The cost of college in New Jersey — and what it pays back
Across the 78 New Jersey institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $20,418/yr, $3,512 above the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $46,396 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 34 of the 78 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$20,418
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$46,396
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
6.3 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
34/78
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How New Jersey's 78 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong12
Solid13
Slow8
Weak45
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Princeton University | $6,128 | $110,066 | 0.4 yrs |
| Yeshiva Toras Chaim | $5,356 | $62,526 | 1.5 yrs |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | $16,504 | $84,276 | 1.8 yrs |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | $41,346 | $108,772 | 2.7 yrs |
| Rutgers University-Camden | $18,745 | $74,479 | 2.9 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middlesex College | $2,288 | $46,861 | no payback |
| Essex County College | $4,436 | $37,230 | no payback |
| Mercer County Community College | $5,279 | $43,264 | no payback |
| Rowan College at Burlington County | $5,344 | $44,745 | no payback |
| Yeshiva Toras Chaim | $5,356 | $62,526 | 1.5 yrs |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in New Jersey?
The median net price across New Jersey colleges is $20,418/yr after aid — above the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in New Jersey cheaper than the national average?
No — the median New Jersey net price of $20,418/yr runs about $3,512/yr above the $16,906 national median. Individual schools vary widely, so check each profile.
What do New Jersey college graduates earn?
A median $46,396 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which New Jersey college pays for itself fastest?
Princeton University — about 0.4 years to clear its $24,512 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-new-jersey page.