Best Military-Friendly Colleges in New Jersey

Service members earn military education benefits through their service. Military students can use these benefits at many colleges and universities, including New Jersey colleges.

New Jersey is home to a few military-friendly colleges. Keep reading to discover some of the best military-friendly colleges in New Jersey.

Military-Friendly Colleges in New Jersey

Military and veteran students can find several military-friendly colleges located in New Jersey. These educational institutions allow service members to use military education benefits in New Jersey and provide extensive veterans services.

Below, we've featured some of the best colleges for military service members and veterans in New Jersey.

1. Rutgers University

Rutgers University is a public research university based in New Brunswick, New Jersey. It's ranked at number 32 on the Military Times most recent Best for Vets Colleges list thanks to the support its Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services provides.

Because Rutgers is public, military students could have their full tuition costs covered through their education benefits. Support services offered by Rutgers include mental health resources, military-affiliated student organizations, and military work-study programs.

2. Rowan University

Rowan University is a public research university in Glassboro, New Jersey. Its Military Services department helps students obtain their education benefits and adjust to student life, and the university is listed at 234 on the Military Times rankings.

Military education benefits could cover up to 100% of tuition at Rowan. The university also offers military scholarships and VA work-study programs to help veterans pay for school, as well as other resources like a military veterans lounge.

3. Montclair State University

Montclair State University is a public research university in Montclair, New Jersey. It holds a silver-level Military Friendly status from Viqtory due to the work by its Veteran and Military Resource Office.

Students can use their military education benefits to cover the cost of tuition at Montclair State. Additionally, various perks, including a veteran's lounge, are available to military-affiliated students.

4. The College of New Jersey

The College of New Jersey is a public university in Ewing Township, New Jersey. It offers assistance programs for veterans and their dependents.

Through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, students can use their military financial aid to pay for school. Military students also have access to support services, like counseling and psychological services, on campus.

5. New Jersey Institute of Technology

New Jersey Institute of Technology is a public research university in Newark, New Jersey. Its Veteran and Military-Affiliated Student Services have earned it a silver ranking on Viqtory's list of Military Friendly Schools.

Students can have their full tuition costs covered through their military education benefits. The veterans services office can help students with this, as well as with things like enrollment, healthcare, and more.

6. Seton Hall University

Seton Hall University is a private Roman Catholic research university in South Orange, New Jersey. It supports veterans, active-duty military, reservists, and military dependents through its Veteran and Military Center.

Because Seton Hall is a private university, GI Bill benefits won't fully cover tuition. However, the university is part of the Yellow Ribbon Program, which will provide up to $13,200 yearly to all eligible students to help cover remaining tuition costs.

7. William Paterson University

William Paterson University is a public university in Wayne, New Jersey. It helps members of the armed forces transition to higher education through its Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, which has earned the university a silver ranking on the Military Friendly Schools list from Viqtory.

In addition to accepting military education benefits, the university also offers a waiver to veterans who served in the Global War on Terror. Additionally, the school can help military students land internships and jobs.

8. Kean University

Kean University is a public university based in Union, New Jersey. Its Center for Veteran Student Success provides quality support, which led to the university being ranked as a top ten Military Friendly School.

Students can use their education benefits to cover tuition, but the university also offers veteran student scholarships to help those benefits stretch further. Other services, like a relaxing veterans lounge, are also available on campus.

9. Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson University is a private university based in Teaneck, New Jersey. It serves more veterans than any other private school in New Jersey through its Office of Veterans Services.

GI Bills won't cover full tuition costs at Farleigh Dickinson, but the school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Through the program, students will receive coverage for the remaining tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn't cover.

10. Princeton University

Princeton University is a private Ivy League research university in Princeton, New Jersey. It provides a few different services and benefits for veterans.

Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, students can get an additional $4,000 to pay for tuition costs at Princeton. The Princeton Grant can also help students pay for their cost of living expenses.

Does the U.S. Military Offer Free College?

Military and veteran students may be able to go to college for free by using military education programs. There are a few programs that help students do this, and we've listed common ones below.

GI Bill Benefits

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs distributes education benefits through the GI Bill. There are a few types of GI Bills:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill: for students who served on active duty on or after 9/11, this program will cover up to 100% of tuition at public in-state universities and up to $28,937 per year at private universities, as well as offer stipends for housing and course materials
• Yellow Ribbon Program: a facet of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, this program pays for additional tuition costs beyond what the Post-9/11 GI Bill covers, such as the cost to attend a private school
• Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty: for those who have served at least two years on active duty, this bill pays tuition and job training costs but doesn't cover things like housing or materials
• Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve: for members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, National Guard, and Cost Guard selected reserve, this bill pays tuition and job training costs

To learn more about the different GI Bills and determine your eligibility, visit the VA website.

Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance

Each branch of the military offers a tuition assistance program. These programs will cover up to $250 per college credit at accredited colleges and universities.

Eligibility requirements vary between branches. Reach out to an education counselor from your branch to learn more.

Military College Funds

Aside from the Navy and Air Force, every military branch also offers military college fund programs. These programs, called ''kickers,'' add additional funding to your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

You sign up for these benefits when you enlist in the military. Again, eligibility requirements vary between branches.

FAQs About Military-Friendly Colleges in New Jersey

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about military-friendly colleges in New Jersey.

Are Colleges More Likely To Accept Military Service Members?

While being a military service member may boost your application, it doesn't guarantee your acceptance. Your application will still be processed like all other applications.

Is College Free for Active-Duty Service Members in New Jersey?

Yes, active-duty service members may qualify for free college in New Jersey through GI Bill benefits and tuition assistance programs.

Are There Military-Friendly Online Colleges in New Jersey?

Several military-friendly colleges listed above, such as Kean University, Rowan University, and William Paterson University, offer online programs.