Ramapo College of New Jersey
Ramapo College of New Jersey is a public university in Mahwah, NJ ranked #331 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 4,664 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 73.2%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Accounting and Related Services.
Academically, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, 87.1% first-year retention, and 71.9% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $20,360, about $3,362 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -33.9%, roughly 119.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $53,872. That's about $10,184 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Ramapo College of New Jersey Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Ramapo College of New Jersey graduates 71.9% of students within six years and keeps 87.1% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Ramapo College of New Jersey's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $15,978 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,226 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $15,834 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,712 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $30,176 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 26.7% of Ramapo College of New Jersey students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $10,142 to $26,671 depending on family income. Use Ramapo College of New Jersey's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $25,667/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $26,671/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $53,872
- 10-Year Median Earnings $53,872
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 72.6%
- Employment Rate 85.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Ramapo College of New Jersey graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Ramapo College of New Jersey vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Ramapo College of New Jersey's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Ramapo College of New Jersey's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Ramapo College of New Jersey graduates earn $53,872 median, the -33.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 560-640
- SAT Math 560-630
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 21-26
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 4,664
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 87.1%
- Graduation Rate 71.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
How to Get Into Ramapo College of New Jersey
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Ramapo College of New Jersey requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 73.2%, Ramapo College of New Jersey is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 73.2% acceptance rate, Ramapo College of New Jersey is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1120 and 1270 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Ramapo College of New Jersey undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Communication and Media Studies draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 13.4%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 10.6%
- Communication and Media Studies 7.9%
- Psychology, General 7.7%
- Accounting and Related Services 7.1%
- Biology, General 6.0%
See more majors
- Social Sciences, General 5.9%
- Social Work 4.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $101,973
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $91,549
- 3. Biology, General $73,412
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Information Science/Studies $73,164
- 5. Legal Professions and Studies, Other $71,357
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations $70,884
- 7. Computer and Information Sciences, General $69,363
- 8. Mathematics $66,559
- 9. Area Studies $61,051
- 10. Social Work $58,059
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $141,690
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $109,999
- 3. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $96,075
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Education, Other (Master's Degree) $78,355
- 5. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $70,758
- 6. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $62,864
- 7. Social Work (Master's Degree) $49,015
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $101,973—76% more than Social Work ($58,059). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $141,690 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Ramapo College of New Jersey. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 171 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 101 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 98 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 91 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 77 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (43 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Communication and Media Studies
- Psychology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Biology, General
- Social Sciences, General
- Social Work
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Information Science/Studies
- Music
- English Language and Literature, General
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Sociology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- History
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Political Science and Government
- Mathematics
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Marketing
- International/Global Studies
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Business/Commerce, General
- Physics
- International Business
- Natural Sciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Area Studies
- Philosophy
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Biological and Physical Sciences
Online Master's Degrees (15 programs)â–¼
- Social Work
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Education, Other
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Accounting and Related Services
- Special Education and Teaching
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Sociology
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Political Science and Government
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Music
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- History
- Biology, General
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (2 programs)â–¼
- Sustainability Studies
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 4,664
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 42.4%
- Female Students 57.6%
- Caucasian 54.5%
- Asian 10.5%
- Hispanic 25.2%
- Black 6.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 26.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Ramapo College of New Jersey's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Ramapo College of New Jersey's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Ramapo College of New Jersey support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Ramapo College of New Jersey, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Ramapo College of New Jersey support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Ramapo College of New Jersey, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Ramapo College of New Jersey serves as an affordable college for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #331 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $20,360 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $53,872 median earnings. The 71.9% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a college. While 87.1% retention suggests adequate student support.
College Value: Ramapo College of New Jersey's Strengths
Ranked #331 with a B+ grade, Ramapo College of New Jersey prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Colleges like Ramapo College of New Jersey excel at providing affordable education ($20,360 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Ramapo College of New Jersey's 87.1% retention and 71.9% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical college performance. Career outcomes ($53,872 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Ramapo College of New Jersey and $20,360 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 71.9% six-year graduation rate sits 9.4 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 87.1% first-year retention is 10.3 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -33.9% return on investment is 119.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $53,872 run about 23% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $20,360 is roughly $450 higher than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 87.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 85.0% employment rate within three years sits 16.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $20,360 is about $450 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 26.7% trails the national share by 6.7 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Ramapo College of New Jersey is a public university based in Mahwah, NJ and earns a B+ overall grade. It holds a #331 national ranking Completion earns A-, Support B, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 87.1% of first-year students return, and roughly 71.9% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -33.9%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $20,360 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $30,176.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $9,816 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 26.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $53,872 six years after entry. This is roughly 23% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 85.0% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -33.9%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
73.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Ramapo College of New Jersey admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Mahwah, NJ 07430-1680
- Website www.ramapo.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Transfer Enrollment Rate16.5%