New Jersey, known for its dense population, bustling economy, and proximity to major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia, is home to a wide array of higher education institutions. Among them, private colleges and universities stand out for their unique academic offerings, small class sizes, personalized attention, and strong focus on leadership and service. These institutions play a crucial role in shaping the state’s educational landscape.
1. Princeton University
History and Overview
Founded in 1746, Princeton University is one of the most prestigious and oldest private universities in the United States. Located in Princeton, New Jersey, it is a member of the Ivy League and is known for its exceptional academic programs, distinguished faculty, and contributions to research and scholarship worldwide.
Academic Offerings
Princeton offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across several disciplines. Key academic areas include:
- Liberal Arts and Sciences: Majors in English, History, Philosophy, and Sociology.
- Natural Sciences and Engineering: Programs in Physics, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, and Electrical Engineering.
- Social Sciences: Strong programs in Economics, Political Science, and International Affairs.
- Graduate Studies: Graduate programs in Humanities, Sciences, Public Policy, and Engineering, with highly regarded research opportunities.
Key Features
- World-Class Faculty: Princeton boasts a faculty that includes Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and globally recognized scholars.
- Generous Financial Aid: Princeton has a “no-loan” financial aid policy, replacing student loans with grants that do not need to be repaid.
- Research Excellence: Princeton is known for its emphasis on research, offering numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in original research projects.
2. Seton Hall University
History and Overview
Seton Hall University, founded in 1856, is a private Roman Catholic university located in South Orange, New Jersey. It is one of the oldest diocesan universities in the United States and is known for its commitment to faith-based education, leadership, and service.
Academic Offerings
Seton Hall offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, including:
- Business: The Stillman School of Business offers programs in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and International Business.
- Health and Medical Sciences: Programs in Nursing, Physician Assistant Studies, and Occupational Therapy.
- Law: Seton Hall University School of Law, located in Newark, is one of the top law schools in the state, offering a Juris Doctor (JD) and various joint degrees.
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Degrees in History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Sociology.
Key Features
- Catholic Identity: Seton Hall integrates its Catholic mission into all aspects of campus life, encouraging ethical leadership and community service.
- Law School: Seton Hall Law is renowned for its strong programs in health law, intellectual property law, and public interest law.
- Study Abroad Opportunities: Seton Hall offers students a wide range of study abroad programs in locations like Italy, Spain, and China, enhancing global learning.
3. Stevens Institute of Technology
History and Overview
Founded in 1870, Stevens Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Hoboken, New Jersey. It is one of the oldest technological universities in the country and is known for its emphasis on innovation, engineering, and the sciences.
Academic Offerings
Stevens offers undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong focus on technology, engineering, and business. Major areas of study include:
- Engineering: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Chemical Engineering.
- Computer Science: Degrees in Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Data Science.
- Business: The School of Business offers MBAs and undergraduate degrees in Finance, Marketing, and Information Systems.
- Sciences: Programs in Chemistry, Physics, and Biomedical Engineering.
Key Features
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Stevens encourages entrepreneurship through programs like the Stevens Venture Center, which supports student-led startups.
- Proximity to New York City: Stevens’ location in Hoboken provides students with easy access to New York City’s tech and financial hubs, offering internship and job opportunities.
- Co-op and Internship Programs: The university has strong cooperative education and internship programs that provide students with real-world experience before graduation.
4. Fairleigh Dickinson University
History and Overview
Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), founded in 1942, is a private university with campuses in Madison, Teaneck, and Florham Park, New Jersey, as well as a campus in Vancouver, Canada. FDU is known for its global education focus and commitment to providing students with opportunities to study abroad.
Academic Offerings
FDU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with strengths in business, health sciences, and the liberal arts. Key programs include:
- Business: The Silberman College of Business offers degrees in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and International Business.
- Health Sciences: Programs in Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, and Clinical Psychology.
- Liberal Arts and Sciences: Majors in History, English, Political Science, and Psychology.
- Hospitality and Tourism Management: FDU is known for its highly regarded hospitality and tourism management program, one of the top programs in the country.
Key Features
- Global Education: FDU emphasizes global learning, offering students opportunities to study abroad, particularly at the Wroxton College campus in Oxfordshire, England.
- Personalized Learning: With small class sizes and individualized attention, FDU provides a supportive learning environment focused on student success.
