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Best Computer Science Colleges in New Jersey

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker Updated 2026-07-13 32 schools Agent Insights
32
Schools
$57,675
Avg. Earnings
52%
Avg. Graduation
$15,320
Avg. Net Price
$17,744
Avg. Debt

CollegeRanker Research

What Surprised Us Most

  1. Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $34,241 at the low end to $110,066 at the top. That 3.2× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.

  2. Middlesex College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $46,861 against $2,288 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.

  3. The most budget-friendly option on this list is Middlesex College, at $2,288 annually in net price.

  4. Completion rates separate this field: Princeton University graduates 97% of its students, well above the 52% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.

  5. Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Princeton University: graduates owe only 0.09× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.

Surprising Comparisons

The Takeaway

The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.

What This Means for Students

Your shortlist should start with Middlesex College and Princeton University. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.

Why this ranking matters

Technology is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $57K within a decade, and software developer roles are projected to grow 25%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.

How we measure this — full methodology →

How we rank · 4 pillars

Economic outcomes30%
Social mobility35%
Value (earnings vs. cost)20%
Academic quality15%

Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →

$132,270
Median pay · Software Developer
BLS occupation data
25%
Projected job growth
BLS outlook
$57K
Median grad earnings
10 yrs after entry
$15K
Average net price
After grants/aid
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
32 institutions ranked
2026-07-13 Last updated
100% Public / federal sources

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
$110,066
▲ +91% vs avg
$6,128 97%
94
$84,276
▲ +46% vs avg
$16,504 73%
89
$108,772
▲ +89% vs avg
$41,346 88%
82
$67,541
▲ +17% vs avg
$18,173 71%
76
$57,815
▲ +0% vs avg
$12,199 61%
73

Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.

See full ranking →

Executive Summary

Best Computer Science Colleges in New Jersey

This analysis ranks 32 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $57,675 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 52% and an average net price of $15,320.

Key takeaways

Our Analysis Found

110%
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
CollegeRanker examined 5,745 U.S. colleges and found (n=3,655). Mean net price and mean 10-year earnings by ownership type (College Scorecard).

Technology Workforce Analysis

What does this ranking tell us about the technology workforce?

$57,255

Median earnings (10yr)

52%

Median graduation rate

$14,007

Median net price

2.8%

Avg. mobility rate

Technology hiring rewards ability over credentials more than any other field on this site. Toolchains turn over every few years, so computing and data-science programs compete on employer connections, project-based learning, and curriculum currency. The programs that teach fundamentals and learning agility produce the graduates who last.

The median graduation rate across these 32 schools is 52%. Median graduate earnings reach $57,255 ten years after enrollment, roughly $9,255 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $14,007 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $20,500. Some 39% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 2.8%.

In tech, what you can do matters more than where you studied. Graduates on this list earn a median of $57,255 ten years after enrollment. Programs with industry partnerships, co-op placements, and current curricula keep delivering through a cyclical hiring market.

The podium

Build your ranking

Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.

Academic 15%
Economic 30%
Social mobility 35%
Value 20%

Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.

Full rankings

1
·
Princeton University

Princeton, NJ · 5% accepted · $6,128 net

94

Why it ranks #1

Princeton University lands at #1 with a 94/100 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, 91% 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

Academic
95
Economic
91
Social mobility
83
Value
92
View full profile →
2
·
New Jersey Institute of Technology

Newark, NJ · 65% accepted · $16,504 net

89

Why it ranks #2

New Jersey Institute of Technology lands at #2 with a 89/100 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, 46% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,504 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
60
Economic
78
Social mobility
83
Value
66
View full profile →
3
·
Stevens Institute of Technology

Hoboken, NJ · 48% accepted · $41,346 net

82

Why it ranks #3

Stevens Institute of Technology lands at #3 with a 82/100 composite, led by academic quality (92/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $108,772 a decade after enrolling, 89% above this list's average, and net price runs $41,346 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

