Best Online Colleges in New Jersey 2025

In the 2021-22 school year, over 45,000 students graduated with bachelor's degrees in New Jersey, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Having a college degree can make a huge impact on your career, and busy students can earn their accredited degrees online.

Online college programs are a great option for those who are working full-time, looking after family, or just can't make it to campus. The best online colleges offer high-quality programs in a flexible format, as well as services to help support online students. Keep reading to discover the best online colleges in New Jersey.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in New Jersey

There are over a dozen New Jersey online colleges that offer programs to students in a flexible format. We've highlighted the top programs below.

1. Rutgers University

Rutgers University is a research institution based in New Brunswick, NJ. It offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like business administration, human resources, nursing, and social work.

Rutgers is consistently highly ranked for both its in-person and online programs. Online programs at Rutgers are designed to allow students to complete their degrees without disrupting their professional or personal commitments

Tuition for undergraduate online programs ranges from $640 to $655 for both in-state and out-of-state students. About 71% of students receive financial aid, especially grants and scholarships.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $17,239

Out-of-State: $36,001

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $19,824

Out-of-State: $33,720

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 95%

Retention Rate: 93%

Institution Type: Public research

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. New Jersey Institute of Technology

At the New Jersey Institute of Technology, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business, engineering, information technology, and transportation.

Both in-state and out-of-state students pay $537 per credit for undergraduate online programs. Several financial aid opportunities are available to students, with 94% awarded some type of student aid.

NJIT, a research institution, is based in Newark, NJ, and offers high-quality degrees primarily in STEM fields. Students here can earn their degree or certificate without compromising other commitments.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $19,022

Out-of-State: $35,934

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $22,534

Out-of-State: $33,318

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 67%

Retention Rate: 91%

Institution Type: Public research

Accreditation: MSCHE

3. Rowan University

Rowan University offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields like computer science, education, healthcare, and liberal studies. The research institution is located in Glassboro, NJ.

Rowan is the third fastest-growing public research university in the country and its programs are nationally ranked. It works hard to make quality education accessible, convenient, and affordable.

Tuition is the same for online students regardless of residency. The college also offers the Rowan Opportunity Program to help cover costs, and 93% of students at the school receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $15,700

Out-of-State: $25,564

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $14,380

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 78%

Retention Rate: 82%

Institution Type: Public Research

Accreditation: MSCHE

4. Rider University

Undergraduate and graduate programs are available online through Rider University. Areas of study include business administration, healthcare, liberal studies, and psychology.

All first-year undergraduate students at Rider receive financial aid to help them pay for their degrees. Tuition for online bachelor's degree programs is $630 per credit hour

The private university, based in Lawrenceville, NJ, offers these online education programs primarily with adult learners in mind. The school also offers programs and services designed to help students reach their full potential.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $38,900

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $18,701

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 79%

Retention Rate: 82%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: MSCHE

5. Montclair State University

Montclair State University is a research institution in Montclair, NJ. It offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like business administration, liberal studies, nursing, and psychology.

The university provides a collaborative, virtual learning community, online faculty, instructional designers, and student success staff to all online learners. Students have access to a wealth of resources and support, including academic advising, career services, and mental health counseling.

Most online programs do not charge an additional fee to out-of-state students. Many scholarships and grants are available, with 88% of students awarded financial aid on average.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $14,766

Out-of-State: $24,126

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $14,562

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 87%

Retention Rate: 80%

Institution Type: Public research

Accreditation: MSCHE

6. Saint Elizabeth University

Students at Saint Elizabeth University can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include education, nursing, nutrition, and public service. The Catholic school, based in Morristown, NJ, designs its online programs to be within the reach of busy professionals.

About 98% of students at STEU receive financial aid, leading the school to be recognized as one of the country's best schools for financial aid. This aid comes through SEU institutional scholarships, state and federal funding, and private scholarships.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $35,942

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $19,236

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 77%

Retention Rate: 80%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: MSCHE

7. Georgian Court University

Georgian Court University offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like business administration, education, healthcare, and theology. The Catholic school is located in Lakewood, NJ.

GCU offers high-quality education to online students without sacrificing the rigor of in-person learning. Students have the power to reach their academic and career goals wherever they are and whenever they can.