- Innovative Programs: FDU is home to unique programs such as the Rothman Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which encourages innovation across business disciplines.
5. Drew University
History and Overview
Founded in 1867, Drew University is a private liberal arts university located in Madison, New Jersey. Known as “The University in the Forest” due to its wooded 186-acre campus, Drew provides a comprehensive liberal arts education with an emphasis on social responsibility and global perspectives.
Academic Offerings
Drew offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and professional studies. Key areas of study include:
- Liberal Arts: Programs in English, History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies.
- Business: Undergraduate programs in Business Studies, Economics, and International Relations.
- Pre-Professional Programs: Drew offers strong pre-law, pre-medical, and pre-business tracks.
- Graduate Studies: The Caspersen School of Graduate Studies offers master’s degrees in History, Literature, Teaching, and Data Analytics.
Key Features
- The RISE Program: Drew’s Research Institute for Scientists Emeriti (RISE) provides undergraduates with unique opportunities to work directly with retired scientists from major industries.
- Theological School: Drew is home to the Drew Theological School, a Methodist-affiliated seminary that prepares students for ministry and leadership in religious communities.
- Global Education: Drew places a strong emphasis on global learning, offering robust study abroad programs and opportunities for international internships.
6. Rider University
History and Overview
Rider University, located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, was founded in 1865 and has evolved into a comprehensive private university with a focus on student engagement, leadership, and service. Rider is known for its strong programs in business, education, and the performing arts.
Academic Offerings
Rider offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with key areas of study including:
- Business: The Norm Brodsky College of Business offers programs in Accounting, Finance, Management, and Entrepreneurial Studies.
- Education: Rider’s School of Education offers degrees in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, and Counseling.
- Fine and Performing Arts: Rider’s Westminster College of the Arts offers degrees in Music, Theatre, Dance, and Voice Performance.
- Liberal Arts: Programs in Psychology, Criminal Justice, Political Science, and Communication.
Key Features
- Westminster Choir College: One of Rider’s most distinguished schools, Westminster Choir College is known for its outstanding vocal and choral performance programs.
- Student Engagement: Rider places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, offering numerous internship and co-op opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in their fields.
- Campus Life: Rider offers a vibrant campus life with more than 150 student clubs and organizations, encouraging leadership and community engagement.
7. Monmouth University
History and Overview
Founded in 1933, Monmouth University is a private university located in West Long Branch, New Jersey. It is known for its strong academic programs, beautiful coastal campus, and commitment to student success.
Academic Offerings
Monmouth offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly in the arts, business, and health sciences. Key programs include:
- Business: The Leon Hess Business School offers degrees in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Real Estate.
- Communication: Monmouth is known for its programs in Journalism, Public Relations, Digital Media, and Communication Studies.
- Health Sciences: Programs in Nursing, Physician Assistant Studies, and Health and Physical Education.
- Humanities: Majors in English, History, Sociology, and Political Science.
Key Features
- Coastal Campus: Monmouth’s campus is just minutes from the Jersey Shore, providing a scenic and engaging learning environment with access to unique research opportunities in coastal and marine sciences.
- Small Class Sizes: Monmouth offers small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and close mentoring relationships.
- Experiential Learning: The university emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, research opportunities, and service learning projects.
8. Saint Peter’s University
History and Overview
Founded in 1872, Saint Peter’s University is a private Jesuit university located in Jersey City, New Jersey. As one of the state’s few Jesuit institutions, Saint Peter’s is dedicated to the intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth of its students.
Academic Offerings
Saint Peter’s offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with strong emphasis on business, education, and the liberal arts. Key academic areas include:
- Business: The Frank J. Guarini School of Business offers programs in Finance, Management, Marketing, and International Business.
- Health Sciences: Degrees in Nursing, Health Administration, and Public Health.
- Liberal Arts and Social Sciences: Majors in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Political Science, and Psychology.
- Education: Programs in Early Childhood Education, Secondary Education, and Educational Leadership.
Key Features
- Jesuit Tradition: As a Jesuit university, Saint Peter’s focuses on developing students as leaders committed to social justice and service to others.
- Urban Campus: Located in Jersey City, Saint Peter’s offers students access to the cultural, professional, and service opportunities of the New York City metropolitan area.
- Service-Oriented Education: The university emphasizes community engagement, with numerous opportunities for students to participate in service learning and volunteer projects.