Academic
92
Economic
85
Social mobility
82
Value
31
View full profile →
4
·
Ramapo College of New Jersey

Mahwah, NJ · 71% accepted · $18,173 net

76

Why it ranks #4

Ramapo College of New Jersey lands at #4 with a 76/100 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, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,173 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

Academic
82
Economic
72
Social mobility
82
Value
65
View full profile →
5
·
Saint Peter's University

Jersey City, NJ · 90% accepted · $12,199 net

73

Why it ranks #5

Saint Peter's University lands at #5 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, 0% above 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.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
62
Economic
67
Social mobility
84
Value
69
View full profile →
6
·
County College of Morris

Randolph, NJ · $8,895 net

73

Why it ranks #6

County College of Morris lands at #6 with a 73/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $50,243 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,895 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
53
Economic
69
Social mobility
81
Value
82
View full profile →
7
·
New Jersey City University

Jersey City, NJ · 98% accepted · $16,053 net

73

Why it ranks #7

New Jersey City University lands at #7 with a 73/100 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, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,053 a year. 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

Academic
65
Economic
66
Social mobility
83
Value
64
View full profile →
8
·
Rowan University

Glassboro, NJ · 78% accepted · $22,408 net

73

Why it ranks #8

Rowan University lands at #8 with a 73/100 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% above 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 puts it near the top.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
70
Economic
69
Social mobility
81
Value
56
View full profile →
9
·
Drew University

Madison, NJ · 68% accepted · $24,280 net

73

Why it ranks #9

Drew University lands at #9 with a 73/100 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, 10% 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

Academic
84
Economic
67
Social mobility
84
Value
52
View full profile →
10
·
Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ · 88% accepted · $15,566 net

72

Why it ranks #10

Montclair State University lands at #10 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, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,566 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
65
Economic
69
Social mobility
84
Value
63
View full profile →
11
·
Raritan Valley Community College

Branchburg, NJ · $6,778 net

72

Why it ranks #11

Raritan Valley Community College lands at #11 with a 72/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $48,145 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,778 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

Academic
66
Economic
68
Social mobility
82
Value
86
View full profile →
12
·
Caldwell University

Caldwell, NJ · 71% accepted · $24,691 net

72

Why it ranks #12

Caldwell University lands at #12 with a 72/100 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, 7% 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

Academic
78
Economic
64
Social mobility
84
Value
46
View full profile →
13
·
Kean University

Union, NJ · 76% accepted · $12,447 net

71

Why it ranks #13

Kean University lands at #13 with a 71/100 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, 1% 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 carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
56
Economic
66
Social mobility
82
Value
67
View full profile →
14
·
Hudson County Community College

Jersey City, NJ · $7,307 net

71

Why it ranks #14

Hudson County Community College lands at #14 with a 71/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $34,333 a decade after enrolling, 40% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,307 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

Academic
59
Economic
60
Social mobility
82
Value
84
View full profile →
15
·
Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ · 58% accepted · $24,406 net

71

Why it ranks #15

Rutgers University-New Brunswick lands at #15 with a 71/100 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, 29% 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

Academic
82
Economic
74
Social mobility
60
Value
55
View full profile →
16
·
Rider University

Lawrenceville, NJ · 79% accepted · $24,792 net

70

Why it ranks #16

Rider University lands at #16 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $62,208 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,792 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

Academic
66
Economic
68
Social mobility
84
Value
48
View full profile →
17
·
Monmouth University

West Long Branch, NJ · 89% accepted · $30,988 net

69

Why it ranks #17

Monmouth University lands at #17 with a 69/100 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, 18% 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

Academic
79
Economic
69
Social mobility
83
Value
41
View full profile →
18
·
William Paterson University of New Jersey

Wayne, NJ · 90% accepted · $18,745 net

69

Why it ranks #18

William Paterson University of New Jersey lands at #18 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, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,745 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

Academic
72
Economic
67
Social mobility
82
Value
56
View full profile →
19
·
Atlantic Cape Community College

