# Best Data Science Colleges in New Jersey

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-08-03 | Schools: 32 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-data-science-new-jersey

## Methodology

Data Science programs in New Jersey ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## Key Findings

- Princeton University graduates earn an average of $110,066, the highest in this ranking.
- Ramapo College of New Jersey has a graduation rate of 71%, compared to Princeton's 97%.
- New Jersey Institute of Technology has a net price of $16,504, making it more affordable than some peers.
- The average graduation rate across these 33 schools is 51%, indicating a wide variation in student success.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Princeton University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/princeton-university) | Princeton, NJ | 97% | $110,066 | $6,128 | $10,320 | 0.09x |
| 2 | [New Jersey Institute of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/new-jersey-institute-of-technology) | Newark, NJ | 73% | $84,276 | $16,504 | $21,000 | 0.25x |
| 3 | [Stevens Institute of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/stevens-institute-of-technology) | Hoboken, NJ | 88% | $108,772 | $41,346 | $27,000 | 0.25x |
| 4 | [Ramapo College of New Jersey](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/ramapo-college-of-new-jersey) | Mahwah, NJ | 71% | $67,541 | $18,173 | $21,000 | 0.31x |
| 5 | [Saint Peter's University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-peters-university) | Jersey City, NJ | 61% | $57,815 | $12,199 | $20,500 | 0.35x |
| 6 | [County College of Morris](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/county-college-of-morris) | Randolph, NJ | 35% | $50,243 | $8,895 | $9,000 | 0.18x |
| 7 | [New Jersey City University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/new-jersey-city-university) | Jersey City, NJ | 36% | $52,745 | $16,053 | $18,500 | 0.35x |
| 8 | [Rowan University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rowan-university) | Glassboro, NJ | 68% | $59,988 | $22,408 | $20,500 | 0.34x |
| 9 | [Drew University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/drew-university) | Madison, NJ | 71% | $63,646 | $24,280 | $25,288 | 0.4x |
| 10 | [Montclair State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/montclair-state-university) | Montclair, NJ | 64% | $61,415 | $15,566 | $22,000 | 0.36x |
| 11 | [Raritan Valley Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/raritan-valley-community-college) | Branchburg, NJ | 33% | $48,145 | $6,778 | $10,500 | 0.22x |
| 12 | [Caldwell University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/caldwell-university) | Caldwell, NJ | 58% | $53,843 | $24,691 | $25,000 | 0.46x |
| 13 | [Kean University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/kean-university) | Union, NJ | 45% | $57,237 | $12,447 | $23,250 | 0.41x |
| 14 | [Hudson County Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hudson-county-community-college) | Jersey City, NJ | 24% | $34,333 | $7,307 | $10,500 | 0.31x |
| 15 | [Rutgers University-New Brunswick](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rutgers-university-new-brunswick) | New Brunswick, NJ | 84% | $74,479 | $24,406 | $21,500 | 0.29x |
| 16 | [Rider University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rider-university) | Lawrenceville, NJ | 62% | $62,208 | $24,792 | $26,130 | 0.42x |
| 17 | [Monmouth University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/monmouth-university) | West Long Branch, NJ | 71% | $67,991 | $30,988 | $27,000 | 0.4x |
| 18 | [William Paterson University of New Jersey](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/william-paterson-university-of-new-jersey) | Wayne, NJ | 46% | $57,780 | $18,745 | $22,334 | 0.39x |
| 19 | [Atlantic Cape Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/atlantic-cape-community-college) | Mays Landing, NJ | 27% | $34,241 | $8,392 | $9,500 | 0.28x |
| 20 | [Brookdale Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/brookdale-community-college) | Lincroft, NJ | 29% | $44,379 | $11,231 | $12,000 | 0.27x |
| 21 | [Middlesex College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/middlesex-college) | Edison, NJ | 34% | $46,861 | $2,288 | $9,750 | 0.21x |
| 22 | [Passaic County Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/passaic-county-community-college) | Paterson, NJ | 17% | $36,972 | $7,761 | $7,536 | 0.2x |
| 23 | [Camden County College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/camden-county-college) | Blackwood, NJ | 32% | $41,212 | $5,996 | $11,851 | 0.29x |
| 24 | [Mercer County Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mercer-county-community-college) | West Windsor, NJ | 23% | $43,264 | $5,279 | $10,500 | 0.24x |
| 25 | [Rutgers University-Newark](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rutgers-university-newark) | Newark, NJ | 66% | $74,479 | $19,703 | $21,500 | 0.29x |
| 26 | [UCNJ Union College of Union County New Jersey](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/ucnj-union-college-of-union-county-new-jersey) | Cranford, NJ | 35% | $41,595 | $8,257 | $15,091 | 0.36x |
| 27 | [Rutgers University-Camden](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rutgers-university-camden) | Camden, NJ | 67% | $74,479 | $18,745 | $21,500 | 0.29x |
| 28 | [Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rowan-college-of-south-jersey-cumberland-campus) | Vineland, NJ | 33% | $41,751 | $10,562 | $12,000 | 0.29x |
| 29 | [Stockton University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/stockton-university) | Galloway, NJ | 70% | $57,602 | $20,670 | $20,500 | 0.36x |
| 30 | [Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rowan-college-of-south-jersey-gloucester-campus) | Sewell, NJ | 36% | $41,751 | $12,378 | $12,000 | 0.29x |
| 31 | [Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/fairleigh-dickinson-university-florham-campus) | Madison, NJ | 70% | $57,273 | $22,829 | $25,000 | 0.44x |
| 32 | [Essex County College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/essex-county-college) | Newark, NJ | 20% | $37,230 | $4,436 | N/A | N/A |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Data Science Colleges in New Jersey." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-08-03. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-data-science-new-jersey

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.