Home to 72 degree-granting post-secondary institutions, the state of New Jersey has taken steps in the last few years to improve the affordability and accessibility of higher education. This effort aims to curtail the number of college-bound high school seniors who choose to get their college education out of state.
One of the many ways to cut the cost of a college education is through taking courses or earning a degree online. With the help of advanced technology, it is easier for many students to attend the degree program of their choice online, significantly cutting down the cost of room and board, transportation, and most student fees that traditional students need to include in their expenses.
According to the Distance Education State Almanac in 2017, there were 30,353 students in New Jersey who took online courses exclusively. The statistics of online students in the past five years also saw an increase of 9.3% which, although below the national average, is still a considerable improvement.
Online education has come a long way. As what many say, it is no longer the future, but the present. A degree earned online is just as respected as its brick-and-mortar counterpart. The perception of many employers has also changed. They now consider accredited online degrees as good as traditional ones.
To stay competitive, however, students need to consider the overall school reputation and educational quality they will be getting from the online school of their choice. The type of degree they will earn is more important than the method with which they have earned it.
The state of New Jersey has several reputable colleges and universities that offer a quality online education. They have the opportunity to advance their education, earn their degrees, and acquire skills that they need to succeed in life through distance learning. This allows them to juggle their personal and professional responsibilities, along with their academic ambitions.
METHODOLOGY
We gathered the 5 Top Online Schools in New Jersey to emphasize the state’s best online academic institutions that provide online students with a superior learning experience. Following an evaluation by the researchers and writers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com, we have concluded that these online schools share these salient features that prove their pursuit of distance education excellence, based on:
- Exceptional learning platforms that house the academic courses and resources that are virtually accessible by online students,
- A healthy student-teacher ratio that enhances student learning through focused instruction,
- A qualified faculty that are contributors to their industry of expertise,
- Recognized and accredited by institutions and organizations that oversee for compliance with academic standards and rules.
Our Methodology Page details our ranking process. Check it out!
Monmouth University
Based in West Long Branch, New Jersey, Monmouth University is committed to transformative learning, emphasizing an intellectually challenging, rigorous, and immersive academic experience.
The school encourages the distinguished faculty to work closely with students to help them prepare for a promising future, boasting low faculty-to-student ratio. Their personalized education also looks beyond the classroom, assisting students in achieving career advancement and further academic pursuits.
Monmouth University offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Aside from their on-campus offerings, they also have available degree programs that can be earned online. This enables aspiring students to avail of world-class learning experience wherever they are. Students reach their professional and academic goals by taking courses at the most convenient time and place to fit their lifestyle.
The university offers 50 online classes each semester for both undergraduate and graduate students. The courses are designed to suit adult learners and those who cannot travel to class to earn their higher education. Presently, the school allows three graduate programs to be completed entirely online, including Criminal Justice, Forensic Nursing, and Nursing.
The online degrees are designed and taught by the same faculty who handle the on-campus offerings. Online students are encouraged to get involved not only in academic pursuits but also exercise socially responsible leadership that can lead them to their fullest potential.
Location: West Long Branch, New Jersey
Admission Requirements:
- Completed application for admission and $50 application fee
- Official transcript
- Letter of recommendation
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Rutgers University
With a flagship home in New Jersey, Rutgers University is a leading national research university. It is devoted to excellence in teaching, innovative research across a broad spectrum of subjects, and in the service of local, national, and international communities. Its rich history includes being one of the nine original colonial colleges and one of America’s first land-grant institutions.
The New Brunswick campus serves more than 50,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. It is comprised of 17 degree-granting schools taught by approximately 10,000 faculty and staff. The university’s mission is to prepare students to become productive members of society and responsible citizens of the world. Its academic commitment extends beyond the traditional classroom offerings.
With Rutgers Online, students are free to pursue a brighter future while juggling their professional and personal responsibilities. Their online programs were designed the same way as their on-campus equivalents. The classes are kept small to allow one-on-one attention. They are also taught by world-renowned faculty, the same as the on-campus classes. Aside from that, online students also have the unique advantage of a convenient and flexible learning experience, anytime and anywhere.
