Best STEM Colleges in New Jersey
New Jersey students interested in STEM careers can find great programs at Princeton University, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), and Rutgers University.
STEM focuses on the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. The best STEM colleges can help students pursue STEM careers in industries like:
- statistics
- chemistry
- information technology
- healthcare
- computer engineering
If STEM is a field you'd like to enter, you can find great degree programs in New Jersey. Princeton University, Rutgers University, and New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) offer some of the best STEM programs in the state. Below, we'll explore these programs and discuss STEM colleges that offer merit aid. Our FAQs can provide more insight as you decide which school is best for you.
Top STEM Colleges in New Jersey
STEM degrees open doors to numerous career opportunities. Review this list to learn about some of the best colleges for STEM in New Jersey.
1. Princeton University
Princeton University consistently ranks as the top university in America. Degrees from this school are highly regarded. If you want to enroll in a Princeton STEM program, consider the following:
- chemical and biological engineering
- computer science
- geosciences
- electrical and computer engineering
Princeton's Career Center for Development supports students who want STEM careers after graduating. Students receive tips and resources for finding great internships and jobs in the field.
2. Rutgers University
Rutgers University is located in New Brunswick with campuses in Camden and Newark. This school offers over 150 undergraduate majors. It also has more than 400 graduate programs. STEM programs include aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, and data science.
Rutgers offers free STEM degrees online with help from scholarships and financial aid that can cover 100% of your tuition. Online STEM programs include healthcare management and business analytics.
3. Stevens Institute of Technology
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken offers dozens of STEM-designated degrees. Undergraduate and graduate students can choose from programs that include:
- data science
- finance
- chemical biology
- ocean engineering
Undergraduate students in STEM programs could receive help covering tuition costs with Stevens scholarships. These merit awards can range from $5,000 to full tuition coverage annually.
4. New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) offers more than 120 degree programs. Many fall into the STEM category. They include:
- biochemistry
- applied physics
- chemical engineering
- electrical engineering
You can also find affordable online STEM degrees at NJIT. Applied science and data science are two to consider. Students can reduce the cost of these online degrees with help from NJIT's merit-based scholarships and aid.
5. Montclair State University
Montclair State University offers STEM bachelor's degrees in public health, chemistry, language engineering, and more. STEM master's degrees include IT, statistics, and data science. A doctoral degree in clinical psychology is also available.
Students can lower their tuition costs with help from the College of Science and Mathematics scholarships. These awards are given to students who enroll in biology, math, computing, physics, and other STEM programs.
6. Rowan University
Rowan University in Glassboro offers great STEM programs for undergrad and grad school students. A few to consider include:
- biomedical engineering
- photonics
- biophysics
- computer science
Students can graduate from Rowan with zero debt thanks to its tuition-free programs. The Rowan Opportunity Program helps first-year and second-year students cover tuition. The Garden State Guarantee Program pays school costs for juniors and seniors.
7. William Paterson University
William Paterson University students can choose from over a dozen STEM-designated degree programs. Bachelor's and master's degrees include:
- earth science
- applied business
- biology
- materials chemistry
Students can also study STEM from home. William Paterson University offers multiple 100% online degrees in technology and business. Some of the school's top online STEM degrees include applied business analytics and information technology.
8. Fairleigh Dickinson University
Engineering students can find great engineering programs at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck. A few to consider include:
- civil engineering
- electrical engineering
- construction engineering
- mechanical engineering
The school helps undergrad students cover some or all tuition costs with merit-based awards and financial need-based grants. International students can apply for awards like the FDU International Scholarship.
9. The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) in Ewing offers numerous four-year STEM degrees. Programs include:
- civil engineering
- physics
- chemistry
- data science and statistics
TCNJ is home to Integrative STEM Education programs for undergraduate and graduate students. These programs prepare students to teach STEM and technology in elementary, middle, and high schools. Students who complete these programs qualify for New Jersey teacher certification.
10. Kean University
Kean University's School of Integrative Science and Technology (IST) helps students qualify for and pursue STEM careers. Undergrad and grad programs this school offers include biology, biomedicine, chemistry, and genetic counseling.
The IST offers merit scholarships to reduce the cost of STEM degrees. Students who want to perform research with school faculty and staff can take part in the Group Summer Scholars Research Program.
11. Rider University
Rider University in Lawrenceville is a private school with degrees in liberal arts, education, science, and business. Its School of Science, Technology, and Mathematics (SSTM) offers dozens of programs for students who want careers in STEM.
Undergraduate STEM programs include applied chemistry, general science, and dance science. The school offers an online bachelor's degree in allied health studies. An online master's in nursing (MSN) program is also available.
12. Bloomfield College
Bloomfield College enrollees can choose from STEM-related natural science and math programs. These degrees include research projects and lab work to help students gain real-world experience. Programs include:
- biology
- biochemistry
- chemistry
- mathematics
Bloomfield offers merit-based scholarships to help students cover their tuition. Enrollees can also benefit from in-state and federal need-based grants.
13. Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University offers over a dozen undergrad and grad STEM programs. Students can choose degrees like:
- biochemistry
- financial mathematics
- data science
- microbiology
Seton Hall has been recognized as a top 10 graduate school for STEM workforce diversity. The school has also been recognized for its information technology management and healthcare administration programs.
14. Stockton University
Applied physics, chemistry, health science, and biology are a few STEM degrees available at Stockton University. Others include:
- business analytics
- computing
- geology
- marine science
Stockton offers opportunities for enrollees to earn their STEM degrees free of charge. The Stockton Promise and Garden State Guarantee are last-dollar programs that cover tuition and fees for eligible students.
15. Thomas Edison State University
Thomas Edison State University in Trenton offers undergrad STEM programs in applied science, science, and cybersecurity. Grad students can find great master's programs in science, cybersecurity, and IT.
TESU lets students earn college credits for skills and knowledge gained from work and training. Women and minorities can find resources like blogs and podcasts on TESU's website that help guide them toward successful careers in technology.
FAQs About STEM Colleges in New Jersey
STEM occupations are expected to grow between the years 2023 and 2033. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% jump in employment over this period. If you're eager to start a STEM career, review these FAQs to learn more about STEM colleges in New Jersey.
Which New Jersey College Has the Best STEM Program?
Several New Jersey schools of higher education offer great STEM programs. U.S. News and World Report rankings show Princeton University as New Jersey's best engineering school.
It has also earned high marks for its chemistry and physics programs. Rutgers University-New Brunswick is a top school for math. NJIT students can find great engineering and math programs.
What Is the Best Computer Science School in New Jersey?
The school with the highest rankings for computer science in New Jersey is Rutgers University-New Brunswick. NJIT and Rutgers University-Newark are also recognized for their computer science programs.
What Is the Largest College in New Jersey?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick was the largest New Jersey school in the fall of 2022 with an enrollment of 36,344. Montclair State University was the second largest school with an enrollment of 17,290.