10 Colleges in New Jersey With High Acceptance Rates 2026

Going to college is a huge step in advancing your education and career, but some universities are selective in the students they admit. These NJ colleges with high acceptance rates are perfect for students with lower high school GPAs and test scores, and for students who don't want to stress over rigorous admissions requirements.

Are There Good Universities With High Acceptance Rates in New Jersey?

Yes, there are good universities with high acceptance rates in New Jersey. Some are large state schools, such as Rowan University and Montclair State University, while others are small private schools, like Centenary University. All of the high-quality institutions listed below have an acceptance rate of 75% or above.

What Is Considered a High Acceptance Rate for Colleges in New Jersey?

Anything over 50% admission is generally considered a high acceptance rate, but this article features institutions with an acceptance rate of 75% or above. There are even some that have acceptance rates of over 90%.

What Are the Easiest Colleges to Get Into in New Jersey?

Some of the best East Coast colleges with high acceptance rates are located in New Jersey, with acceptance rates of 90% or above and lenient admissions requirements. The easiest colleges to be accepted to in NJ are the following:

• Centenary University: 96.7% acceptance rate
• Felician University: 94% acceptance rate
• Fairleigh Dickinson University: 96% acceptance rate

Best Colleges in New Jersey With the Highest Acceptance Rates

Listed below are some of the best colleges with high acceptance rates in New Jersey, including private colleges and state universities.

1. Centenary University

Centenary University is located in Hackettstown and is most known for its programs in business, education, and equine studies. In fact, many equine studies students bring their horses to campus, creating a rich and unique culture that's hard to find elsewhere.

Admissions requirements for Centenary University include a GPA of 2.4 or above, an official high school transcript or GED scores, and optional SAT/ACT scores. Applicants are encouraged to write a personal essay, but it is not required.

• Acceptance rate: 96.7%
• Estimated tuition cost: $38,000 per year
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Felician University

Felician University, located in Rutherford, has one of the most well-known nursing programs in the state of New Jersey, including nursing degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Class sizes are small to nurture students' overall growth with direct support from their professors.

The admissions requirements for Felician University include high school transcripts or GED scores. SAT/ACT scores are not required for students outside of the nursing program.

• Acceptance rate: 94%
• Estimated tuition cost: $18,990 per semester
• Accreditation: MSCHE

3. New Jersey City University

New Jersey City University (NJCU) is located just across the Hudson River from New York City, and is one of the top colleges in NJ for minority enrollment. There are nearly 60 undergraduate programs offered, including art, business, education, nursing, and more.

The admissions requirements for NJCU are lenient, with the only necessity being a high school transcript or GED score. Other standardized test scores are optional to submit.

• Acceptance rate: 89.2%
• Estimated tuition cost: $7,500 per semester
• Accreditation: MSCHE

4. Rowan University

Rowan University, located in Glassboro, is best known for its undergraduate programs in business, education, and engineering. Being a larger public university, it also offers more niche programs like Africana studies, esports, construction management, and more.

Applicants should include their high school transcripts or GED scores, a personal essay, and up to three letters of recommendation with their official application. SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission.

• Acceptance rate: 77.8%
• Estimated tuition cost: $6,170 per semester for in-state students; $11,580 per semester for out-of-state students
• Accreditation: MSCHE

5. Montclair State University

Montclair State University, aptly located in the town of Montclair, NJ, is known for being a diverse, inclusive university that sculpts sought-after teachers in its undergraduate and graduate education programs. Other notable programs include public health, business, and nursing.

Application requirements include an official high school transcript. Standout applicants pursue at least one AP course and have a 3.2 GPA, but neither is required for admission.

• Acceptance rate: 87.4%
• Estimated tuition cost: $7,840 per semester for in-state students; $13,200 per semester for out-of-state students
• Accreditation: MSCHE

6. Monmouth University

Monmouth University, located in West Long Branch, NJ, is known for its Division I athletics, experiential learning practices, and sought-after programs such as business, nursing, and education. Residential students also enjoy a close proximity to the Jersey Shore, which is only a mile from the heart of campus.