Mays Landing, NJ · $8,392 net

68

Why it ranks #19

Atlantic Cape Community College lands at #19 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (61/100). Graduates earn a median $34,241 a decade after enrolling, 41% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,392 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

Academic
61
Economic
61
Social mobility
77
Value
82
View full profile →
20
·
Brookdale Community College

Lincroft, NJ · $11,231 net

68

Why it ranks #20

Brookdale Community College lands at #20 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by academic quality (64/100). Graduates earn a median $44,379 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,231 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

Academic
64
Economic
64
Social mobility
78
Value
78
View full profile →
21
·
Middlesex College

Edison, NJ · $2,288 net

68

Why it ranks #21

Middlesex College lands at #21 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (92/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (67/100). Graduates earn a median $46,861 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $2,288 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

Academic
68
Economic
67
Social mobility
Value
92
View full profile →
22
·
Passaic County Community College

Paterson, NJ · $7,761 net

68

Why it ranks #22

Passaic County Community College lands at #22 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $36,972 a decade after enrolling, 36% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,761 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

Academic
54
Economic
63
Social mobility
74
Value
83
View full profile →
23
·
Camden County College

Blackwood, NJ · $5,996 net

68

Why it ranks #23

Camden County College lands at #23 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $41,212 a decade after enrolling, 29% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,996 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

Academic
65
Economic
64
Social mobility
74
Value
85
View full profile →
24
·
Mercer County Community College

West Windsor, NJ · $5,279 net

67

Why it ranks #24

Mercer County Community College lands at #24 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $43,264 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,279 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

Academic
63
Economic
65
Social mobility
69
Value
86
View full profile →
25
·
Rutgers University-Newark

Newark, NJ · 71% accepted · $19,703 net

66

Why it ranks #25

Rutgers University-Newark lands at #25 with a 66/100 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, 29% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,703 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

Academic
74
Economic
74
Social mobility
61
Value
59
View full profile →
26
·
64

Why it ranks #26

UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey lands at #26 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $41,595 a decade after enrolling, 28% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,257 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

Academic
65
Economic
62
Social mobility
Value
81
View full profile →
27
·
Rutgers University-Camden

Camden, NJ · 66% accepted · $18,745 net

63

Why it ranks #27

Rutgers University-Camden lands at #27 with a 63/100 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, 29% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,745 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

Academic
71
Economic
74
Social mobility
59
Value
58
View full profile →
28
·
63

Why it ranks #28

Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus lands at #28 with a 63/100 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, 28% 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

Academic
63
Economic
64
Social mobility
Value
77
View full profile →
29
·
Stockton University

Galloway, NJ · 89% accepted · $20,670 net

62

Why it ranks #29

Stockton University lands at #29 with a 62/100 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, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,670 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

Academic
69
Economic
68
Social mobility
63
Value
56
View full profile →
30
·
62

Why it ranks #30

Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus lands at #30 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (67/100) and pulled down by academic quality (64/100). Graduates earn a median $41,751 a decade after enrolling, 28% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,378 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

Academic
64
Economic
64
Social mobility
Value
67
View full profile →
31
·
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus

Madison, NJ · 95% accepted · $22,829 net

60

Why it ranks #31

Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus lands at #31 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, 1% 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

Academic
68
Economic
66
Social mobility
Value
53
View full profile →
32
·
Essex County College

Newark, NJ · $4,436 net

54

Why it ranks #32

Essex County College lands at #32 with a 54/100 composite, led by value per dollar (92/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (29/100). Graduates earn a median $37,230 a decade after enrolling, 35% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,436 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

Academic
57
Economic
29
Social mobility
72
Value
92
View full profile →
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Cut it by what you care about

The same 32 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.

Where the programs — and the jobs are

Where these graduates work

Graduates of these programs most often become Software Developers and related roles — a field with $132,270 median pay and 25% projected growth.

