# Best Master's Programs in New Jersey

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 29 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-new-jersey

## Methodology

Master's programs in New Jersey ranked by graduate outcomes

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

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.

## Key Findings

- Princeton University graduates earn an average of $110,066, the highest among New Jersey master's programs.
- The graduation rate at Princeton is 97%, significantly above the state average of 62%.
- Ramapo College has a net price of $18,173, which is lower than the state average for master's programs.
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick has an average student debt of $21,500, comparable to many other programs.

## 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 | [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 |
| 3 | [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 |
| 4 | [The College of New Jersey](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-college-of-new-jersey) | Ewing, NJ | 86% | $73,323 | $27,646 | $23,250 | 0.32x |
| 5 | [Stevens Institute of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/stevens-institute-of-technology) | Hoboken, NJ | 88% | $108,772 | $41,346 | $27,000 | 0.25x |
| 6 | [Drew University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/drew-university) | Madison, NJ | 71% | $63,646 | $24,280 | $25,288 | 0.4x |
| 7 | [Saint Peter's University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-peters-university) | Jersey City, NJ | 61% | $57,815 | $12,199 | $20,500 | 0.35x |
| 8 | [Montclair State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/montclair-state-university) | Montclair, NJ | 64% | $61,415 | $15,566 | $22,000 | 0.36x |
| 9 | [Seton Hall University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/seton-hall-university) | South Orange, NJ | 70% | $70,196 | $31,446 | $22,750 | 0.32x |
| 10 | [Rowan University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rowan-university) | Glassboro, NJ | 68% | $59,988 | $22,408 | $20,500 | 0.34x |
| 11 | [Kean University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/kean-university) | Union, NJ | 45% | $57,237 | $12,447 | $23,250 | 0.41x |
| 12 | [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 |
| 13 | [Centenary University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/centenary-university) | Hackettstown, NJ | 56% | $53,726 | $20,503 | $23,163 | 0.43x |
| 14 | [Monmouth University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/monmouth-university) | West Long Branch, NJ | 71% | $67,991 | $30,988 | $27,000 | 0.4x |
| 15 | [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 |
| 16 | [Caldwell University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/caldwell-university) | Caldwell, NJ | 58% | $53,843 | $24,691 | $25,000 | 0.46x |
| 17 | [Rider University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rider-university) | Lawrenceville, NJ | 62% | $62,208 | $24,792 | $26,130 | 0.42x |
| 18 | [Georgian Court University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/georgian-court-university) | Lakewood, NJ | 54% | $53,096 | $19,285 | $21,816 | 0.41x |
| 19 | [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 |
| 20 | [Rutgers University-Newark](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rutgers-university-newark) | Newark, NJ | 66% | $74,479 | $19,703 | $21,500 | 0.29x |
| 21 | [Rutgers University-Camden](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rutgers-university-camden) | Camden, NJ | 67% | $74,479 | $18,745 | $21,500 | 0.29x |
| 22 | [Stockton University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/stockton-university) | Galloway, NJ | 70% | $57,602 | $20,670 | $20,500 | 0.36x |
| 23 | [Saint Elizabeth University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-elizabeth-university) | Morristown, NJ | 46% | $53,038 | $23,125 | $24,934 | 0.47x |
| 24 | [Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/fairleigh-dickinson-university-metropolitan-campus) | Teaneck, NJ | 58% | $57,273 | $15,404 | $25,000 | 0.44x |
| 25 | [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 |
| 26 | [Felician University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/felician-university) | Lodi, NJ | 48% | $57,602 | $40,045 | $25,000 | 0.43x |
| 27 | [Pillar College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pillar-college) | Newark, NJ | 36% | $45,577 | $8,470 | $21,483 | 0.47x |
| 28 | [Bloomfield College of Montclair State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bloomfield-college-of-montclair-state-university) | Bloomfield, NJ | 35% | $61,415 | $28,014 | $22,000 | 0.36x |
| 29 | [Yeshiva Toras Chaim](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/yeshiva-toras-chaim) | Lakewood, NJ | 29% | $62,526 | $5,356 | 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 Master's Programs in New Jersey." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-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/.