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Rankings / By State

Best Data 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. Median graduate earnings across these 32 schools run from $34,241 to $110,066, a 3.2× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.

  2. Middlesex College delivers the most for the money: roughly $46,861 in median earnings against $2,288 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.

  3. Middlesex College is the lowest-cost school here at $2,288 a year in net price.

  4. Princeton University graduates 97% of its students, versus a 52% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.

  5. Princeton University carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.09× their annual earnings.

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 data scientist roles are projected to grow 36%. 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 →

$108,020
Median pay · Data Scientist
BLS occupation data
36%
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 Data 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

CollegeRanker Primary Research

110%
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Source: CollegeRanker analysis of 5,745 U.S. colleges (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

Computing, data, and information-systems programs train for one of the highest-paying and fastest-moving corners of the labor market. Starting salaries are strong, and hiring increasingly rewards demonstrable skill over pedigree. The field is cyclical, though, and specific tools age quickly. What endures is fundamentals and the habit of learning new ones.

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%.

What we’re seeing: employers reward programs with strong industry ties, co-ops, and project portfolios over brand alone. Graduates here post median earnings of $57,255 ten years after enrollment. That premium holds as long as graduates keep their skills current against a fast-shifting stack.

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 Data Scientists and related roles — a field with $108,020 median pay and 36% projected growth.

See the Data Scientist career guide →

Choosing the right college for data science in New Jersey can be a pivotal decision for aspiring students. With 33 institutions offering programs in this growing field, it’s crucial to consider not just the curriculum, but also how well graduates fare in the job market. The average earnings for graduates from data science programs in New Jersey stand at $57,269, highlighting the potential financial benefits of selecting the right school.

What sets the top schools apart in this ranking are key outcomes such as post-graduation earnings, graduation rates, debt levels, and overall program concentration. Schools like Princeton University and New Jersey Institute of Technology have demonstrated strong performance in these areas, which suggests a better return on investment for students. As you look through the list, focus on how these metrics relate to your priorities, whether it's minimizing debt or maximizing earning potential.

For example, Princeton University leads with impressive average earnings of $110,066 and a graduation rate of 97%. In contrast, Ramapo College of New Jersey, while still a solid option, has lower earnings at $67,541 and a graduation rate of 71%. This difference illustrates the trade-offs between choice of institution and potential outcomes, helping you understand the landscape as you navigate your options.

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

A closer look at the data reveals that while Princeton University excels with its high earnings and graduation rate, New Jersey Institute of Technology shows a significant trade-off in terms of debt, with an average of $21,000 compared to Princeton's lower debt load. This suggests that while both schools offer strong outcomes, financial considerations could influence a student's choice.

As you sift through these 33 programs, weigh the data against your personal priorities. Consider location, program fit, campus culture, and financial implications. For instance, while one school might have higher earnings, another may offer a more affordable education but potentially lower earnings. Think about what matters most—whether that’s entering the workforce quickly, pursuing advanced degrees, or minimizing student debt.

This data reflects the broader landscape of transitioning from college to a stable career. Each student’s path is unique, and the decision to enroll at a particular college can significantly impact future financial stability. By making an informed choice based on solid data, families can chart a course toward a better future, balancing aspirations with practical realities.

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 Data Science Colleges in New Jersey: Your Questions, Answered

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

Princeton University in Princeton, NJ ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Data 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 Data 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