Cheapest Online Colleges in New Jersey [2025 Guide]
New Jersey is home to a plethora of colleges and universities offering affordable online programs that are designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule.
Find Your School in 5 Minutes or Less
Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!
Education in New Jersey means choice - from prominent research universities to specialized colleges, students can tap into a rich academic environment. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), tuition at public colleges in New Jersey is competitively priced, making higher education more accessible for many students.
With a robust network of colleges, students in New Jersey can easily find a variety of high-quality online learning opportunities. Looking for an affordable online college in New Jersey? We've scoured the options to bring you the best of the bunch.
Methodology
EDsmart rankings are based on data provided by NCES IPEDS reports via College Scorecard. All schools must provide four data points that EDsmart relies on to rank higher education institutions:
- Average Net Price
- Graduation Rate
- Retention Rate
- Median Earnings
Any school missing any one of the data points was not considered in our ranking. Only 4-year schools were considered for this ranking.
The rankings below are based solely on their average net prices.
EDsmart ranks colleges by Net Price, not just tuition, to show real costs. Net Price includes grants and scholarships, giving a more accurate picture of affordability.
Popular Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Most Affordable Online Colleges in New Jersey
1. Kean University
- Average Net Price: $10,406
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Median Earnings: $57,237
Kean University has an admission rate of 82.60%, making it relatively accessible for students. The average cost of attendance is $24,102, with in-state tuition and fees at $12,972 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $20,364. Students who graduate typically have a median debt of $23,250.
2. William Paterson University of New Jersey
- Average Net Price: $12,946
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Median Earnings: $57,780
William Paterson University has an admission rate of 91.53%, showing a high acceptance rate. The average cost of attendance is $23,631, with in-state tuition and fees at $14,624 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $23,624. Graduates often carry a median debt of $22,334.
3. Felician University
- Average Net Price: $13,540
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Median Earnings: $57,602
Felician University admits 89.15% of its applicants, indicating a fairly inclusive admissions process. The average cost of attendance is $48,466, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees set at $36,410. The median debt for graduates is $25,000.
4. Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus
- Average Net Price: $14,684
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Median Earnings: $57,273
With an admission rate of 84.09%, Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus is quite accessible. The average cost of attendance is $45,688, and tuition and fees for both in-state and out-of-state students are $34,404. Graduates typically have a median debt of $25,000.
5. Montclair State University
- Average Net Price: $15,677
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Median Earnings: $61,415
Montclair State University has a high admission rate of 91.31%. The average cost of attendance is $26,041, with in-state tuition and fees at $13,762 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $22,472. The median debt for graduates is $22,000.
6. Rutgers University-Camden
- Average Net Price: $16,537
- Graduation Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Median Earnings: $74,479
Rutgers University-Camden has an admission rate of 76.52%. The average cost of attendance is $29,550, with in-state tuition and fees at $16,112 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $33,812. Graduates typically have a median debt of $21,500.
7. Rutgers University-Newark
- Average Net Price: $17,508
- Graduation Rate: 72%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Median Earnings: $74,479
Rutgers University-Newark admits 73.94% of applicants. The average cost of attendance is $28,522, with in-state tuition and fees at $15,648 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $33,348. Graduates often have a median debt of $21,500.
8. Stockton University
- Average Net Price: $17,764
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Median Earnings: $57,602
Stockton University has an admission rate of 85.54%. The average cost of attendance is $30,214, with in-state tuition and fees at $15,188 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $22,922. The median debt for graduates is $20,500.
10. Caldwell University
- Average Net Price: $19,811
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Median Earnings: $53,843
Caldwell University has an admission rate of 66.37%. The average cost of attendance is $51,620, with in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $38,050. Graduates typically have a median debt of $25,000.
11. Monmouth College
- Average Net Price: $19,875
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Median Earnings: $51,110
Monmouth College admits 90.70% of applicants. The average cost of attendance is $54,707, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $42,214. The median debt for graduates is $27,000.
12. Centenary University
- Average Net Price: $20,285
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Median Earnings: $53,726
Centenary University has a high admission rate of 96.54%. The average cost of attendance is $49,508, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $35,934. Graduates typically have a median debt of $23,163.
13. Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus
- Average Net Price: $20,365
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Median Earnings: $57,273
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus admits 89.12% of applicants. The average cost of attendance is $50,395, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $34,404. Graduates often have a median debt of $25,000.
14. Rowan University
- Average Net Price: $21,344
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Median Earnings: $59,988
Rowan University admits 76.94% of applicants. The average cost of attendance is $32,251, with in-state tuition and fees at $14,952 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $24,345. The median debt for graduates is $20,500.
15. Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Average Net Price: $22,675
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Median Earnings: $74,479
Rutgers University-New Brunswick has an admission rate of 66.29%. The average cost of attendance is $31,851, with in-state tuition and fees at $16,263 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $33,963. Graduates typically have a median debt of $21,500.
16. Rider University
- Average Net Price: $23,153
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Median Earnings: $62,208
Rider University has an admission rate of 84.13%. The average cost of attendance is $52,777, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $37,200. The median debt for graduates is $26,130.
17. Seton Hall University
- Average Net Price: $30,732
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Median Earnings: $70,196
Seton Hall University has an admission rate of 75.07%. The average cost of attendance is $62,783, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $48,960. Graduates typically have a median debt of $22,750.
Popular Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Insights and Analysis
The rankings of the most affordable online colleges in NJ reveal a diverse landscape of higher education in terms of affordability, graduation outcomes, and post-graduation earnings. Here are some key insights and comparisons:
Net Prices and Graduation Rates
- Lowest Net Price: Kean University ($10,406) offers the lowest average net price among the ranked institutions, combined with a solid graduation rate of 60%.
- Highest Net Price: Seton Hall University stands out with the highest average net price at $30,732. However, it also offers a respectable graduation rate of 70%.
- Top Graduation Rate: Rutgers University-New Brunswick leads with an 84% graduation rate, showcasing its effectiveness in student retention and completion. This high rate is juxtaposed with a higher net price of $22,675.
Net Price vs. Median Earnings
- High Return on Investment: Rutgers University-Camden, Rutgers University-Newark, and Rutgers University-New Brunswick, each with median earnings of $74,479, highlight the potential for strong financial returns post-graduation despite relatively higher net prices.
- Moderate Earnings: Institutions like Stockton University ($17,764 net price, $57,602 median earnings) and Felician University ($13,540 net price, $57,602 median earnings) show balanced figures, providing good value for the cost.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition
- Significant Differences: Montclair State University and Rowan University present substantial differences between in-state and out-of-state tuition, with Rowan University showing $14,952 (in-state) vs. $24,345 (out-of-state). Such discrepancies highlight the financial advantage for in-state students.
- Uniform Tuition: Institutions like Felician University and Fairleigh Dickinson University (both campuses) offer the same tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students, simplifying financial planning for prospective students.
Low Median Debt
- Lowest Median Debt: Stockton University stands out with the lowest median debt of $20,500, indicating effective financial aid support and manageable student borrowing.
- Higher Debt Levels: Monmouth College and Rider University have higher median debt levels, at $27,000 and $26,130 respectively, which prospective students should consider when planning for post-graduation financial health.
Retention and Admission Rates
- High Retention Rates: Rutgers University-New Brunswick boasts the highest retention rate at 93%, suggesting strong student satisfaction and support systems. Montclair State University and Rowan University also show robust retention rates (80% and 84% respectively).
- Inclusive Admissions: Centenary University, with a high admission rate of 96.54%, exemplifies accessibility, though it balances this with a moderate graduation rate of 63%.
Callouts for Financial Considerations
- Balanced Costs and Earnings: William Paterson University ($12,946 net price, $57,780 median earnings) and Kean University ($10,406 net price, $57,237 median earnings) provide attractive options for students seeking affordable education with reasonable post-graduation earnings.
- Higher Costs, High Earnings: Seton Hall University, despite its high net price, offers strong median earnings ($70,196), which may justify the higher initial financial investment for some students.
Overall, the rankings reflect a diverse range of options for students, from affordable public institutions with solid graduation rates to private universities with higher costs but potentially greater financial returns post-graduation. Prospective students should weigh these factors carefully, considering both immediate financial implications and long-term earnings potential when making their decisions.