Rankings / By State
Best Biology Colleges in New Jersey
- 27
- Schools
- $62,286
- Avg. Earnings
- 60%
- Avg. Graduation
- $19,874
- Avg. Net Price
- $20,824
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 27 schools run from $38,020 to $110,066, a 2.9× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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Princeton University delivers the most for the money: roughly $110,066 in median earnings against $6,128 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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Warren County Community College is the lowest-cost school here at $5,726 a year in net price.
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Princeton University graduates 97% of its students, versus a 60% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Princeton University carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.09× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- Warren County Community College costs $5,726 a year and Felician University costs $40,045. Yet their graduates earn $43,359 and $57,602, nowhere near the $34,319 price gap.
- Graduation rates split the field: Princeton University finishes 97% of students while Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus finishes 33%. Same ranking, very different odds of leaving with a degree.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with Princeton University. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $58K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Princeton University #1 overall | $110,066 ▲ +77% vs avg | $6,128 | 97% | 92 |
| 2 Ramapo College of New Jersey #2 overall | $67,541 ▲ +8% vs avg | $18,173 | 71% | 78 |
| 3 New Jersey Institute of Technology #3 overall | $84,276 ▲ +35% vs avg | $16,504 | 73% | 77 |
| $73,323 ▲ +18% vs avg | $27,646 | 86% | 76 | |
| $70,196 ▲ +13% vs avg | $31,446 | 70% | 76 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Biology Colleges in New Jersey
This analysis ranks 27 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $62,286 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 60% and an average net price of $19,874.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Princeton University — Net Price: $6,128 | Graduation Rate: 97%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Princeton University — 97% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Princeton University — Median alumni earnings: $110,066
Research Note
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
New Jersey Opportunity Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in New Jersey?
$57,815
Median earnings (10yr)
64%
Median graduation rate
$19,285
Median net price
2.9%
Avg. mobility rate
Higher education is intensely local: most students enroll close to home and stay to work nearby, so a state's colleges are also its talent pipeline. This ranking looks at the mix of public and private institutions across New Jersey, asking who keeps graduates in-state, who delivers earnings against the local cost of living, and who moves residents up the income ladder.
Start with the medians across these 27 schools. Graduates earn a median of $57,815 ten years after enrollment, or about $9,815 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 64%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $19,285 a year with about $21,816 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 40% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 2.9%.
What we’re seeing: the schools that matter most for New Jersey pair affordability with outcomes that keep talent local. A median net price of $19,285 and median earnings of $57,815 show which institutions strengthen the regional economy rather than simply enrolling students.
The podium
Build your ranking
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Princeton University lands at #1 with a 92/100 composite, led by academic quality (95/100) and pulled down by social mobility (83/100). Graduates earn a median $110,066 a decade after enrolling, 77% above this list's average, and net price runs $6,128 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Ramapo College of New Jersey lands at #2 with a 78/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (65/100). Graduates earn a median $67,541 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,173 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
New Jersey Institute of Technology lands at #3 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $84,276 a decade after enrolling, 35% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,504 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
The College of New Jersey lands at #4 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $73,323 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,646 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Seton Hall University lands at #5 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $70,196 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $31,446 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Drew University lands at #6 with a 75/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $63,646 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,280 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Saint Peter's University lands at #7 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $57,815 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,199 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Montclair State University lands at #8 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $61,415 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,566 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Kean University lands at #9 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $57,237 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,447 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
New Jersey City University lands at #10 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $52,745 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,053 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Rowan University lands at #11 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $59,988 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,408 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Caldwell University lands at #12 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $53,843 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,691 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Warren County Community College lands at #13 with a 71/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (65/100). Graduates earn a median $43,359 a decade after enrolling, 30% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,726 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Monmouth University lands at #14 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $67,991 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,988 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Rutgers University-Newark lands at #15 with a 69/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (74/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $74,479 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,703 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Wayne, NJ · 90% accepted · $18,745 net
Why it ranks #16
