The College of New Jersey

TCNJ’s 160+ programs across eight schools—including standout science, engineering, and education departments—operate with a collaborative, research-driven ethos. Small classes (the student-faculty ratio is 13:1) and accessible professors define the experience, with students noting ‘a lot of support from professors, staff, and peers’ despite the rigorous workload. The honors program is particularly strong, and 98% of alumni land jobs or enter grad school within a year. Unique for a public school, 7% of majors are in engineering—a discipline usually dominated by larger tech institutes.

With 44% of students living on campus, TCNJ fosters a tight-knit but active community. Greek life dominates weekends (‘parties every weekend’ per students), but the school also invests in ‘tranquil green spaces’ for studying and low-key hangs. Over 25 sport clubs and a focus on ‘community-based learning’ round out the vibe. The administration promotes a ‘campus culture for safety’, though some students note social life can feel insular if you’re not in Greek organizations. Proximity to Philly and NYC (both ~1 hour away) offers off-campus escapes.

TCNJ’s 86% six-year graduation rate (3rd highest in NJ, behind only Princeton and Stevens) and $49K early-career earnings (surpassing peer averages by $6K) reflect its academic heft. Alumni outperform expectations given their majors, with many entering high-paying fields in engineering, education, and healthcare. The school touts a 98% placement rate (jobs or grad school) within a year—a stat that holds up across state and federal datasets.

At $25,580 net price (after aid), TCNJ is a relative bargain for a top-tier public liberal arts college. 83% of students receive aid, with 52% getting grants (average $10,110) and 52% taking loans. The school meets 46% of financial need on average, though aid leans heavily toward grants over scholarships. New Jersey’s Tuition Aid Grant program helps in-state students significantly reduce costs.

TCNJ is New Jersey’s answer to William & Mary or UNC Chapel Hill—a public school with private-school polish, where students get small seminars, undergrad research opportunities, and a leafy campus typically reserved for wealthier institutions. Its engineering program (rare at liberal arts colleges) and near-90% graduation rate (unheard of for publics outside the flagship elite) make it a stealth powerhouse. For in-state students, it’s arguably the best value in the Mid-Atlantic: rigorous enough to propel graduates into top jobs, but collaborative enough to avoid cutthroat stress.