Rankings / By State
Best Master's Programs in New Jersey
- 29
- Schools
- $65,221
- Avg. Earnings
- 62%
- Avg. Graduation
- $21,033
- Avg. Net Price
- $22,472
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 29 schools run from $45,577 to $110,066, a 2.4× 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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The most affordable option, Yeshiva Toras Chaim ($5,356 net price), still posts $62,526 in earnings, at or above the list average. Paying more does not guarantee a better outcome.
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Princeton University graduates 97% of its students, versus a 62% 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
- Yeshiva Toras Chaim costs $5,356 a year and Stevens Institute of Technology costs $41,346. Yet their graduates earn $62,526 and $108,772, nowhere near the $35,990 price gap.
- Graduation rates split the field: Princeton University finishes 97% of students while Yeshiva Toras Chaim finishes 29%. Same ranking, very different odds of leaving with a degree.
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 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
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 $61K 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 ▲ +69% vs avg | $6,128 | 97% | 88 |
| 2 Ramapo College of New Jersey #2 overall | $67,541 ▲ +4% vs avg | $18,173 | 71% | 73 |
| 3 New Jersey Institute of Technology #3 overall | $84,276 ▲ +29% vs avg | $16,504 | 73% | 72 |
| $73,323 ▲ +12% vs avg | $27,646 | 86% | 71 | |
| $108,772 ▲ +67% vs avg | $41,346 | 88% | 70 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Master's Programs in New Jersey
This analysis ranks 29 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $65,221 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 62% and an average net price of $21,033.
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?
$61,415
Median earnings (10yr)
64%
Median graduation rate
$20,503
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.
The median graduation rate across these 29 schools is 64%. Median graduate earnings reach $61,415 ten years after enrollment, roughly $13,415 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $20,503 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $22,167. Some 41% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 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 $20,503 and median earnings of $61,415 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 88/100 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, 69% 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 73/100 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, 4% 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 72/100 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, 29% 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 71/100 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, 12% 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
Stevens Institute of Technology lands at #5 with a 70/100 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, 67% 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
Why it ranks #6
Drew University lands at #6 with a 68/100 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% below 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 68/100 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, 11% 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 68/100 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% 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
Seton Hall University lands at #9 with a 68/100 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, 8% 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 #10
Rowan University lands at #10 with a 67/100 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, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,408 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
Why it ranks #11
Kean University lands at #11 with a 66/100 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, 12% 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
Why it ranks #12
New Jersey City University lands at #12 with a 66/100 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, 19% 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 carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Centenary University lands at #13 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $53,726 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,503 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 #14
Monmouth University lands at #14 with a 65/100 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, 4% 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
Wayne, NJ · 90% accepted · $18,745 net
Why it ranks #15
William Paterson University of New Jersey lands at #15 with a 65/100 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, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,745 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 #16
Caldwell University lands at #16 with a 65/100 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, 17% 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 #17
Rider University lands at #17 with a 64/100 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, 5% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Georgian Court University lands at #18 with a 64/100 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, 19% 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
Rutgers University-New Brunswick lands at #19 with a 64/100 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, 14% 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 #20
Rutgers University-Newark lands at #20 with a 63/100 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, 14% 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
Why it ranks #21
Rutgers University-Camden lands at #21 with a 62/100 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, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,745 a year, well under 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
Why it ranks #22
Stockton University lands at #22 with a 60/100 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, 12% 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 58/100 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, 19% 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
Teaneck, NJ · 91% accepted · $15,404 net
Why it ranks #24
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus lands at #24 with a 58/100 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, 12% 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 #25
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus lands at #25 with a 57/100 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, 12% 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
Why it ranks #26
Felician University lands at #26 with a 57/100 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, 12% 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 #27
Pillar College lands at #27 with a 53/100 composite, led by value per dollar (64/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $45,577 a decade after enrolling, 30% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,470 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
Bloomfield, NJ · 70% accepted · $28,014 net
Why it ranks #28
Bloomfield College of Montclair State University lands at #28 with a 51/100 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, 6% 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
Why it ranks #29
Yeshiva Toras Chaim lands at #29 with a 50/100 composite, led by value per dollar (92/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (45/100). Graduates earn a median $62,526 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,356 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 29 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
When it comes to pursuing a master's degree in New Jersey, prospective students have a variety of options to consider. With 29 programs listed, each school offers unique strengths aimed at fostering academic and career success. For many, the decision hinges on outcomes like earnings potential and graduation rates, which can significantly impact future job prospects and financial stability.
The key differentiators among these programs are earnings after graduation, completion rates, debt levels, and the overall mobility they provide. These factors help paint a clearer picture of which institutions are effectively preparing their students for career advancement and financial independence. The schools listed below reflect a range of performance in these areas, giving you a comprehensive view of what to expect.
For instance, Princeton University stands out with average earnings of $110,066 and an impressive 97% graduation rate, making it an attractive option for those prioritizing high returns on their investment. In contrast, while Ramapo College offers a lower earnings average of $67,541, it still maintains a respectable graduation rate of 71% and a lower net price, appealing to students mindful of financial commitments. This illustrates the decision-making nuance students must navigate as they weigh their 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
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 20 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, 8.8% 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 37.6% 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 1.69, 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 trend emerges between program performance and student outcomes. For example, New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates earn $84,276 on average but have a graduation rate of only 73%. In contrast, The College of New Jersey has a slightly lower average earning of $73,323 but boasts a higher graduation rate of 86%. This tradeoff highlights the importance of not just considering potential earnings but also the likelihood of completing the program.
As you navigate through these 29 programs, consider how these factors align with your personal goals. Are you willing to take on more debt for a potentially higher salary, or do you prefer a more affordable option with lower earnings but a stronger graduation rate? For many students, finding the right balance between financial investment and educational value is crucial. Think about your priorities: location, program fit, and campus culture can all play an important role in your decision.
Ultimately, the path from graduate school to a stable career is influenced by the choices you make today. For one family, the decision to invest in a master's degree from a top-performing school could lead to a robust financial future, while another may find that a more affordable program still provides a solid return on investment. Understanding these nuances can help you and your family make an informed choice that aligns with your long-term goals.
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 Master's Programs in New Jersey: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Master's Programs in New Jersey ranking? +
Princeton University in Princeton, NJ ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Master's Programs 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 $65,221 average across the 29 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 62% 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 $21,033 a year across the 29 ranked schools with cost data. Yeshiva Toras Chaim is among the most affordable at roughly $5,356. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Master's Programs 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 29 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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