William Paterson University of New Jersey lands at #16 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $57,780 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,745 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Salem Community College lands at #17 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (63/100). Graduates earn a median $38,020 a decade after enrolling, 39% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,816 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Georgian Court University lands at #18 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $53,096 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,285 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus lands at #19 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $41,751 a decade after enrolling, 33% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,562 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Rutgers University-New Brunswick lands at #20 with a 67/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $74,479 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,406 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Felician University lands at #21 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (28/100). Graduates earn a median $57,602 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $40,045 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Stockton University lands at #22 with a 64/100 composite, led by academic quality (69/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $57,602 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,670 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Saint Elizabeth University lands at #23 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $53,038 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,125 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Rutgers University-Camden lands at #24 with a 64/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (74/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $74,479 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,745 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Teaneck, NJ · 91% accepted · $15,404 net
Why it ranks #25
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus lands at #25 with a 60/100 composite, led by value per dollar (67/100) and pulled down by social mobility (54/100). Graduates earn a median $57,273 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,404 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Madison, NJ · 95% accepted · $22,829 net
Why it ranks #26
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus lands at #26 with a 60/100 composite, led by academic quality (68/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $57,273 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,829 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Bloomfield, NJ · 70% accepted · $28,014 net
Why it ranks #27
Bloomfield College of Montclair State University lands at #27 with a 55/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (35/100). Graduates earn a median $61,415 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $28,014 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 27 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing a college for a biology program can be daunting. With 28 options in New Jersey alone, families want to pick a school that leads to solid careers and manageable debt. The average earnings for biology graduates in this state stand at $63,969, which gives us a baseline for evaluating the best choices available.
The top schools on this list are distinguished by their strong graduation rates, earning potential, and relatively low debt levels. For instance, Princeton University leads with an impressive 97% graduation rate and average earnings of $110,066. In contrast, other institutions may offer lower graduation rates and higher debt burdens, impacting long-term financial stability for graduates. Understanding these metrics can help prospective students and families make informed decisions.
Consider the difference between New Jersey Institute of Technology and Ramapo College of New Jersey. NJIT graduates earn an average of $84,276 with a graduation rate of 73%, while Ramapo students earn around $67,541 and have a graduation rate of 71%. The earning potential at NJIT outpaces Ramapo by about $16,735, an important consideration for students focused on return on investment.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 19 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.9%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. New Jersey Institute of Technology leads the group at 6.5%, with Saint Peter's University (5.5%) and New Jersey City University (5.3%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 9.2% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Saint Peter's University enrolls the most, at 20.5%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 35.4% across the list, peaking at 65.9% at Princeton University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.64, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Princeton University is highest at 1.88.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
In examining the data, a clear pattern emerges when comparing New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rutgers University-Newark. NJIT graduates have an average earning potential of $84,276, significantly higher than Rutgers' $74,479. This difference of $9,797 can influence a student’s financial trajectory post-graduation, making NJIT a more appealing choice for those prioritizing income.
After scanning through the options, it's essential to weigh these statistics against personal priorities. Consider factors like campus culture, location, and specific program strengths. For example, if a vibrant urban setting is important, NJIT in Newark could be a better fit than Ramapo College in Mahwah, despite the latter's slightly lower cost of attendance. Create a checklist of what matters most to you and use the data as a guide, not a rule.
Ultimately, choosing the right college can set the foundation for a stable life and career. A well-informed decision based on outcomes like earnings and debt can ease financial stress in the long run. As families navigate this process, understanding these metrics will help illuminate paths to success for their students.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Biology Colleges in New Jersey: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Biology Colleges in New Jersey ranking? +
Princeton University in Princeton, NJ ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Biology Colleges in New Jersey ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $110,066 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 97% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Princeton University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $110,066 ten years after enrollment, well above the $62,286 average across the 27 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Princeton University leads: graduates earn a median $110,066 against net price of about $6,128 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Princeton University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 97%, compared with a 60% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $19,874 a year across the 27 ranked schools with cost data. Warren County Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $5,726. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Biology Colleges in New Jersey ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 27 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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