New Jersey reigns as the Diner Capital of the World, but the Garden State also holds the nation's top spot for community college students who transfer and graduate with a bachelor's degree within six years. Nearly 21% of transfer students earn a four-year degree in that timeline. Online colleges in New Jersey make higher education more accessible for transfer students.
New Jersey provides more than diners, busy highways, and beaches. Explore the best majors, high-demand careers, and online colleges in New Jersey with this helpful guide.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Colleges in New Jersey
#1 Best Online Colleges in New Jersey
Rutgers University–New Brunswick
- New Brunswick, NJ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A New Jersey-based school, Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers many virtual program options for degree-seekers nationwide. Distance learners can enroll in liberal arts and professional studies programs offered at the nonprofit school. Online learning allows working professionals to conveniently earn accredited degrees while they continue their careers.
Undergraduates complete a 120-credit bachelor’s degree in four years on average. Graduate students complete a master’s degree in about two years. Enrollees conveniently complete their degree with live and recorded classes. Many programs blend classroom instruction and experiential learning, such as internships or practicums. Working professionals submit assignments on schedule.
The school offers certificates or associate degrees for beginning students. Learners at the school can use online support services, such as tutoring and career advising. At Rutgers University–New Brunswick, degree-seekers pay affordable online tuition. The average total aid per enrollee is $14,168. Prospective applicants can expect a 61% admission rate. Rutgers University–New Brunswick is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an independent accrediting agency.
Percent Online Enrollment
24%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Online Colleges in New Jersey
Rowan University
- Glassboro, NJ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Rowan University is a four-year public college located in New Jersey. The school offers on-campus and online undergraduate and graduate programs. Degree-seekers choose from a catalog of 127 virtual program. The degrees provide a strong liberal arts and professional education. Students complete degrees in various disciplines.
Faculty blend classroom theory and practical experience through internships and field experience. Some online programs require limited in-person requirements such as residencies. Most online degrees require no in-person requirements. Faculty bring real-world experience to the classroom. Remote enrollees receive assistance, such as tutoring in various subjects.
The admission rate at Rowan University is 74%. Degree-seekers help pay for their education with competitive tuition rates and financial aid. Students pay the same tuition regardless of in-state or out-of-state residency. Prospective applicants can expect an average total aid of $9,955 per enrollee. Rowan University has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Percent Online Enrollment
34%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Online Colleges in New Jersey
Thomas Edison State University
- Trenton, NJ
- 4 years
- Online
Located in Trenton, New Jersey, Thomas Edison State University offers on-campus and online degrees as a public institution. The school's virtual programs enroll 10,227 students from all across the country. Remote degrees in top fields like business, STEM, and healthcare help the college meet the needs of graduates with diverse career goals. Degree-seekers choose from 20 bachelor's options.
The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs for its distance learners. General education classes impart foundational knowledge to undergraduate degree-seekers. Enrollees attend more in-depth classes for the major, as well. By participating in seminars and online courses, graduate learners develop advanced skills.
To learn more about admission requirements, application deadlines, and start dates, prospective students can reach out to the school. The accredited institution helps enrollees find opportunities for financial aid. Applicants should contact the financial aid office to see if they qualify for scholarships, fellowships, or grants.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric -- affordability -- accounts for 60% of our formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
This ranking is from 2023. To learn more, consult our school ranking methodology.
Price Check
In the 2021-2022 academic year, New Jersey students paid an annual average of $14,860 for in-state tuition and fees — about $5,260 higher than the national average.
10 Fast-Growing Careers in New Jersey
New Jersey's job market offers college graduates stability in many sectors, especially with bachelor's degrees.
Graduates should consider their interests and the job market when choosing careers. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development projects physician's assistant positions to increase by 32.2% from 2018-2028. Physician's assistant programs accept candidates with bachelor's degrees and direct patient experience.
The healthcare sector leads in employment growth projects in New Jersey. However, the tech industry in New Jersey also received strong projections. For instance, jobs for information security analysts are projected to increase by 22.4% in that decade.
Fast-Growing Careers in New Jersey 2022-2032
| Job |
Projected Growth |
Annual Mean Wage in New Jersey |
| Physician Assistant |
32.2% |
$148,350 |
| Nurse Practitioners |
28.2% |
$145,030 |
| Speech-Language Pathologists |
23.6% |
$102,820 |
| Information Security Analysts |
22.4% |
$135,940 |
| Respiratory Therapists |
21.9% |
$92,350 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists |
19.1% |
$93,100 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor |
18.3% |
$67,250 |
| Software Developers |
16.6% |
$134,970 |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary |
12.6% |
$115,350 |
| Healthcare Social Workers |
11.7% |
$82,010 |
Source: New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, BLS New Jersey
Majors to Consider to Prepare for New Jersey's Job Market
Opt for a major you love but choose a program with encouraging employment growth prospects. These majors can pave the way for prosperous careers in growing sectors in New Jersey.
