This is the case not only in the classroom, but in bedrooms and living rooms that have an internet connection across the nation—and around the world! As it turns out, the state of New Jersey has some of the best online options out there.
What kind of Online College in New Jersey should you attend?
Online learning is here to stay. Colleges and Universities the world over are adapting to this brave new world. New Jersey is among them. The online programs featured on this ranking come from the state’s best and brightest schools.
Distant education has been used by universities for over 150 years but the advent of the world wide web has seen the process streamlined. The use of online resources has seen far-flung students come together with teachers to further their educational aspirations. Utilizing web-based courses in synchronous and asynchronous time frames, online library facilities, email and chat rooms, these resources have made the ease of access suit the students competing commitments.
How much money can you make with a degree from an Online College in New Jersey?
What are the Best Online Colleges in New Jersey?
College Choice has done the heavy lifting in comparing all the four-year degree colleges and universities in New Jersey and their online program offerings. Accessing information from college and university websites, the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and the U.S. News and World Report, College Choice has ranked New Jersey’s best online colleges.
We’ve used metrics that include graduation rate, institutional reputation, programs offered online, tuition costs, average student indebtedness after graduation and expected early career salaries. So have at it! Here are the Best Online Colleges in New Jersey!
2018 Ranking
See our rankings methodology page.
1
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Overview
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, and Douglass—make up the New Brunswick campus. It is home to 19 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Features
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:
- MBA in Business Administration
- MS in Social Work
- MS in Biomedical Engineering
Notables
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.
2
Rowan University
Overview
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.
Features
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:
- Construction Management
- Law and Justice
- Nursing
- Engineering
Notables
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.
3
Monmouth University
Overview
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.
Features
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:
- Master’s in Criminal Justice
- Master’s in Forensic Nursing
- Doctorate of Nursing
Notables
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.
4
Rutgers University-Newark
Overview
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.
Features
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:
- MS in Public Administration
- MBA in Business Administration
- MA in Liberal Studies
- ME in Biomedical Engineering
Notables
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.
5
Saint Peter's University
Overview
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.
Features
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.
Notables
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.
6
Seton Hall University
Overview
Seton Hall University is a private, sea grant, Roman Catholic university with a main campus in South 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.
Features
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:
- MS in Professional Accounting
- MSN in Health Systems Administration with Case Management
- Master of Business Administration
- Certificate in Post-Conflict State Reconstruction and Sustainability
Notables
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.
7
Montclair State University
Overview
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.
Features
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:
- Arts and Health Graduate Certificate
- Computing Technology Graduate Certificate
- Educational Assessment Graduate Certificate
- Gifted and Talented Education Certificate
Notables
The University also offers an MFA in Dance as a low residency online graduate program designed especially for mid-career dance artists, dance teachers 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.
8
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Overview
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.
Features
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:
- MEd in Curriculum and Learning
- MEd in Literacy
Notables
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.
9
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus
Overview
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.
Features
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:
- Global Security and Terrorism Studies
- Emergency Management and Administration
- Computer Security & Forensics
Notables
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.
10
Centenary College
Overview
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.
Features
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:
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
- Master of Business Administration
Notables
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
11
Fairleigh Dickinson University-College at Florham
Overview
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.
Features
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:
- Digital Marketing
- Homeland Security
- Sports Administration
- Student Services Administration
Notables
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.
12
Caldwell University
Overview
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.
Features
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:
- M.A. in Educational Administration
- M.A. in Higher Education
- Master of Business Administration
Notables
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 the internet and email and be familiar with creating, formatting, and attaching documents in Microsoft Word
13
College of Saint Elizabeth
Overview
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.
Features
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:
- M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
- M.A. in Justice Administration and Public Service
- M.S. in Nutrition
- Graduate Certification in ESL
Notables
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.
14
Georgian Court University
Overview
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.
Features
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:
- Business Administration
- Psychology
- Elementary Education K-6
- History
Notables
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.
15
New Jersey City University
Overview
New Jersey City University (NJCU) is a public 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.
Features
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.
Notables
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.
16
Thomas Edison State University
Overview
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.
Features
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:
- Criminal Justice
- Information Technology
- Accounting
- Communications
Notables
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.
17
Strayer University-New Jersey
Overview
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.
Features
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:
- Education
- Health Services Administration
- Human Resource Management
- Information Technology
Notables
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.