2024's Best Online Colleges in New Jersey (NJ)

If you’re a New Jersey resident thinking about earning your college degree online, you’ve come to the right place. More and more, students are pursuing their degrees remotely for the added flexibility and convenience.

As a New Jersey student, you’re in a great spot to take advantage of the state’s online learning opportunities. By attending college online in New Jersey, you can benefit from tuition discounts, state funding, and the opportunity to split your studies between online and on-campus instruction.

With so many great choices, picking a program can be a tough task. In this guide, we’ve listed the best online colleges in New Jersey to give you a good starting point for your program search. We’ve also provided valuable information about accreditation, the different ways you can earn your degree online, opportunities for financial aid, and other helpful resources for your online college journey.

2024 Rankings: Best Online Colleges in New Jersey

New Jersey has so many options for online college degrees that it can be challenging to spot the best ones. But fear not: We’ve done all the heavy lifting for you. We’ve extensively reviewed New Jersey’s online colleges and compiled a list of the state’s top programs. Schools that made the cut offer more than an outstanding curriculum; our top picks also offer affordable tuition, small class sizes, substantial financial aid opportunities, and student support services to help you make the most of your degree.

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools

1
New Jersey Institute of Technology

Newark, New Jersey

Public $$$
At the New Jersey Institute of Technology, you can earn a top-rated STEM degree without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees are available in a range of disciplines, from engineering to cybersecurity. Students can select their preferred learning style from hybrid, virtual classrooms, or completely online classes at any place and time. After graduation, they’re well prepared to step into careers at major corporations, education, and government. Degrees from NJIT have been rated as one of the top 2% ROIs for money spent on a degree by Payscale.com, meaning graduates can look forward to robust job prospects.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Business
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $523/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Master of Science in Applied Science
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $1,112/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Master of Science in Transportation
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $1,112/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

15/1
2
Rowan University

Glassboro, New Jersey

Public $$
Rowan University’s Global Learning & Partnerships programs convert some of Rowan’s top graduate and undergraduate degree programs into affordable and accessible online programs. Whether you’re a working professional based in New Jersey or you’re from out of state, you can earn your undergraduate or graduate degree at Rowan. These online programs are offered via a learning management system incorporating digital content and internet-based communication tools. For undergraduates, Rowan’s degree completion programs are an opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree on an accelerated timeline. Graduate students can attend classes full- or part-time online in accelerated course formats, making their graduation date sooner than it would be with a traditional program.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Arts in Law and Justice
- Credits: 51
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $506.58/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Master of Science in Finance
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $780/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4-5 years
- Cost: $875/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

17/1
3
Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, New Jersey

Public $$$
At Rutgers University-New Brunswick, students can complete their bachelor’s or master’s degrees online. These programs are the same as their on-campus counterparts, focusing on academic excellence, interactive learning, and real-world skills that encourage success. Even if you complete your degree online, you’ll still have the opportunity to study abroad with Rutgers. The only difference between an online degree and traditional study is that instead of meeting your classmates and professors on campus for classes, you’ll be able to sign into courses at your convenience and have the freedom to balance your education with your career and family life.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $594/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: AACSB
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $950/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Master of Science in Digital Marketing
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $950/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

16/1
4
Rutgers University-Camden

Camden, New Jersey

Public $$$
If you’re a self-motivated and organized student, Rutgers University-New Camden might be a good fit for earning your degree in a flexible online format. In these bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, there are no set schedules for most of the courses. That means you can work entirely at a pace, day, and time of your choosing as long as you complete the assignments. These asynchronous online courses are well-suited for independent learners, though they carry the same credentials as an on-campus degree. The education and workload are also equivalent to in-person courses at Rutgers. Students can expect to view lectures, participate in class-wide conversations, take exams, and collaborate on group projects.
Program Highlights:
Online Bachelor of Science in Labor and Employment Relations
- Credits: 30-60
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $594/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Online Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 49
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $1,300/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: AACSB
Online Master of Science in Supply Chain Management
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $950/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

15/1
5
New Jersey City University

Jersey City, New Jersey

Public $$$
Online students at New Jersey City University receive an affordable, high-quality degree via fully online courses. While NJCU is located minutes from New York City, you don’t have to be close to campus to earn your degree. These challenging bachelor’s and master’s programs come with small class sizes and the same rigorous curriculum as on-campus programs. Since all classes and assignments are made available online via Blackboard, students have the flexibility to complete their coursework in the time and place they see fit. However, they still have ample opportunities to connect with their peers on message boards or during occasional synchronous online chats conducted in real time.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Fire Science
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $449.15-$802.50/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Master of Science in Fire Studies
- Credits: 30 credits
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $797.70/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership
- Credits: 55
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $797.70/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

