Many online colleges maintain regional accreditation through organizations like the Higher Learning Commission. Regional accreditation ensures that schools meet instructional standards.
Best Online Colleges in New Jersey 2021
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Online colleges provide learners with flexible options for increasing their earning potential. The best online schools feature synchronous and asynchronous coursework that learners can complete anywhere. Online colleges in New Jersey host programs using state-of-the-art technology to instruct students worldwide.
Online degrees often maintain the same admission requirements as traditional college programs. Schools require an online application, transcripts, reference letters, and relevant test scores. Online programs may feature technical requirements including reliable internet and a computer with an updated processor or graphics card.
Online college degrees not only train learners in a specific discipline but also give enrollees technical skills that can boost their job prospects. As careers with technical components continue to grow, employers need workers adept at navigating evolving technologies. Online programs prepare learners to thrive in an increasingly digital workplace.
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Top 10 Best Online Colleges in New Jersey 2021
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | New Brunswick, NJ |
| 2 | Rowan University | Glassboro, NJ |
| 3 | Monmouth University | West Long Branch, NJ |
| 4 | Rutgers University-Newark | Newark, NJ |
| 5 | Saint Peter's University | Jersey City, NJ |
| 6 | Seton Hall University | South Orange, NJ |
| 7 | Montclair State University | Montaclair, NJ |
| 8 | William Paterson University of New Jersey | Wayne, NJ |
| 9 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | Teaneck, NJ |
| 10 | Centenary College | Hackettstown, NJ |
FAQ
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Can online colleges be regionally accredited?
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How much does it cost to get an online degree?
Tuition costs vary by program and location. Some online degrees cost less than in-person programs.
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Can you go to college in New Jersey for free?
Students meeting the state’s income requirements may qualify for up to three years of tuition-free study at New Jersey community colleges.
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How many colleges and universities are in New Jersey?
According to the state’s Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, New Jersey features around 90 colleges and universities.
Best Online Colleges in New Jersey 2021
New Brunswick, NJ
$$$$$ Rutgers University-New Brunswick is a public, research co-educational university and is the oldest "brick and mortar" campus of the State University of New Jersey. Five smaller campuses—College Avenue,Busch,Livingston,Cook, andDouglass—make up the New Brunswick campus. It is home to 19 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. The university is accredited by theMiddle States Commission on Higher Education. Rutgers offers 11 fully online degree programs: two bachelor's degrees and nine master's degrees. The Bachelor degrees are a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. The online master's degrees include programs such as: Offering multiple start dates throughout the year Rutgers online programs have all the advantages of an on-campus education with the convenience of learning from anywhere and at any time. The only requirement is a computer with an internet connection and a willingness to learn. Glassboro, NJ
$$$$$ Rowan University is a public research university in New Jersey with campuses in Glassboro and Camden. The school offers more than 80 bachelor's programs, 60 master's programs, five doctoral programs, and two professional programs through its 14 schools and colleges. Rowan University offers online graduate and undergraduate programs through its Division of Global Learning & Partnerships. Rowan Global's online programs include six bachelor degrees and 15 master's degrees.Rowan Global also offers five online Doctorates in Education. Undergraduate students will enjoy a generous transfer credit policy for degree completion programs. Some of the online degree programs cover: Students can engage with one another and the course instructor using internet-based communication tools that include email, chat rooms, and online discussion boards. A learning management system that incorporates the multi-media technologies of digital slide shows, audio, and video are used to deliver course content. West Long Branch, NJ
$$$$$ Founded in 1933 as Junior College, Monmouth University (MU) received its charter in 1995. This private university maintains a campus in West Long Branch, New Jersey. As well as being licensed by the State of New Jersey, Monmouth University's education program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Each semester, the school offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate online classes that can either be completed through a degree program or on their own. All of the classes offered are designed and taught by the same full-time faculty members who conduct the face to face teaching on campus.Some of the online programs include: Monmouth University's online courses are structured like traditional classroom-based classes, with lecture notes, discussions, assignments, and exams. They are delivered through e-Campus, the University's online collaborative learning environment. Students can use their MU account and password to access the content of their courses 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Newark, NJ
$$$$$ Rutgers University-Newark is a public, research co-educational university and one of the three bricks and mortar campuses of the State University of New Jersey. Formerly the University of Newark, it became part of the Rutgers University in 1946. It is home to seven undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Rutgers offers 11 fully online degree programs: two bachelor's degrees and nine master's programs. The bachelor's degrees are a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. The online master's degree offerings include: Offering multiple start dates throughout the year Rutgers online programs have all the advantages of an on-campus education with the convenience of learning from anywhere and at any time. The only specialist requirement is a computer with an internet connection. Jersey City, NJ