The online offerings range from certificates and bachelor’s degrees to graduate studies. It includes ED.M. in Adult and Continuing Education, Bachelor of Arts in Business Education, Master of Accountancy in Governmental Accounting, and Bachelor of Science in Labor and Employment Relations.
Location: New Brunswick, New Jersey
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application form
- Admission essay
- Application fee of $70, nonrefundable
- Self-reported academic record
- Official copy of high school transcript
- GED official results
- SAT or ACT scores
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- AACSB International-The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.
- Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
- American Chemical Society
- American Physical Therapy Association
- American Psychological Association
- Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Council on Social Work Education
- National Association of Schools of Dance
- National Association of Schools of Music
- National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
- Planning Accreditation Board
- Teacher Education Accreditation Council
Thomas Edison State University
Thomas Edison State University is a senior public institution of higher learning in New Jersey. It is one of the oldest in the country designed specifically for adults, and offers a myriad of degree programs in various levels, from undergraduate and graduate degrees to professional certificates.
The greatest strength of this school is its commitment to serve adult learners. They offer exceptional value through academic excellence and reasonable tuition and fees. Designing programs specifically for the needs of busy yet motivated adults, Thomas Edison State University allows courses to be accessible at times most convenient for its students. They offer flexible, high-quality, collegiate learning opportunities for self-directed adults, helping them acquire college-level learning in non-collegiate settings.
The university has some of the most extensive online degree programs on offer, from accounting and sociology to criminal justice and nursing. Aspiring students have a variety of options at their disposal, with programs covering 100 areas of study.
The online programs are designed in a way that takes the adult learners’ needs into consideration. Some can attend school part-time while taking care of their professional and personal responsibilities.
Since students can earn their degrees at their own pace, the duration of degree programs varies from individual to individual. It also depends on these two factors: the number of transfer credits eligible to their degree program and the amount of time they can commit to earning the credits required for their degree.
Location: Trenton, New Jersey
Admission Requirements:
- High school degree or GED equivalent
- Completed online application form
- Applicants must be at least 18 to be admitted
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Inquiry Brief Commission of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus
Found in the quiet suburban town of Teaneck, New Jersey, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan campus is home to many of FDU’s business, professional, science, and health care programs. Apart from serving students in the state of New Jersey and all over the country, it has also attracted students from as many as 63 countries.
Currently, there are 4,114 undergraduates and 2,350 graduate students attending the Metropolitan campus. As the most prominent private university in the state, Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a wide range of academic programs. They also have options for online education, with associate and bachelor’s degree programs as well as graduate programs and certificates on offer. The online programs reflect the university’s mission of academic excellence and long-standing commitment to distance learning.
Designed to help professionals reach their full academic potential, their online programs are a convenient way for many students to earn the credentials they need to succeed. The small intimate classes and superb faculty make it one of the best choices for distance learning. The university offers a hands-on approach to learning, catering to the individual needs of students.
The flexible education format makes it easier for students to move ahead in their career as they can dictate the pace of their learning and maximize their time to earn the degree faster, if possible. Although deadlines and exams are indicated, the students have the freedom to set the time and place for class attendance. They can complete their coursework at the most convenient time for them, allowing them to pursue their degree while maintaining their work and life commitments.
Some of the most notable degree program selections include Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies, Master of Public Health, Master of Creative Writing, Master of Digital Marketing, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Location: Teaneck, New Jersey
Admission Requirements:
- Completed application form
- SAT or ACT scores
- Official copy of high school transcript
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Saint Peter’s University
Focusing on rigorous academics since 1872, Saint Peter’s University is grounded in the liberal arts. It aims to educate a diverse community of learners to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately, and promote justice in an ever-evolving global environment.
Currently, it offers more than 50 undergraduate programs and 13 graduate programs with 118 full-time faculty members. Students have the opportunity to personalize their academic programs to help them better achieve their goals. The university also maintains a flexible approach to delivering a world-class education.
The school accomplishes its goals through its online programs, which are just as rigorous and high-quality as their on-campus counterparts. Designed to meet the individual needs of students, Saint Peter’s online programs provide them the training to succeed in their chosen industry. Students have the freedom to dictate their own pace, anytime, and anywhere suitable for their schedules. The flexibility and convenience the online programs offer allows them to pursue their higher education or further their education without compromising their personal and professional life.