14/1
6
Montclair State University

Montclair, New Jersey

Public $$$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

18/1
7
Stockton University

Galloway, New Jersey

Public $$$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

18/1
8
Rutgers University-Newark

Newark, New Jersey

Public $$$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

15/1
9
Kean University

Union, New Jersey

Public $$$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

18/1
10
Berkeley College-Woodland Park

Woodland Park, New Jersey

Private for-profit $$$$$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

17/1

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools

1
Sussex County Community College

Newton, New Jersey

Public $$
Sussex County Community College is an excellent choice for students from a variety of backgrounds looking for their next educational step. The school offers options for transfer students, veterans, international students and even high school students who are ready to start taking college-level courses. Sussex offers six associates degrees that are available completely online, including information technology and liberal arts. These distance learning programs allow students from any location to take courses at their convenience. However, students outside of the county and state will face higher tuition costs. Sussex’s programs are designed to equip students to directly enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year university.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Science, Computer Information Systems
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $225/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Associate of Science, Business Administration
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $225/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

15/1

Online Learning Modes at New Jersey Colleges

Online college programs in New Jersey come in all shapes and sizes. All online learning modes are equally effective, but some formats will work better for you than others. So, before you start researching programs, consider your schedule and how and when you learn best. Then consider the various online learning formats described below to identify the options that best suit your needs.

Fully Online vs. Hybrid or Blended

When you hear the phrase “online colleges in New Jersey,” you might assume that you can complete all your coursework from the comfort of your couch. If that’s your goal, you’ll have plenty of options for fully online programs.

However, if the idea of working 100% solo sounds lonely, you have options. Hybrid and blended programs combine in-person instruction and online coursework, giving you a balance of flexibility and classroom community. Although you may see the terms “hybrid” and “blended” used interchangeably, there is a difference. Typically, hybrid programs let you choose which classes you take online. For example, if you’re nervous about your statistics class, you might decide to take that course on campus to get more instructor support. Blended programs also involve a mix of online and in-person learning. But, in blended programs, the in-person experience supplements an online course. For example, you may pursue a nursing degree online but come to campus for clinicals.

If this all sounds a little vague, don’t worry: We’ve highlighted some real-life examples of these learning formats. Read on to learn about the specifics of quality hybrid and online programs to get a feel for your options at the best online colleges in New Jersey.

Raritan Valley Community College (Hybrid/Blended)

Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg, NJ, offers a host of associate degree programs that are 85% online. Their associate degree in business administration with a marketing option provides an excellent example of the benefits of attending a hybrid online program in New Jersey. You’ll be able to take classes like English composition and principles of marketing online but can also opt to take other classes on campus, such as science labs or math classes that may be easier to absorb in person. In addition, since you’ll be near campus you can access state-of-the-art computer labs, personal laptop loans, and a physical library. Plus, the RVConnect app is available to help you stay on top of your studies.

New Jersey City University (Fully Online)

While New Jersey City University offers fully online degrees at all levels, its specialty is online graduate degrees in education. Programs like the educational technology master of arts degree are designed to allow working teachers to advance their education on a schedule that fits their needs. For students who are nervous about learning online, New Jersey City University has developed extensive resources on how to make the most of their programs. For example, the university offers 24-hour tech support, advising, and communication with professors all through the same online platform that you’ll use for your coursework. And students can make the most of the school’s extensive online library with the opportunity to message librarians in real time.

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous: Participation & Pace

If you’re leaning toward fully online studies, you still have some choices to make to find the right online college program in New Jersey. Do you want to be able to work on your own schedule with only deadlines to keep you on track? Or would you prefer a little more structure? If flexibility is the name of the game, asynchronous learning will be your best bet. Asynchronous courses allow you to complete your coursework whenever it works for your schedule. Typically, your learning will be some combination of video or written lectures, discussions with classmates on message boards, written assignments, and online tests. Just remember that asynchronous doesn’t mean self-paced; you’ll still have due dates for homework. Asynchronous programs are by far the most popular online college degree format in New Jersey, so you’ll have plenty of options available to you.