$$$$$ Saint Peter's University is a not for profit, coeducational, Jesuit, Roman Catholic College with a campus located in New Jersey's second largest city, Jersey City. It also has satellite campuses in Englewood Cliffs and South Amboy. Its five colleges and schools offer over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs. Saint Peter's University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Saint Peter's offers online options such as the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.): Educational Leadership (Higher Education) and an RN to BSN program that enables registered nurses who hold a diploma or an associate's degree in nursing to gain a Bachelor of Science Nursing degree. Saint Peter's curriculums are developed in the tradition of Jesuit values, Cura Personalis: “Care for the individual person.” The online programs are designed to meet student needs mindful of their individual schedules. In 2015, Saint Peter's was ranked fifth nationwide in the "Colleges That Add the Most Value" category by Money magazine. South Orange, NJ
$$$$$ Seton Hall Universityis aprivate, sea grant,Roman Catholicuniversitywith a main campus inSouth Orange, New Jersey and a satellite campus for the University's School of Law in the nearby city of Newark. In addition to the School of Law, Seton Hall has a College of Arts and Sciences, The Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, a College of Education and Human Services, a College of Nursing, and more. The university offers several online graduate and certificate programs. However, it does not offer any undergraduate online degree at this point. You'll find 12 master's programs, a doctorate program, and numerous online certificates. Here's a more detailed look at your options: Seton Hall University offers a rich Catholic heritage with the flexibility of online learning, an outstanding faculty, the latest technology advancements, and a values-centered curriculum. The online education branch also features 24/7 technical support. Montaclair, NJ
$$$$$ Montclair State University is New Jersey's second largest public university with its main campus located in the city of Clifton, New Jersey. The University offers 54 undergraduate majors and over 130 graduate degree programs. They are offered through the university's many schools and colleges. The school is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The Graduate School offers a number of online master's programs and certificates. The online programs are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus. Some examples of the degrees offered include MA in Child Advocacy and Policy, MA in Educational Leadership, and Master of Business Administration. Here's a look at the online graduate certificates: The University also offers an MFA in Dance as a low residency online graduate program designed especially for mid-career dance artists, danceteachers and other dance professionals. The two-year program consists of two four-week programs of summer classes on campus with the subsequent Fall and Spring semesters completed online. Wayne, NJ
$$$$$ The William Paterson University of New Jersey (WPUNJ) is a coeducational public university with a brick and mortar campus in the town of Wayne, New Jersey. Founded in 1855, it is the second oldest of the nine state colleges and universities located in New Jersey. The school offers 53 undergraduate degree programs, 24 master's degree programs, and two doctoral programs through its five colleges. William Paterson University of New Jersey offers an undergraduate BA in Liberal Studies with Tracks in Psychology and Sociology, specifically designed for adult returning students and transfer students seeking an online degree completion program. The school also offers two graduate programs: William Paterson University offers two, three, and four credit online courses during its “Online Winter Session” that runs from late December through mid-January with the choice of over 80 courses.The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Teaneck, NJ
$$$$$ The Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) is a private, nonsectarian university that was founded in 1942. The Metropolitan Campus is located close to New York City and spans the Hackensack River in Teaneck and Hackensack. It has a strong career focus and is home to many of FDU's business, professional, science and health care programs. Undergraduate studies are offered through three colleges. Fairleigh Dickinson's online undergraduate degree programs include an Associate of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts degrees. Online master's degrees are offered in Digital Marketing, Electrical Engineering, Administrative Science, Homeland Security, Sports Administration, Mathematical Foundations, Nursing Education, Creative Writing, and more.The university also has numerous graduate certificate courses available online: FDU delivers its online content through a Blackboard online system known as Webcampus. All students, both on-campus and online, are provided with a Webmail electronic mail account. Most FDU students are able to register online for their courses, and to track their academic progress and grades. The school also has a 24/7 Help Desk resource for students. Hackettstown, NJ
$$$$$ Centenary University is a private, coeducational Liberal Arts university with its main campus in Hackettstown, New Jersey. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the school offers 52 academic majors along with minors in each program. In 1999, Centenary opened the Center for Adult and Professional Studies. Centenary University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The School of Professional Studies at Centenary University offers a variety of associate, bachelor, master's and certificate programs online. Around 20 percent of the school's total population takes part in online education. Some of the available degree programs include: As well as being offered online these programs are also offered with an in-class format and with a blend of the two formats in a single class; the blended format meets in person just one evening per week. The classes are accelerated and start six times a year Madison, NJ