These are some of the many degree program options students can choose: BS in Business Administration, BS in Nursing, or a Master of Higher Education in General Administration.
Location: Jersey City, New Jersey
Admission Requirements:
- Completed application
- Official high school transcript or GED score
- Official SAT or ACT scores
- Two letters of recommendation (School Counselor form and Teacher recommendation)
- Personal statement/essay
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education Accreditation (CCNE)
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
New Jersey, the Garden State, is home to some of the top universities in the United States, and its educational systems and schools have long been recognized nationwide for their excellence. But now, the New Jersey educational experience that one could previously only have on campus is slowly becoming more and more accessible to a broader audience through online and distance learning.
A report from Distance Education State Almanac in 2017 estimated that more than 30,000 students in New Jersey took fully online college courses and over 87,000 took at least one online course in 2015. These figures have increased steadily through the years, and it seems like online education will continue to become the preferred option for many more students in the future.
As tuition rates continue to rise, along with other expenses related to on-campus education, online education is beginning to gain attention. Its two most significant benefits are accessibility, especially for aspiring students with disabilities or those whose family situations require them to remain at home majority of the time, and affordability, as many online colleges and universities offer reasonable and often cheaper rates compared to on-campus programs. Students who take the online route can also save much on other usual costs tied with on-campus education, like transportation, housing, and meals.
The school’s online programs present various levels of pacing and flexibility that is usually not available for on-campus students. Thanks to innovation and technology, New Jersey’s quality education is now just a click away from aspiring students nationwide (and even worldwide).
METHODOLOGY
As college tuition rates continue to soar, online students in New Jersey are continuously on the lookout for top-rated schools that offer their online degree program of choice at affordable rates. Our 5 Best Value Online Schools in New Jersey presents the cheap colleges that commit to inexpensive tuition and fees while offering high-quality online education.
Stevens Institute of Technology
It was in 1870 that the Stevens Institute of Technology was founded. It currently has a student population of over 6,000 and has produced two Nobel Prize winners (alumni and a faculty member). The Institute was named after the Stevens family, who were known for being prolific inventors and engineers. Though the initial focus of Stevens Institute was mechanical engineering and it is probably most well-known for its science offerings, it has now expanded to other fields of study, with four schools under its roof, namely the College of Arts and Letters, the School of Systems and Enterprises, the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science, and the School of Business.
Stevens Institute of Technology has gained recognition and placed high in rankings from various institutions and organizations. It came in fourth place nationwide in CNBC’s 2018 list of “25 Colleges That Are Worth the Money,” and was included in Forbes’ 2018 “Top 25 STEM Colleges” list, and these are just a few of the dozens it has received that serves as proof of the institute’s quality and value for money.
Its online program, StevensOnline, currently has over fifty fully online degrees and certificates in its catalog. The flat rate for full-time students (those with 12 to 20 credits) is $26,067 per semester, while students taking less than 12 credits pay $1,738 per credit hour. However, StevensOnline offers a discount of up to 25% for eligible students applying for an online program, which can translate to savings of up to $1,000 per course taken.
Location: Hoboken, New Jersey
Admission Requirements:
- Official high school transcript
- SAT/ACT scores (no minimum indicated)
- personal essay,
- two letters of recommendation
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- ABET Accreditation of Engineering and Computer Science Programs
- American Chemical Society (ACS), AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)
- Project Management Institute (PMI) Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs
Rowan University
Rowan University began as the Glassboro Normal School for teachers in 1923. Now, Rowan has come a long way, with over 18,000 students under its 170-plus educational offerings that range from certificates to doctorate degrees. It has even set up two medical campuses outside of its main campus in Glassboro.
The university’s Division of Global Learning & Partnerships, or Rowan Global, is the product of its efforts to make education accessible to all. Thirty programs are a mix of fully online and hybrid formats. From humanities programs to business to health professions, Rowan Global’s online offerings cover a wide range of fields and have been optimized for online learning, with technical support on standby around the clock.
Online undergraduate tuition rates are the same for both in-state and out-of-state students and are also not dependent on the full-time or part-time status of the student, but there may be slight variations depending on the program – the range is from $468 to $480 per credit hour. An assortment of financial aid and scholarships are offered in all of Rowan Global’s degree-granting programs.
