10 Most Affordable Online Colleges in New Jersey 2025

Several accredited online schools in New Jersey offer low tuition rates, financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans that help make a degree path possible.

A college degree can provide new career opportunities; however, many students are weary of high tuition costs. Affordable online colleges offer students the same academic and career opportunities as a traditional on-campus program.

Accredited online colleges in New Jersey can help students begin careers in business, education, art, and more. Below, we discuss some of the cheapest colleges in New Jersey for online learners. Keep reading to discover your academic path.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in New Jersey

Are you ready to begin your academic journey? Explore these inexpensive colleges in New Jersey that offer high-quality online learning opportunities.

1. Thomas Edison State University

Based in Trenton, NJ, Thomas Edison State University offers 100 online programs at the bachelor's master's, and doctoral levels. These flexible degree programs are designed for adult learners and help build career-ready skills.

Full-time New Jersey students pay a flat rate of $3,419 per term, while part-time students pay $427 for each credit. Financial aid and scholarships are available to help lower the cost of tuition.

2. Kean University

Kean University offers several online bachelor's and master's degrees. Students may study subjects such as:

accounting
business administration
social work
marketing

As one of the most inexpensive online colleges in New Jersey, tuition for in-state undergraduates costs a flat rate of $5,929.35 per semester. Part-time students pay $460.83 per credit hour.

3. William Paterson University

William Paterson University offers many online degree programs. Students may choose accelerated programs with asynchronous learning or traditional semester-length courses.

Tuition for full-time undergraduates costs $7,852 per semester. The school awards over $7 million in scholarships each year. William Paterson University also offers tuition-free opportunities to qualifying New Jersey students demonstrating financial need.

4. Strayer University

Strayer University is a for-profit school with campuses all over the U.S. including New Jersey; however, most students complete their degrees fully online. Many bachelor's degrees are available, including criminal justice, accounting, and health services administration.

Tuition costs $1,525 per course. Students may apply for financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition discounts.

5. Rutgers University-Camden

Rutgers University is a highly ranked school and one of the oldest higher education institutions in the New York/New Jersey area. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the graduation rate is 73%.

At Rutgers University-Camden, students may pursue various online business degrees. Tuition can be as low as $7,111 per semester for full-time New Jersey residents or $459 per credit hour for part-time students.

6. Rowan University

At Rowan University, students may earn an online degree at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Accelerated winter and summer sessions are available.

For New Jersey residents attending school full-time, undergraduate tuition costs $16,574 annually. Students may apply for financial aid to help manage the cost of tuition, such as the Rowan Opportunity Program or the Garden State Guarantee.

7. Berkeley College

Berkeley College offers in-person, online, or hybrid learning options for students pursuing bachelor's or master's degrees. Online courses are convenient and accessible for working professionals and allow students to complete weekly assignments at their own pace.

Students may complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive federal or state loans and grants. Berkeley College also offers many scholarships and grants to undergraduate students, including the Berkeley College Achievement Award and the Berkeley College Alumni Legacy Scholarship.

8. Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a selection of online master's degree programs. With a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, online learners benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention.

Tuition price varies by program but can be as low as $672 per credit hour. The university offers over $70 million in financial aid annually. Graduate students may apply for FAFSA and university scholarships to help manage the burden of tuition.

9. New Jersey City University

New Jersey City University offers several online graduate programs. These flexible degree paths allow working adults to study and complete coursework at their own pace.

Online graduate tuition costs $821.63 for both in-state and out-of-state students. The university offers many scholarships to online graduate students, including the Robert Noyce Scholarships for STEM Teachers in NJ and the Sallie Mae Bridging the Dream Scholarship for Graduate Students.

10. Montclair State University

Montclair State University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees online. As an accredited institution, coursework is comprehensive and academically rigorous. Online learners can access extensive student support services to ensure academic success.

Undergraduate tuition for New Jersey residents costs $7,395.00 per semester. Part-time students pay $493 per credit. Qualifying students may pay for college through the Garden State Guarantee and Red Hawk Advantage program. Additionally, tuition payment plans are available to help make tuition more manageable.

Our Selection Criteria

Our methodology for choosing schools includes several considerations:

Location: We chose online colleges with a physical campus located in New Jersey.
Accreditation: We chose accredited schools to ensure academic excellence.
Affordability: We listed schools that offer affordable higher education through low tuition rates, scholarships, financial aid opportunities, or payment plans.

How Much Do Online Colleges in New Jersey Cost?

The cost of online degrees varies widely depending on the school, program, and degree level. Undergraduate degrees are typically less expensive than graduate programs.

For instance, one of the most affordable online colleges in New Jersey is Thomas Edison State University. Undergraduates only pay $427 per credit here. In contrast, New Jersey City University graduate students pay $821.63 per credit.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable?

Despite there being several affordable online degrees in New Jersey, reducing tuition costs even further is never a bad thing. One way to get this done is by applying for scholarships, which can cover some or all of your tuition costs depending on the award granted.

You could also save money by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to secure grants or student loans. Keep in mind, however, that student loans must be repaid.

If you are an active military member or veteran, the GI Bill might help reduce tuition costs. You could also secure military grants or receive military tuition reductions from your school of choice. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs to pay their employees' tuition costs via reimbursement after they've completed courses each semester.

Learn more below on how to make an online degree cheaper:

FAQs About Cheap Online Universities and Colleges in New Jersey

Prospective students may have questions about New Jersey online colleges. We answer some of the most popular questions below.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in New Jersey?

Thomas Edison State University and Rutgers University-Camden offer some of the lowest tuition rates for undergraduate, in-state students. Online learners pay under $500 per credit hour and may access financial aid to make their degree even more affordable.

How Many Online Colleges Are in New Jersey?

New Jersey residents may choose from dozens of four-year universities and colleges offering distance education. Some schools may offer on-campus programs as well.

What Is the Easiest Online College To Get Into in New Jersey?

Strayer University offers an accessible education experience to students from diverse backgrounds. Most prospective students can meet the admissions requirements, which include a high school diploma and a valid government-issued ID. No ACT or SAT scores are required.

Can You Go to College for Free in New Jersey?

Qualifying New Jersey students may receive a free college education. Online colleges in New Jersey like Montclair State University offer a couple of financial aid programs to students with financial need. The Garden State Guarantee provides up to four semesters of free tuition for juniors and seniors, while the Red Hawk Advantage Award covers the cost of tuition for incoming freshmen.

Explore Accredited Online Degree Programs

Ready to start your online education? Explore the high-quality online schools here on Learn.org. Contact each school to learn about enrollment processes, student success initiatives, and degree specialization opportunities.