$$$$$ The Florham Campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) is a small residential school in Madison, New Jersey on the former Twombly estate. Fairleigh Dickinson University is a private, coeducational and nonsectarian university founded in 1942. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Fairleigh Dickinson's online undergraduate degree programs include an Associate of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts degrees. The University also has numerous graduate certificate courses available online. The bulk of its online offerings are master's degrees. Here's a look at a few options: FDU delivers its online content through a Blackboard online system known as Webcampus. All students, both on-campus and online, are provided with a Webmail electronic mail account. Most FDU students are able to register online for their courses, and to track their academic progress and grades. The University also has a 24/7 Help Desk resource for students. Caldwell, NJ
$$$$$ Caldwell University is a private, coeducational Liberal Arts university that is physically located in the town of Caldwell, New Jersey. Affiliated with the Dominican Order of the Catholic Church, the school offers 25 undergraduate and 30 graduate programs, including doctoral, master's, certificate and certification programs. One of the more popular online degrees that Caldwell University offers is the undergraduate RN to BSN program, which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Within the graduate division, students can choose from online programs like: Caldwell University's online programs and courses are open to residents of all U.S. states except those residing in California, Florida and Massachusetts. The courses are compatible with Mac or PC platforms and students must have access to theinternet and email and be familiar with creating, formatting, and attaching documents in Microsoft Word. Morristown, NJ
$$$$$ The College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE) is a private, coeducational, four-year, liberal arts college with a campus in Morristown, New Jersey. Affiliated with the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth order of the Catholic Church, the University offers 19 undergraduate majors, 10 master's degree programs and two doctoral programs. The College of Saint Elizabeth offers a total of four fully online programs. You'll find three master's degrees and one graduate certificate. Here's a closer look at your options: The College also offers its Ed Choice flexible learning program while earning a Master's degree in Management, Theology, Health Administration, Public Health and Nursing, or a doctorate, Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Higher Ed Track. This means that each week students can choose to attend their class on-campus or online. Lakewood, NJ
$$$$$ Georgian Court University (The Mercy University of New Jersey) is a private, coeducational Liberal Arts university with its bricks and mortar campus located in Lakewood, New Jersey. Affiliated with the Sisters of Mercy of the Roman Catholic Church, GCU offers 30 undergraduate degrees, 11 graduate degrees, and a variety of certificates. Apart from offering a number of undergraduate and graduate courses online, Georgian Court University also offers a Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies and a Holistic Health Studies Certificate. The school also features a number of evening programs, which also caters to working adults. Here are some evening options: All GCU online programs are taught in a cohort 7.5-week structure that allows highly motivated students to finish in as little as one year. Online programs are taught by subject matter experts and financial aid is available to all online students upon acceptance to the programs. Jersey City, NJ
$$$$$ New Jersey City University (NJCU) is apublic university with a bricks and mortar campus located in Jersey City, New Jersey. NJCU's four schools: The College of Professional Studies; the Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe College of Education; the School of Business; and the William J Maxwell College of Arts and Sciences offer 41 undergraduate and 27 graduate degree programs. NJCU offers over 1000 highly interactive courses that can be taken entirely online. Ranging from six to 18-months these online, self-paced courses prepare students for industry certification or a new career in the fields of Allied Health, Computers, Business and Accounting, amongst others. Also on offer are six-week online courses that teach professional skills and earn continuing education credits. All students are given access to the University's Gothicnet network which helps them to schedule their classes and make tuition payments. New Jersey City University has also created its own blackboard services which students can use to learn and study online. All students are given access to Microsoft Office 365 which can be used worldwide for the duration of their enrollment with the University. Trenton, NJ
$$$$$ Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is a public Liberal Arts university physically located in Trenton, New Jersey. The University offers over 100 areas of study through its five schools. TESU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Thomas Edison State University offers a wide range of degree and certificate programs that may be completed entirely through the University's online courses. These include six associate degrees, 12 bachelor degrees, 14 graduate degree programs, 17 undergraduate certificate programs, 18 graduate certificate programs, and one doctoral degree. Here is a quick sampling of online undergraduate majors: Thomas Edison State University's online courses are accessed through the online course management system, “myEdison”. The courses are guided by mentors on a 12-week timeline with proctored midterm and final exams taken via the Online Proctor Service. The University also has a Bachelor's to Master's Program that enables undergraduate students to earn up to 12 graduate credits that can be applied to both their bachelor's degree and a master's degree. Cherry Hill, NJ