First-year students should submit their high school transcripts or GED scores, up to three letters of recommendation, and a personal essay with their official application. Monmouth University is a test-option school, but welcomes SAT/ACT scores if applicants would like to submit them.

• Acceptance rate: 90%
• Estimated tuition cost: $23,620 per semester
• Accreditation: MSCHE

7. Rider University

Rider University is located in Lawrenceville, NJ, and is best known for its strong business program and small class size, with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Other undergraduate majors include accounting and education, as well as more niche subjects such as cybersecurity and filmmaking.

Rider University is a test-optional institution; however, committed athletes must submit their scores to determine eligibility. Applicants should submit their official high school transcripts or GED scores with their application.

• Acceptance rate: 79%
• Estimated tuition cost: $41,700 per academic year
• Accreditation: MSCHE

8. William Paterson University

William Paterson University, located in Wayne, NJ, has a 93% acceptance rate and nearly 10,000 students between its undergraduate and graduate programs. It is known for helping economically disadvantaged students achieve their educational goals and is a highly diverse university.

Students are encouraged to submit their SAT/ACT scores for consideration with their application, but test scores are not mandatory.

• Acceptance rate: 93%
• Estimated tuition cost: $16,748 per academic year
• Accreditation: MSCHE

9. Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson University has two campuses in New Jersey: one in Madison and Florham Park, and the other in Teaneck and Hackensack. Both are career-oriented, international campuses with notable programs like business, healthcare, and psychology. There are also several more niche degrees, such as animation and biochemistry.

The only application requirements are a high school transcript or GED scores and an application packet. Test scores, resumes, personal statements, and letters of recommendation can all help your application stand out, but are not necessary.

• Acceptance rate: 96%
• Estimated tuition cost: $37,360 per academic year
• Accreditation: MSCHE

10. Kean University

Kean University is a state-designated research institution spread among the towns of Union, Elizabeth, and Hillside. It has a generous tuition policy that considers students from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. as all in-state students, significantly lowering their cost of attendance.

SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission, except for homeschooled students and GRE applicants. Otherwise, Kean University is a test-optional institution that only requires an application.

• Acceptance rate: 77%
• Estimated tuition cost: $7,650 per semester for in-state students; $12,000 per semester for out-of-state students
• Accreditation: MSCHE

Admissions Requirements for Colleges With High Acceptance Rates in New Jersey

These are some of the most common admissions requirements for colleges with high acceptance rates in NJ:

• Common Application packet
• High school diploma or GRE scores
• Standardized test scores (often optional)
• Letters of recommendation, personal essay, or a resume (often optional)

FAQs About Colleges in New Jersey With High Acceptance Rates

When considering a college, it's important to have all your questions answered from the beginning of the process. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about enrolling in a high-acceptance-rate university in NJ.

Are There Open Admissions Colleges in New Jersey?

Some community colleges, such as Morris County Community College, are considered open admission. Four-year colleges located in NJ do not typically have a 100% acceptance rate, meaning they are not considered to have open admission.

What Is the Easiest College To Get Into Near New Jersey?

There are many easy colleges to get into in New Jersey, including Centenary University, Felician University, and Fairleigh Dickinson University. Just outside of NJ, Gwynedd Mercy University in Pennsylvania boasts a 94% acceptance rate, and CUNY Medgar Evans College in New York has an 83% acceptance rate.

What Is the Hardest School To Get Into in NJ?

The most difficult school to get into in NJ is Princeton University, an Ivy League school with a 4.5% acceptance rate. Princeton University requires high standardized test scores, a high GPA, and numerous standout extracurricular activities to even consider an applicant.

What College Has a 100% Acceptance Rate in New Jersey?

Community colleges, such as Morris County Community College and Rowan College at Burlington County, have a 100% acceptance rate.

Explore Colleges in New Jersey

It's important to find the perfect fit when determining where to pursue a higher degree of education, which is why Learn.org features only the highest-quality universities and colleges. Explore Learn.org and reach out to admissions counselors to find the institution that can help you achieve your academic dreams.