Roughly 99% of students receive financial aid, primarily institutional grants and scholarships. The university awards $19 million in student aid each year.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $37,110

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $14,760

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 71%

Retention Rate: 76%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: MSCHE

8. Kean University

Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available online at Kean University. Areas of study include accounting, education, healthcare, and management.

Online tuition for both New Jersey residents and out-of-state students is $480 per undergraduate credit, and 96% of students receive financial aid. This aid comes primarily through grants or scholarships, both from the state governments and the institution itself.

Kean University is dedicated to providing world-class programs in an online environment where students complete their degrees on their own time. These programs are designed to provide a comfortable and engaging learning environment for students at all stages in their education.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $13,426

Out-of-State: $21,076

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $16,793

Out-of-State: $22,082

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 77%

Retention Rate: 75%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: MSCHE

9. William Patterson University

William Paterson University is a public institution in Wayne, NJ. It offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like criminal justice, education, healthcare, and liberal studies.

These programs offer college students the flexibility and convenience to achieve their goals on their own terms. The online format enables students to balance career and family obligations.

About 91% of students at William Paterson are awarded financial aid, especially grants and scholarships. Tuition for the school's online learning programs is $372.25 per credit for undergraduate programs.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $15,150

Out-of-State: $24,464

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $15,948

Out-of-State: $22,950

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 93%

Retention Rate: 73%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: MSCHE

10. Thomas Edison State University

Through Thomas Edison State University, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business, humanities, social sciences, and technology.

New Jersey residents pay $427 per credit for online undergraduate programs, while out-of-state students pay $556. Around 26% of students receive grants or scholarships.

TESU, located in Trenton, NJ, has designed all its programs around the unique needs of adult learners who are looking to further their careers. It also has a flexible transfer credit policy, allowing students to bring in up to 90 credit hours.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $6,638

Out-of-State: $8,598

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $12,150

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: This institution did not admit full-time first-time undergraduate-level students in the cohort year; therefore, retention rate information was not reported.

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: MSCHE

Other Featured Online Schools

While students can learn from many New Jersey colleges online, there are also several colleges and universities across the U.S. that offer excellent online college programs as well. We've highlighted a few of these below.

Excelsior University

Excelsior University offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields like business, criminal justice, healthcare, and information technology. The private online university is based in Albany, NY.

The university primarily caters to adult learners and is accredited by the MSCHE. Tuition for most online courses at the undergraduate level is $510 per credit hour.

National University

Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available online through National University. Areas of study include business administration, computer science, healthcare, and psychology.

The private school designs both its on-campus and distance education programs specifically for nontraditional learners. It's headquartered in San Diego and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The average tuition cost for undergraduate online programs is $370 per credit.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school in Manchester, NH. It offers hundreds of online programs in fields like arts, natural sciences, social sciences, and technology.

SNHU has been leading the way in online learning for decades and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Tuition for online undergraduate programs is $330 per credit hour.

How We Rank Schools

We used the NCES and U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard as sources to find schools that met the following criteria.

• Location: All schools in the initial list are based in New Jersey.
• Accreditation: Schools on both lists are regionally accredited.
• Type: We only looked at four-year public and private nonprofit schools; we didn't include community colleges or for-profit institutions.
• Online programs: We selected programs that offer high-quality online programs and student support initiatives.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in New Jersey

While there are many benefits to earning an online degree, there are a few downsides as well. We've broken these down below.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Control over your schedule: Online degree programs allow students to complete their coursework on their own time, with no set meeting times.
• Location flexibility: Learn while cozied up at home, on your break at work, or while traveling the globe�whatever works for you.
• Increased affordability: Many online programs cost less than on-campus programs.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Less structure: Some students struggle with the less structured schedule of online courses.
• Harder to connect: Many students have a harder time connecting with their professors and peers when everything is virtual.
• Technology required: If something goes wrong with your internet or computer, it becomes much more difficult to complete your coursework.