$$$$$ Strayer University-New Jersey is a private, four-year, for-profit university operated by Strayer Education Inc. With a focus on providing higher education to working adults, the school's programs include undergraduate and graduate degrees that are practical and business orientated. In 2011 Strayer acquired The Jack Welch Management Institute which added an online Executive MBA to Strayer University's existing MBA program. Over half of the students enrolled at Strayer University complete their courses online with their entire bachelor's and/or master's degree being completed via the Internet. Students can also complete a campus-based program or combine a mix of online and campus-based courses to complete their degrees. Areas of study include: In May 2017, Strayer announced that its Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program had been granted accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Although the University's Master of Science degree in Nursing (MSN) is yet to be accredited. Online colleges feature flexible degree options and individualized coursework. Some programs offer fully remote instruction, while others combine online classes with in-person internships and capstone experiences. Online degrees may include both asynchronous and synchronous courses. Many of the best online colleges in New Jersey offer online degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. These programs include conventional semester-long courses, as well as eight- or 10-week courses. Shorter courses enable enrollees to graduate sooner. Students may take courses throughout the calendar year, including during the summer. Some online programs take as little as one year to complete.
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
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Rowan University
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Monmouth University
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Rutgers University-Newark
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Saint Peter's University
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Seton Hall University
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Montclair State University
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William Paterson University of New Jersey
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Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus
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Centenary College
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Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus
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Caldwell University
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College of Saint Elizabeth
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Georgian Court University
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New Jersey City University
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Thomas Edison State University
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Strayer University-New Jersey
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What Are the Goals of an Online Degree?
Why Get an Online Degree?
Online programs offer many professional and personal benefits. These programs allow students to take courses that fit their individual needs and schedules. Online degrees appeal most to working professionals. The list below describes five benefits of online colleges.
What Are the Requirements for an Online School?
Admission requirements for online colleges in New Jersey vary, but most require transcripts, reference letters, and an online application. Some programs require a personal statement or essay, relevant test scores, or prior work experience.
Distance learners may take fully remote or hybrid classes to meet general education requirements. Online degrees sometimes feature specialized coursework. Enrollees may complete a capstone experience or internship prior to graduation.
Graduation requirements differ depending on degree level and type. For instance, health science programs may require students to complete supervised clinical training.
What is Accreditation and Why Does it Matter?
Online students qualify for many scholarships, which help offset the cost of a degree. The following list highlights four scholarships for online programs. Learners should check with their college’s financial aid department for school-specific scholarship details. Many people also qualify for federal student aid. Who Can Apply: GetEducated sponsors an annual scholarship for students attending accredited online colleges. Candidates need U.S. citizenship and a 3.0 GPA. Requirements include a 500-word essay, transcripts, and an online application. Applicants must also submit their most recent FAFSA information. Amount: $1,000 Who Can Apply: Study.com gives one award annually to an undergraduate student enrolled at an accredited online college. Candidates submit an online application and transcripts. Additional requirements include U.S. citizenship. Only learners with at least 30 credits left to graduate qualify. Amount: $500 Who Can Apply: College Raptor awards annual scholarships to students enrolled at an accredited college, university, or trade school. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. The organization requires an online application and an essay. Amount: $2,500 Who Can Apply: The Thurgood Marshall College Fund sponsors several annual scholarships for students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and law degrees. Scholarships typically cover tuition and fees, on-campus room and board, and professional development costs. Application requirements vary by scholarship, but include transcripts, GPA requirements, and demonstrated financial need. Amount: Varies
Scholarships for Online Students
GetEducated.Com Distance Learning Scholarship
Undergraduate Distance Learning Academic Scholarship
College Raptor Scholarship
Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarship
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