Location: Glassboro, New Jersey, plus specialized campuses in Stratford and Camden, New Jersey
Admission Requirements:
- Official high school transcript
- SAT/ACT scores (no minimum indicated)
- recommendations or teacher evaluations
- personal essay
Note that other specific requirements may be needed for those applying for Art, Theatre/Dance, or Music Programs.
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business,
- ABET – Computing Accreditation Commission
- ABET – Engineering Accreditation Commission
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- American Chemical Society
- American Osteopathic Association – Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation
- American Osteopathic Association – Council on Osteopathic Postdoctoral Training Institutions
- Certification in Education for Public Relations – Public Relations Society of America
- Commission for Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Montclair State University
Montclair State University (MSU) is one of the largest universities in the state of New Jersey, home to over 21,000 students who are under its 300-plus programs. Montclair State has also been recognized in several lists and rankings, including Money magazine’s “50 Colleges that Add the Most Value” 2017 list and Wall Street Journal’s and U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 Public Universities ranking.
The university has expanded its horizons to online learning and distance education, bringing the same level of quality and experienced faculty from its physical campus to students all over the country and even beyond. Programs in education, business, and technology, to name a few, can be taken entirely online, while hybrid courses are also available during winter and summer.
Montclair State Online’s rates vary depending on the student’s chosen program, but the lowest for its master’s degree programs start at $1,825 for three credits, while certificates cost $1,500 for three credits. Student services enjoyed by on-campus students have also been adapted to an online setting, with Montclair offering services such as academic and psychological counseling, career advisement, and tutoring, on top of 24/7 technical services.
Location: Montclair, New Jersey
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts from previously attended academic institutions
- Letters of recommendation
- Standardized test scores
- Personal essay
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (CAC/ABET)
- Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP)
- Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CAA/ASHA)
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Caldwell University
Founded by the Catholic Sisters of St. Dominic in 1939, Caldwell University was first an exclusive college for women and later became a coeducational institution in 1985. Now recognized for its active liberal arts programs, Caldwell University has over 50 program options in its line-up, as well as an online learning division.
Caldwell Online, the university’s online vehicle, was recognized in 2014 in U.S. World & News Report’s Best Colleges list and even ranked second in Affordable Colleges Online’s Best in State Online College 2016 list. It boasts one of the most inexpensive private college tuitions in the state of New Jersey, making it a strong contender for both value and quality.
Students can choose from accelerated, fully online programs in the field of health, education, and business administration that are available all year round. Tuition is at $725 per credit hour or $2,175 for a three-credit course. Many resources for financial aid can be applied for, while benefits for veterans and members of the military are also available.
Location: Caldwell, New Jersey
Admission Requirements:
- At least 16 specific units of college-preparatory coursework
- High school GPA (no minimum indicated, but a score of 3.2 or higher is encouraged)
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Georgian Court University
Georgian Court University (GCU) remained an exclusive Catholic women’s college for more than 100 years, but in 2013, it finally opened its doors to male students and students of all faiths and backgrounds. Though it is probably most well-known for its education-related programs, recent program additions in the fields of health, security, and media have helped expand Georgian Court University’s scope.
GCU Online, the university’s online education program, is also part of its growth and expansion, bringing its extensive experience in education to a much bigger audience. Certificates, completion of bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees can be taken online, with no additional charges for their online format, unlike other colleges or universities.
Despite being a private institution, Georgian Court University’s affordability has been considered comparable to New Jersey’s public universities. A per credit rate of $728 per hour is available for part-time students (those with less than 12 credits), and the full-time rate for those taking 12 or more credits is at $16,025 per semester, while higher prices for both part-time and full-time nursing programs apply. Students at all levels may also opt for various forms of financial aid through GCU’s Office of Financial Aid.
Learn more about the online programs at Georgian Court University.
Location: Lakewood Township, New Jersey
Admission Requirements:
- Official high school transcript
- ACT/SAT scores (no minimum indicated)
- optional personal essay
- optional letters of recommendation
Accreditations:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council on Social Work Education Commission on Accreditation
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- National Association of School Psychologists
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- International Association of Counseling Services, Inc.
- ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program
