2024 Best Community Colleges in New Jersey

• Lincroft, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  1,424 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 1,424 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,559

• SAT range —

• Carneys Point, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  65 reviews

Freshman: This would be my first year attending Salem Community College in New Jersey. I am transferring from another community college from Delaware and from the very first interaction I've had with Salem Community College I knew this would be a great school to attend. All I can say is that so far this has been a great college experience. The staff is extremely helpful and kind. They respond fast to emails and they are also very through. This is a completely different experience from my previous college. I have family and friends who attend this school and they all feel the same way.... Read 65 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,851

• SAT range —

• Branchburg, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  671 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 671 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,412

• SAT range —

• Paramus, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  847 reviews

Freshman: Great School! Lot of Parking, nice campus, advisors are very nice and helpful, good teachers, diversed, I would say walking around at night time I do feel secure there are security in the halls and going around the campus in their security vehicles, can do asynchronous, synchronous, hybrid and in person classes. Is an accredited school!... Read 847 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,138

• SAT range —

• Mount Laurel, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  620 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 620 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,192

• SAT range —

• Randolph, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  565 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 565 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,315

• SAT range —

• Toms River, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  693 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 693 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,765

• SAT range —

• Cranford, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  585 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 585 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $12,757

• SAT range —

• Vineland, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  223 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 223 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,014

• SAT range —

• Edison, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  652 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 652 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,738

• SAT range —

• Paterson, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  293 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Passaic County Community College has been good overall. For a student that is not completely sure of what career they would like to pursue, I would recommend enrolling in a 2-year college first. PCCC has given me the accessibility on time and financially to be able to work and study at the same time. I have been able to be part of the organizations like SGA which has helped me develop communication and social skills. This organization has helped me to connect more and be involved in college activities, and also participate in outdoor activities. PCCC is very diverse, you can connect with people who share the same ethnicity and likes. Something that I would like to see change is the advisement help offered to students. Since I enrolled at PCCC, I do not know who is my advisor, I have got a guide on my degree thanks to my professors who work in the CIS department and have given me advice on the classes I should take. Personally, that will be something to work on.... Read 293 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,731

• SAT range —

• Sewell, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  418 reviews

Sophomore: The professors are great and really want to see their students succeed. My advisor now is awesome. However, I had a horrible experience with my first advisor that suggested I take remedial classes in math even though I scored very well on my Accuplacer test. Make sure you advocate for yourself and if you're not pleased with the way you're treated, make sure you make that known through the proper channels. The workers in the financial aid office are very well informed and the workers in the business office are very kind. The librarian is amazing and will help you in any way she can. There are resources to help you study and get extra help if needed. The campus is beautiful, and the staff is amazing.... Read 418 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,955

• SAT range —

• Blackwood, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  569 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 569 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $3,762

• SAT range —

• Mays Landing, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  440 reviews

Freshman: Atlantic Cape is a pretty small and inclusive campus! Very easy to navigate with staff all around and always willing to assist you in any way. A wide range of students of different ages, races, cultures, etc., so it’s not too difficult to find your crowd. Professors are very understanding and easy to work with, and classes are totally customizable! Tons of different academic options as well as sports and clubs to get involved in the community.... Read 440 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,285

• 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 —

• Newton, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  343 reviews

Sophomore: Many stereotypes are made about community colleges, but I have not received the experience that is portrayed to be looked down upon. I attended community college due to the pandemic, but throughout my almost two years at the college, I have loved being involved on campus and exploring the many opportunities that have been presented to me. Like any school, whatever you put into it, you’ll get out of it. With that being said, I definitely recommend getting involved in any way that you can, especially within campus life and opportunities within your major, which can be easier to make friends too. There has been so many fun experiences inside and outside the classroom setting. The overall academics is a basic education with average professors, but as long as you put effort in, then there should be no issues. Some of my professors have been very opinionated and rude, remember to choose wisely. Overall, I have absolutely loved my experience at community college and recommend it to anyone!... Read 343 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,447

• SAT range —

• West Windsor, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  399 reviews

Other: During my Mercer County Community College tour, I had a fantastic experience that left a lasting impression. The campus was very easy to navigate through and showed a healthy learning environment. The tour guide was knowledgeable and provided detailed information about the various academic programs and support services available. I had the opportunity to visit the athletic department which was my favorite part of the tour. What stood out the most was the warm and inclusive community atmosphere. Overall, the tour showcased a college that values student success and offers a nurturing environment for personal and academic growth, leaving me excited and confident about the prospects of joining Mercer County Community College.... Read 399 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $12,477

• SAT range —

• Newark, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  627 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 627 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,618

• SAT range —

• Washington, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  83 reviews

Sophomore: Since Warren County Community College is very small compared to other colleges, the staff and faculty really focus and help the students who attend the school and make them feel heard. Besides 1 or 2 teachers I have had the best experiences with my teachers and other faculty members who have truly taken the time to understand me and help me to the best of their abilities with any problems I have encountered during my time here.... Read 83 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $3,857

• SAT range —

• Toms River, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Niche User: It was incredible. I learned everything I needed to prepare for my future career as a practical nurse. The teachers were phenomenal and got me ready for the workforce. I was pleased with the information I received while going. Overall, it was a wonderful experience.... Read 3 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,597

• SAT range —

• Scotch Plains, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Senior: I really liked the school. My teachers and peers all encouraged me to push myself with my studies, but everyone is super friendly and helpful.... Read 3 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,645

• SAT range —

• Hackensack, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  6 reviews

Recent Alumnus: Exelcior College Academic Experience – my experience at Exelcior college has been for the most part a godsent. the staff is professional and very helpful in getting and keeping you on track of meeting your education goals. What I love the mosyt about this experience is that everyone is so real and cadid in dealing with our challanges as we meet our endstate.... Read 6 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,351

• SAT range —

• Freehold, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  1 review

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $25,581

• SAT range —

• Denville, NJ•

• 2 Year

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $15,434

• SAT range —