Choosing a college in New Jersey doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. While many colleges in New Jersey are known for their high tuition costs, there are also plenty of affordable options available. This guide highlights the most budget-friendly colleges in New Jersey , focusing on tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, so you can plan for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with confidence.
In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 14 four-year New Jersey Public Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $26,944, reflecting a 0.08% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 14 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 12 colleges, while tuition decreased at only 2 colleges.
Thomas Edison State University ranks as the least expensive public New Jersey colleges. With tuition and fees at just $8,856, Thomas Edison State University offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are New Jersey City University at$14,460 and Kean University at$22,446 both consistently recognized among the New Jersey Public Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable New Jersey Public Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 80.17%, and the average SAT score is 1,152, making them not only cost-effective but also accessible options for a wide range of students.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - | Thomas Edison State University Trenton, NJPublic, 4-year | $8,856 ($6,838) $258 | $12,150 ($12,150) - | - | 7,544 | - | - | 20 to 1 |
| 2 5 | New Jersey City University Jersey City, NJPublic, 4-year | $14,460 ($14,460) $10,428 | $15,499 ($15,499) $8,136 | 98.38% | 5,429 | - | 34.00% | 13 to 1 |
| 3 1 | Kean University Union, NJPublic, 4-year | $22,446 ($14,299) $1,370 | $25,472 ($19,841) $1,553 | 75.90% | 13,905 | 1,040 | 47.00% | 17 to 1 |
| 4 1 | Stockton University Galloway, NJPublic, 4-year | $24,524 ($16,266) $1,104 | $24,264 ($17,262) $1,062 | 88.94% | 8,631 | 1,140 | 69.00% | 17 to 1 |
| 5 - | William Paterson University of New Jersey Wayne, NJPublic, 4-year | $25,344 ($15,704) $880 | $24,211 ($16,963) $801 | 90.08% | 9,942 | - | 44.00% | 18 to 1 |
| 6 - | The College of New Jersey Ewing, NJPublic, 4-year | $25,752 ($19,632) $1,184 | $18,349 ($18,349) $706 | 62.29% | 8,141 | 1,240 | 86.00% | 14 to 1 |
| 7 3 | Bloomfield College of Montclair State University Bloomfield, NJPublic, 4-year | $26,022 ($15,912) $4,658 | $16,056 ($16,056) $4,296 | 69.74% | 799 | - | 38.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 7 3 | Montclair State University Montclair, NJPublic, 4-year | $26,022 ($15,912) $1,896 | $16,056 ($16,056) $919 | 87.89% | 23,375 | 1,070 | 65.00% | 18 to 1 |
| 9 1 | Rowan University Glassboro, NJPublic, 4-year | $26,932 ($16,574) $1,368 | $18,607 ($18,607) $962 | 77.66% | 21,026 | 1,210 | 67.00% | 17 to 1 |
| 10 1 | Ramapo College of New Jersey Mahwah, NJPublic, 4-year | $27,708 ($16,777) $1,320 | $21,466 ($21,466) $1,022 | 70.64% | 5,981 | 1,210 | 70.00% | 17 to 1 |
| Average | $22,807 ($15,237) | $19,213 ($17,225) | 80.17% | 10,477 | 1,152 | 57.78% | 16 to 1 |