See the Software Developer career guide →

Computer science is a field that continues to grow and evolve, making it a popular choice for students in New Jersey. With the demand for skilled professionals at an all-time high, prospective students are weighing their options among the state's top programs. In this list, we highlight 33 institutions that offer computer science degrees, which can lead to rewarding careers.

What sets these schools apart are their outcomes: earnings potential, graduation rates, and manageable debt levels. For instance, strong programs not only help students graduate but also prepare them for high-paying jobs in tech. The list below reflects these metrics, giving you a clearer picture of which institutions can pave the way to success.

Take Princeton University and Ramapo College of New Jersey as examples. While Princeton graduates earn an impressive average of $110,066, Ramapo's graduates make $67,541. The tradeoff in net price is also significant: Princeton's net price is $6,128 compared to Ramapo's $18,173. These differences illustrate the variety of options available and the importance of aligning them with personal goals and financial situations.

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

$13K 12 $38K 17 $63K 1 $88K 2 $113K $138K 17 National Avg

Earnings vs. Net Price

Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.

$10K$65K$120K $25K$50K NET PRICE (lower →) EARNINGS (higher ↑) Princeton University New Jersey Stevens Institute Ramapo College Saint Peter's

Completion & Access

Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.

Graduation Rates

Princeton University 97% New Jersey Institute… 73% Stevens Institute of… 88% Ramapo College of Ne… 71% Saint Peter's Univer… 61% County College of Mo… 35% New Jersey City Univ… 36% Rowan University 68% Drew University 71% Montclair State Univ… 64% Raritan Valley Commu… 33% Caldwell University 58% Kean University 45% Hudson County Commun… 24% Rutgers University-N… 84% Rider University 62% Monmouth University 71% William Paterson Uni… 46% Atlantic Cape Commun… 27% Brookdale Community … 29% Middlesex College 34% Passaic County Commu… 17% Camden County College 32% Mercer County Commun… 23% Rutgers University-N… 66%

Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate

Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.

0% 100% PELL GRANT RATE → GRAD RATE ↑ Princeton University New Jersey Stevens Institute Ramapo College Saint Peter's
Social Mobility

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 23 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.8%. 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, 11.9% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Hudson County Community College enrolls the most, at 36.3%, 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 30.6% 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 1.48, 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

9 $6K 16 $18K 6 $30K $42K $54K 16 National Avg

Understanding the data reveals interesting contrasts. For example, while Princeton University boasts the highest earnings at $110,066, Stevens Institute of Technology follows closely with $108,772. However, Stevens has a notably higher net price of $41,346, which could influence a student’s decision if they are concerned about debt and financial aid.

As you consider these schools, think about what matters most to you. Are you prioritizing earnings after graduation, or is the cost of attendance more critical? Pay attention to graduation rates and debt levels as well. It’s essential to balance these metrics with your personal circumstances, like location and campus culture, to make an informed choice.

The data paints a clear picture of the potential pathways from college to a stable life. For one family, the decision to invest in a degree from a higher-priced institution like Princeton could lead to greater earning potential, but it comes with a hefty price tag. In contrast, choosing a school like Rutgers may be more manageable financially, though it might affect earnings down the line. Each choice carries weight, and understanding the numbers can empower families to make the best decision for their future.

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 Computer Science Colleges in New Jersey: Your Questions, Answered

What is the #1 school in the Best Computer Science Colleges in New Jersey ranking? +

Princeton University in Princeton, NJ ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Computer Science 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 $57,675 average across the 32 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, Middlesex College leads: graduates earn a median $46,861 against net price of about $2,288 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 52% 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 $15,320 a year across the 32 ranked schools with cost data. Middlesex College is among the most affordable at roughly $2,288. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.

How is the Best Computer Science 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 32 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

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics.

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

The State of American Higher Education Outcomes for 2026 — report cover Download PDF

The 2026 Annual Report

The State of American Higher Education Outcomes

Every state graded on what graduates earn, how far they climb, and what college really costs — the hidden geography of economic mobility, in one report.

Free · 21 pages · 5,745 institutions · 100% federal data, no surveys