When people think of New Jersey colleges, Rutgers and Princeton hog the spotlight. But if you dig a little deeper, the Garden State is hiding a few underrated gems that deserve your attention. From charming campuses to specialized programs and buzzing college towns, these schools bring their own flavor to the Jersey higher-ed scene.
1. The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) – Ewing, NJ
Think of TCNJ as New Jersey’s best-kept secret. With its scenic campus and Georgian colonial architecture, it’s like stepping onto a movie set of the most picturesque college you can imagine. TCNJ is known for its rigorous academics and small class sizes, which means students get a lot of face-time with their professors. It ranks high in national surveys for public liberal arts colleges, offering strong programs in business, education, and engineering. Plus, Ewing isn’t too far from Philly or NYC, making those weekend escapes easy.
2. Montclair State University – Montclair, NJ
Nestled near a trendy little town with artsy vibes and great restaurants, Montclair State University gives you that city-meets-suburb feel. With over 300 majors, minors, and concentrations, you can dig into whatever piques your curiosity—from performing arts to environmental studies. The university’s School of Communication and Media is top-notch, with partnerships that provide students hands-on experience with media giants like NBC and Viacom. And thanks to its close proximity to New York City, there’s no shortage of internship opportunities.
3. Stevens Institute of Technology – Hoboken, NJ
If you’re into all things tech and engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology is calling your name. Located in Hoboken (which is basically New York City’s cousin across the Hudson River), Stevens students get the best of both worlds: a cozy college town and the Big Apple’s job market right next door. This school is serious about innovation, with killer programs in computer science, engineering, and business. And with an enviable view of the Manhattan skyline, your Insta feed will never be boring.
4. Seton Hall University – South Orange, NJ
If a blend of community vibes and Catholic heritage sounds appealing, Seton Hall might just be your match. It’s one of the state’s oldest private universities and prides itself on a strong liberal arts foundation. The university is known for its business and law programs, but the health sciences and diplomacy departments are on the rise too. Seton Hall is just a train ride away from NYC, so students can easily mix suburban chill with urban hustle.
5. Rowan University – Glassboro, NJ
What started as a teachers’ college has grown into one of New Jersey’s largest public universities. Rowan’s appeal lies in its entrepreneurial spirit. With booming programs in engineering, business, and the arts, it’s a hub for hands-on, innovative learning. The Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts has a great reputation for students looking to break into media or the arts. Plus, Glassboro itself is slowly transforming into a lively college town with expanding dining and entertainment options.
So, if you’re looking beyond the obvious choices of Rutgers and Princeton, these five schools have their own unique stories to tell and offer experiences that might just surprise you.
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