If you’d prefer your online learning to be more interactive, you might seek out a program with synchronous course options. In synchronous courses, students and professors meet online on specific days and times. This format allows you to participate in group discussions and interact directly with your professor and classmates. However, synchronous programs are less popular because many online students value flexibility. At the moment, New Jersey doesn’t have any fully synchronous online degree programs, though many programs offer a mix of synchronous and online classes.

Take a look at the excellent examples of each course style below to help you decide which option better suits your needs.

Rutgers University (Asynchronous)

Rutgers University is one of the best schools in New Jersey, and its online degree programs are no exception. Rutgers offers a range of unique online degrees, including an online bachelor of science in labor and employment relations. Students specialize in workplace topics such as inclusivity, professional development strategies, and employment law. Experienced professors or industry professionals teach the school’s online courses. Additionally, students can complete their degrees online or mix and match online programs with in-person instruction at either of the two campuses or any of the three partner colleges. Rutgers takes pride in its outcomes-focused approach to education. As part of this mission, it goes out of its way to ensure that online students participate in internship placements and other networking opportunities.

William Paterson University (Synchronous)

Although none of New Jersey’s online degree programs include fully synchronous programs, William Paterson University offers a healthy selection of synchronous classes across its curriculum. By opting for a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning, students can combine the flexibility of asynchronous coursework with the interactive engagement of real-time learning. For example, students in the bachelor’s in criminology and criminal justice online program can take some classes synchronously. The opportunity to interact with classmates and professors helps students build a stronger connection to the school community. Plus, some courses are just better when conducted in real time. For example, discussion-based classes like the senior seminar in criminal justice can go more in-depth and result in richer conversations when students and professors have the chance to engage in back-and-forth conversations.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time

It’s wise to be realistic about how many credits you can take on each semester while upholding your other responsibilities and avoiding burnout. And since most online colleges in New Jersey charge by the credit rather than by the semester, there’s no tuition penalty for pacing yourself (although some scholarship and financial aid opportunities are only open to full-time students).

If you have a lot on your plate, taking classes part-time may be the way to go. Since many students opt for online degrees because they’re trying to balance many demands on their time, the vast majority of New Jersey online colleges accommodate part-time study. On the other hand, if you’re trying to earn your degree and get into your new career as quickly as possible, full-time studies are the best way to meet your goals. You can have your pick of any online program that appeals to you.

We’ve dug deep into both degree options to help you learn about a few outstanding programs and assess the time commitment that sounds right for you.

Fairleigh Dickinson University (Part-Time)

Online advanced degree students at Fairleigh Dickinson University can look forward to numerous specializations and certification options. The size of the online graduate program means that required classes are available frequently, which is ideal for students pursuing their degrees at their own pace. For example, the online master’s degree in public health is one of the top programs of its kind in the country. Flexible scheduling and asynchronous coursework make this an ideal program for working professionals to advance their careers. After graduation, students are qualified for in-demand jobs like health service managers or biostatisticians. In addition, Fairleigh’s unique interdisciplinary approach and a high proportion of international learners offer students a holistic, global perspective on public health.

Stevens Institute of Technology (Full-Time)

Stevens Institute of Technology is home to some of the country’s best online STEM master’s degrees. Across the board, students graduate with in-demand skills and excellent networking connections. So it’s no wonder the school boasts exceedingly high job placement rates for graduates. For example, 95% of graduates of the computer engineering master’s program find a job within three months with an average starting salary of $95,212. It’s also notable that the school’s engineering programs offer a dual-degree MBA option for students looking to diversify their skills. While Stevens, like most programs, offers part-time degree options, their structure, workload, and emphasis on job placement are more suited for full-time students who hope to finish their education before entering the workforce.

Accreditation for Online College in NJ

You’ve already got an idea of how many high-quality online colleges New Jersey offers. But as you continue researching your options, don’t forget that every state has a few programs ready to take your money in exchange for a worthless degree. Before you submit your tuition payment, it’s essential to ensure that your chosen program is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-approved accreditation body.

Confirming your school’s accreditation status is the best way to ensure you attend a quality program. Accreditation organizations provide oversight for online and in-person degree programs to guarantee that curriculum and student services meet an accepted definition of quality. Legitimate online colleges in New Jersey that offer a range of programs generally are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

That’s not all, though. For example, if you’re in a vocational program or a niche program like theology, you may find that your degree is accredited by a national body instead of a regional commission like Middle States. That’s okay. As long as the accreditation agency the school lists is on the U.S. Department of Education’s approved list, you’re good to go.