How To Choose an Online Degree Program in New Jersey

There are many options for online degrees in New Jersey. A few things to consider include:

• Accreditation: Whatever school you choose must be accredited, preferably regionally accredited.
• Major: Look for schools that offer the major you want to pursue online.
• Admissions requirements: Some schools, like TESU, just require a high school diploma or equivalent, but many have stricter requirements.
• Pace of schedule: You can often find accelerated or part-time programs based on what works for your schedule and career goals.
• Cost: Tuition rates can vary wildly between schools.
• Financial aid: Many schools offer financial aid programs, some more comprehensive than others.

How Much Does an Online Degree in New Jersey Cost?

The online college programs listed above range from $372.25 per credit at William Paterson University to over $800 per credit. However, the final cost will depend on several factors, including financial aid.

Tips on How To Make Online College in New Jersey More Affordable

One of the best ways to make your online degree affordable is to start by choosing an affordable online college. There are a few of those in New Jersey, especially for those who qualify for in-state tuition.

Additionally, all prospective students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This determines your eligibility for federal and state aid as well as many institutional financial aid options.

Below, we've listed some resources to help students find affordable programs in New Jersey:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

New Jersey Scholarships & Grants

There are a few scholarship and grant opportunities available to students at online colleges in New Jersey. We've highlighted some of our top picks below.

Tuition Aid Grant

The Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) is one of the state's most generous and popular financial aid programs. It provides tuition coverage to eligible New Jersey residents based on financial need.

Award Amount: Up to $14,404 per year

Deadline: April 15 for returning college students who received a Tuition Aid Grant in the previous academic year and September 15 for new college students enrolling in the fall semester and returning students who did not receive a Tuition Aid Grant in the previous academic year.

Community College Opportunity Grant

Through the Community College Opportunity Grant, eligible New Jersey students, including NJ Dreamers, can pursue their first associate degree tuition-free or for an affordable, reduced tuition rate at their local community college. Students must have a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) under $100,000.

Award Amount: Up to full tuition costs

Deadline: April 15 for returning college students who received a Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) in the previous academic year and September 15 for new college students enrolling in the fall semester and returning students who did not receive a Tuition Aid Grant in the previous academic year.

Garden State Guarantee

The Garden State Guarantee covers the cost of the third and fourth years for eligible bachelor's degree students. Combined with the Community College Opportunity Grant, students could potentially attend school for free.

Award Amount: Up to full tuition costs

Deadline: April 15 for returning college students who received a Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) in the previous academic year and September 15 for new college students enrolling in the fall semester and returning students who did not receive a Tuition Aid Grant in the previous academic year.

Top Majors for New Jersey Students

According to the NCES, the most popular fields of study for New Jersey graduates are:

• Business: Many business programs offer areas of concentration, like finance, human resources, and marketing, so students can tailor their degree to their career goals.
• Humanities: Humanities includes fields like art, language, and culture. These can lead to a wide range of careers depending on the specific major.
• Healthcare: At the bachelor's level, common healthcare majors include nursing, health science, and healthcare administration.
• Natural sciences and mathematics: Degrees in the natural sciences or in mathematics can lead to roles in academia, research, or fieldwork.
• Psychology: Most psychologists need a graduate degree to practice. However, an undergraduate degree in psychology can lay the foundation for many career paths in not just psychology but business, education, or social welfare.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in New Jersey

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about accredited online colleges in New Jersey.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in New Jersey?

Typically, bachelor's degrees take four years of full-time study to complete. However, some schools offer accelerated bachelor's degrees in New Jersey that will allow you to finish your degree in less time.

Is Online College Right for Me?

Only you can answer if online college is right for you. If you're a busy student, don't have a reliable way to campus, or are chronically ill, online college may be the perfect option.

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

Of the schools listed above, TESU is the easiest New Jersey college to get into. It has an open admissions policy, meaning that as long as you meet the minimum requirements, you'll be accepted.

Is Online College in New Jersey Free?

While online college in New Jersey isn't inherently free, by combining the Community College Opportunity Grant and the Garden State Guarantee, you could potentially go to college for free.

Are Online Universities in New Jersey Less Expensive Than Traditional In-Person Colleges?

In many cases, online universities in New Jersey have a lower tuition rate than in-person colleges. This is especially true for out-of-state students, who often have the same tuition rate, or one just slightly higher, when studying online.

Discover Online Degrees in New Jersey

Start your journey toward an online degree by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific online colleges in New Jersey to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.