-
Business
Business majors prepare for the workforce by studying subjects like finance, marketing, and statistics. They can refine their skills through available business concentrations and maximize their potential in New Jersey's growing industries. Concentrations include accounting, information systems, and marketing.
-
Counseling
New Jersey expects to see a surge in openings for healthcare social workers and substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. You can prepare for a career in counseling by earning a bachelor of science in counseling and then a master's degree.
-
Nursing
New Jersey faces a nursing shortage. By obtaining a bachelor of science in nursing, working as a registered nurse, and earning a master of science in nursing degree, you can embark on a high-demand nurse practitioner career.
-
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Employment growth for speech-language pathologists, or speech therapists, is projected to rise in New Jersey, adding hundreds of job openings each year. Earning a master's in speech-language pathology and audiology can lead to a career as a speech therapist.
Cost of Living in New Jersey
New Jersey ranks among the more expensive states in the country. On average, New Jersey residents spend $17,359 annually on housing and $9,770 on transportation. The living wage in New Jersey comes to $51,500 before taxes. Typically, studying online makes college less expensive, especially if you consider the money saved on transportation.
Average Cost of Living in New Jersey
| Cost of Living Category |
Average Cost Per Month |
| Housing |
$1,446 |
| Groceries & Food |
$384 |
| Transportation |
$814 |
| Medical Care |
$281 |
Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator, using data for 1 Adult without children
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in New Jersey
New Jersey's public in-state college tuition costs nearly 55% more than the national average, as of the 2021-2022 academic year. To help cover these costs, New Jersey offers many grants, scholarships, and discounts to improve college accessibility.
These scholarships reward associate degree-holders who transfer to participating four-year colleges. Scholarship recipients are awarded based on academic and personal merit. This recurring scholarship offers $2,500 each year for up to four years. Candidates need at least a 3.25 GPA with an annual family income of less than $250,000.
The Governor's Urban Scholarship recognizes New Jersey high school graduates in the top 5% of their class. To apply, you must live in one of the 33 municipalities, possess a 3.0 GPA, and enroll in a participating college or university. The scholarship provides $1,000 each year.
The NJ STARS program provides full tuition coverage to eligible students at participating colleges. Applicants must be New Jersey residents in the top 15th percentile in their high school class.
TAG has made college more affordable to New Jersey residents since 1978 with this grant covering nearly all of a recipient's tuition. You must demonstrate financial need to qualify, and the award amount varies.
New Jersey residents, children, and spouses of victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks can apply for the World Trade Center scholarship. Only undergraduates may apply. Award amounts vary each year and do not exceed the cost of tuition, fees, and room and board.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in New Jersey
New Jersey does not offer tuition reciprocity to out-of-state students. To pay in-state tuition, you must live in New Jersey for 12 months before enrolling in college. Undocumented students who attend high school in New Jersey can also apply for in-state tuition.
New Jersey participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA), however, allowing out-of-state students to enroll in online programs. Schools may offer discounted tuition to online learners studying from other states.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in New Jersey
Do online credits cost more or less in New Jersey?
Tuition at New Jersey colleges exceeds national averages. National tuition and fees at public four-year colleges in 2021-2022 came to $9,596, compared to $14,861 in New Jersey. Only five states charged higher tuition in 2021-2022 than New Jersey. On average, online colleges in New Jersey charge similar rates as on-campus tuition.
What is the most affordable college in New Jersey?
Just like in the rest of the country, public colleges in New Jersey provide more affordable tuition rates compared to private institutions. Public four-year colleges charged $28,633 in room and board and tuition and fees in 2021-2022, while public four-year institutions charged $53,717. As one of the least expensive colleges in New Jersey, Kean University charges $6,713 per semester for in-state undergraduates.
Can you do online school in New Jersey?
Yes. Online colleges in New Jersey welcome students from anywhere. New Jersey participates in NC-SARA, allowing students across state lines to enroll in online programs. In New Jersey, 14.4% of college students take online degrees exclusively, while 38.4% of learners enroll in some virtual courses.
How long do you have to live in New Jersey to get in-state tuition?
You must legally reside in New Jersey for 12 consecutive months to pay in-state tuition. International students can apply for in-state tuition after establishing residency. Military service members and their dependents qualify for New Jersey residency tuition rates.
What is the best online school in New Jersey?
The best school depends on your specific needs and goals. In New Jersey, you can find elite public schools like Rutgers University and private institutions like Princeton University, which offer online degrees and courses.
Will Any Online Colleges in New Jersey Accept a GED?
Most New Jersey online colleges accept applicants with GED certificates. More competitive universities may prefer students with traditional high school diplomas, however. Some of the online colleges in New Jersey that accept students with GED certificates include Rutgers, Rowan College at Burlington County, Mercer County Community College, and Thomas Edison State College.
Edited by