Lastly, your degree field may have its own set of accreditations. These will be on a program level in addition to regional or national accreditation. Awareness of program-level accreditations is vital because they can affect how future employers view your degree. This is even more important if you pursue a career requiring a state license. For example, to receive a nursing license in New Jersey, you must have a degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

If this all sounds like a lot to keep track of, remember that you’re not alone. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to accreditation to help you work through the details and choose an accredited online college program in New Jersey that has the proper credentials.

Cost of Earning Your Degree Online in New Jersey

Your degree’s price can vary widely depending on the school you select and your financial aid opportunities. But, as a New Jersey resident, you’re likely to get more bang for your buck by staying in the state for your online degree. Many fully online degree programs and colleges in New Jersey offer in-state tuition, which, as you can see below, represents significant savings. If you pick a 100% remote program or a nearby school, you won’t have to deal with the expense and hassle of moving. By taking online classes, you can avoid the costs of commuting, on-campus housing, and meal plans.

To help give you a picture of the tuition landscape, we’ve crunched the numbers on a few of the best online colleges in New Jersey.

School Name	On-Campus In-State	On-Campus Out-of-State	Online In-State	Online Out-of-State
New Jersey City University	$35,154/year	$45,754/year	$6,691/year	$11,991/year
Kean University	$25,806/year	$33,198/year	$6,297/year	$6,297/year
New Jersey Institute of Technology	$32,186/year	$48,646/year	$18,512/year	$34,972/year
Union College	$5,281/year	$10,562/year	$5,281/year	$10,562/year

* Costs include tuition and required fees of undergraduate programs.

Financial Aid for Online Students in NJ

As an online college student in New Jersey, you have plenty of options to finance your education. For starters, take advantage of in-state tuition where it’s available. As you’ve already seen, staying in the state can significantly lower your tuition. If you’ve already selected a program, look into what scholarships are available through your school; every school we’ve highlighted here offers a selection of merit-based scholarships. On top of that, New Jersey sponsors grants, scholarships, and other aid opportunities. The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority and the New Jersey Department of Education offer grants including the College Bound Grant Program for at-risk students and the NJBEST Scholarship for students planning to attend a college in state.

These resources barely scratch the surface of financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Are you ready to learn more? We’ve got you covered. Take a look at our financial aid guide and our deep dive into scholarships for more resources on paying for your degree.

Fast-Growing Careers in New Jersey

Still deciding what you want to study? One way to narrow your options for online college programs in New Jersey is by considering what careers will be in high demand in the state when you graduate. This approach ensures that you’ll be able to find opportunities in your field and make the most of your education.

Career	Job Growth (2020-2030)	Annual Mean Wage (2021)
Nurse Practitioner	61.3%	$137,010
Occupational Therapy Assistant	40.9%	$72,860
Physical Therapy Assistant	39.4%	$70,450
Physician Assistant	39.1%	$140,080
Museum Technician or Conservator	36.4%	$56,830
Logistician	35.1%	$92,770
Statistician	35%	$109,630
Medical and Health Services Manager	33.4%	$136,580
Aerospace Engineer	32.4%	$125,230
Orthotist and Prosthetist	31.3%	$101,960

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Projections Central

Resources for Online College Students

Kingsway Regional School District Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources

You don’t have to be a Kingsway student to benefit from their excellent college and career resources. This site links to a host of school-specific, private, and state-sponsored scholarship and financial aid opportunities for New Jersey college students.

New Jersey Center for Student Success

The state of New Jersey is invested in helping its students succeed. To this end, the Center for Student Success offers mentorship programs, college prep classes, and resources to ensure students can access basic needs and textbooks.

New Jersey Education Association

This site has something for everybody, including college students. The New Jersey Education Association website can direct you to funding and mentorship opportunities, information about community college resources, information on student loans, and much more.

New Jersey GEAR UP

This state-run website hosts a directory of academic tools, scholarships, and internship placement opportunities. Suppose you’re looking for credible sources to prepare you for your studies or help you transition into the higher education system. This site can help you out.

NJ Transfer

NJ Transfer is a nice place to start if you’re building on your associate degree or looking to make a mid-degree change. The site provides up-to-date information on New Jersey college programs, transfer equivalencies, and more.

Today’s Best Online Colleges in New Jersey