New Jersey reigns as the Diner Capital of the World, but the Garden State also holds the nation's top spot for community college students who transfer and graduate with a bachelor's degree within six years. Nearly 21% of transfer students earn a four-year degree in that timeline. Online colleges in New Jersey make higher education more accessible for transfer students.
New Jersey provides more than diners, busy highways, and beaches. Explore the best majors, high-demand careers, and online colleges in New Jersey with this helpful guide.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Colleges in New Jersey
Price Check
In the 2021-2022 academic year, New Jersey students paid an annual average of $14,860 for in-state tuition and fees — about $5,260 higher than the national average.
10 Fast-Growing Careers in New Jersey
New Jersey's job market offers college graduates stability in many sectors, especially with bachelor's degrees.
Graduates should consider their interests and the job market when choosing careers. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development projects physician's assistant positions to increase by 32.2% from 2018-2028. Physician's assistant programs accept candidates with bachelor's degrees and direct patient experience.
The healthcare sector leads in employment growth projects in New Jersey. However, the tech industry in New Jersey also received strong projections. For instance, jobs for information security analysts are projected to increase by 22.4% in that decade.
| Job | Projected Growth | Annual Mean Wage in New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Physician Assistant | 32.2% | $148,350 |
| Nurse Practitioners | 28.2% | $145,030 |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | 23.6% | $102,820 |
| Information Security Analysts | 22.4% | $135,940 |
| Respiratory Therapists | 21.9% | $92,350 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | 19.1% | $93,100 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor | 18.3% | $67,250 |
| Software Developers | 16.6% | $134,970 |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | 12.6% | $115,350 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 11.7% | $82,010 |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for New Jersey's Job Market
Opt for a major you love but choose a program with encouraging employment growth prospects. These majors can pave the way for prosperous careers in growing sectors in New Jersey.
Business
Business majors prepare for the workforce by studying subjects like finance, marketing, and statistics. They can refine their skills through available business concentrations and maximize their potential in New Jersey's growing industries. Concentrations include accounting, information systems, and marketing.Counseling
New Jersey expects to see a surge in openings for healthcare social workers and substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. You can prepare for a career in counseling by earning a bachelor of science in counseling and then a master's degree.Nursing
New Jersey faces a nursing shortage. By obtaining a bachelor of science in nursing, working as a registered nurse, and earning a master of science in nursing degree, you can embark on a high-demand nurse practitioner career.Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Employment growth for speech-language pathologists, or speech therapists, is projected to rise in New Jersey, adding hundreds of job openings each year. Earning a master's in speech-language pathology and audiology can lead to a career as a speech therapist.
Cost of Living in New Jersey
New Jersey ranks among the more expensive states in the country. On average, New Jersey residents spend $17,359 annually on housing and $9,770 on transportation. The living wage in New Jersey comes to $51,500 before taxes. Typically, studying online makes college less expensive, especially if you consider the money saved on transportation.
| Cost of Living Category | Average Cost Per Month |
|---|---|
| Housing | $1,446 |
| Groceries & Food | $384 |
| Transportation | $814 |
| Medical Care | $281 |
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in New Jersey
New Jersey's public in-state college tuition costs nearly 55% more than the national average, as of the 2021-2022 academic year. To help cover these costs, New Jersey offers many grants, scholarships, and discounts to improve college accessibility.
New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship II
These scholarships reward associate degree-holders who transfer to participating four-year colleges. Scholarship recipients are awarded based on academic and personal merit. This recurring scholarship offers $2,500 each year for up to four years. Candidates need at least a 3.25 GPA with an annual family income of less than $250,000.
Governor's Urban Scholarship
The Governor's Urban Scholarship recognizes New Jersey high school graduates in the top 5% of their class. To apply, you must live in one of the 33 municipalities, possess a 3.0 GPA, and enroll in a participating college or university. The scholarship provides $1,000 each year.
New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholar
The NJ STARS program provides full tuition coverage to eligible students at participating colleges. Applicants must be New Jersey residents in the top 15th percentile in their high school class.
Tuition Aid Grant Program
TAG has made college more affordable to New Jersey residents since 1978 with this grant covering nearly all of a recipient's tuition. You must demonstrate financial need to qualify, and the award amount varies.
World Trade Center Scholarship
New Jersey residents, children, and spouses of victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks can apply for the World Trade Center scholarship. Only undergraduates may apply. Award amounts vary each year and do not exceed the cost of tuition, fees, and room and board.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in New Jersey
New Jersey does not offer tuition reciprocity to out-of-state students. To pay in-state tuition, you must live in New Jersey for 12 months before enrolling in college. Undocumented students who attend high school in New Jersey can also apply for in-state tuition.
New Jersey participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA), however, allowing out-of-state students to enroll in online programs. Schools may offer discounted tuition to online learners studying from other states.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in New Jersey
Do online credits cost more or less in New Jersey?
Tuition at New Jersey colleges exceeds national averages. National tuition and fees at public four-year colleges in 2021-2022 came to $9,596, compared to $14,861 in New Jersey. Only five states charged higher tuition in 2021-2022 than New Jersey. On average, online colleges in New Jersey charge similar rates as on-campus tuition.
What is the most affordable college in New Jersey?
Just like in the rest of the country, public colleges in New Jersey provide more affordable tuition rates compared to private institutions. Public four-year colleges charged $28,633 in room and board and tuition and fees in 2021-2022, while public four-year institutions charged $53,717. As one of the least expensive colleges in New Jersey, Kean University charges $6,713 per semester for in-state undergraduates.
Can you do online school in New Jersey?
Yes. Online colleges in New Jersey welcome students from anywhere. New Jersey participates in NC-SARA, allowing students across state lines to enroll in online programs. In New Jersey, 14.4% of college students take online degrees exclusively, while 38.4% of learners enroll in some virtual courses.
How long do you have to live in New Jersey to get in-state tuition?
You must legally reside in New Jersey for 12 consecutive months to pay in-state tuition. International students can apply for in-state tuition after establishing residency. Military service members and their dependents qualify for New Jersey residency tuition rates.
What is the best online school in New Jersey?
The best school depends on your specific needs and goals. In New Jersey, you can find elite public schools like Rutgers University and private institutions like Princeton University, which offer online degrees and courses.
Will Any Online Colleges in New Jersey Accept a GED?
Most New Jersey online colleges accept applicants with GED certificates. More competitive universities may prefer students with traditional high school diplomas, however. Some of the online colleges in New Jersey that accept students with GED certificates include Rutgers, Rowan College at Burlington County, Mercer County Community College, and Thomas Edison State College.
