parents. It was a challenging experience I will continue to go through and wouldn’t have it any other way. Professors I had during my first freshman semester pushed me and saw something in me that I did not see myself. I am grateful for that. I’m persuading a major that I love and that I’m continuing to learn about every single day. Hudson County Community College is a stepping stone in my academic career, and I’m grateful for it to be my first step into achieving my goals and receiving both of my degrees. I would change the North Hudson campus to have some of what the Jersey City campus has to offer. I am eternally grateful for Hudson Community College!... Read 490 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,179

• 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 —

• Lawrenceville, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  1,247 reviews

Alum: I had a great undergraduate experience. I found great professors and staff who were willing to help not only with on-campus opportunities but also when it comes to getting work experiences and a job. The campus is getting better and better each year, nice to see continuous investments being made. Grateful for all the wonderful people I met here!... Read 1,247 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $23,781

• SAT range 1050-1270

• Blackwood, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  567 reviews

Alum: This community college is wonderful. I previously attended there and graduated and now I'm back for another degree. It's a clean, simple campus with an easy layout. The professors are wonderfully qualified and all of the staff were so kind. With admissions, the process is always streamlined. They make every process from registration to financial aid very easy to understand. I would like for them to clean the bathrooms and lunchrooms more frequently, but all the college facilities from the library to the theatre are all well kept. The education is top notch at the cheapest prices! No one can beat $99.00 per credit for any educational institution. I've had a great experience from beginning to end at this college. I'm happy to be back again!... Read 567 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $3,762

• 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 —

• Newark, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  624 reviews

Sophomore: I started attending during the semester of Fall 2020, and I must really say that a great number of professors are top-notch in their knowledge and instruction capacities for the invested student. There was one semester where three of my professors were Doctorates of Color, which was incredibly motivating for me to see, because at surface level one might not equate community college with an ivy education, but the fact of the matter is a lot are just as capable, if not more. The main campus building and overall community was definitely felt during the semesters where everything was remote. The staff in the student offices genuinely go out of their way to help the students as if they were their own family members, which is something I noted in the several times I've had to make appointments for academic & financial advising. Definitely worth a try!... Read 624 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,618

• 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 —