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10 Best Colleges for Job Opportunities in New Jersey for 2026
As incoming college freshmen evaluate their options, one of the most critical factors they consider is how attending a particular institution will enhance their job prospects. In today’s competitive job market, securing employment after graduation has become increasingly vital.
New Jersey stands out among states for its diverse array of colleges and universities. With renowned research institutions, reputable state schools, and programs tailored to meet current job market demands, studying in New Jersey provides unique advantages.
Given the plethora of excellent colleges in the state, we sought to identify which institutions best equip their graduates for successful careers. Using data from IPEDS and College Scorecard, we compiled a list of the top colleges in New Jersey that significantly improve job placement rates for their graduates.
The complete list is detailed below, but first, here are the top ten colleges for job opportunities in New Jersey:
- The College of New Jersey
- Rowan University
- Ramapo College of New Jersey
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Seton Hall University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- Monmouth University
- Rutgers University-Newark
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Rutgers University-Camden
If you’re a student at one of these institutions, you likely recognize the value of your education. For others, let’s explore why these colleges are distinguished for their exceptional job placement programs.
How We Selected the Best Schools in New Jersey for Job Placement
For our analysis, we utilized College Scorecard Data to identify colleges in New Jersey with the highest job placement rates. We focused on employment statistics for graduates ten years post-graduation.
We limited our review to 30 public and non-profit, four-year colleges in New Jersey that offer at least a bachelor’s degree. Each institution was then ranked based on the percentage of graduates who secured employment, with results rounded to two decimal places for clarity.
The College of New Jersey, boasting the highest employment rate, earned the title of ‘Best College for Job Opportunities in New Jersey.’
Best Colleges for Securing a Job in New Jersey
| Rank | College | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The College of New Jersey | 94.26% |
| 2 | Rowan University | 93.27% |
| 3 | Ramapo College of New Jersey | 93.1% |
| 4 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | 92.58% |
| 5 | Seton Hall University | 92.55% |
| 6 | Stevens Institute of Technology | 92.0% |
| 7 | Monmouth University | 91.83% |
| 8 | Rutgers University-Newark | 91.58% |
| 9 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | 91.58% |
| 10 | Rutgers University-Camden | 91.58% |
| 11 | Rider University | 91.46% |
| 12 | William Paterson University of New Jersey | 91.38% |
| 13 | Stockton University | 91.15% |
| 14 | College of Saint Elizabeth | 90.88% |
| 15 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus | 90.44% |
| 16 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | 90.44% |
| 17 | Kean University | 90.31% |
| 18 | Montclair State University | 90.25% |
| 19 | Centenary University | 90.02% |
| 20 | Drew University | 89.56% |
| 21 | Georgian Court University | 89.47% |
| 22 | Princeton University | 88.06% |
| 23 | Caldwell University | 87.96% |
| 24 | New Jersey City University | 87.79% |
| 25 | Felician University | 87.71% |
| 26 | Saint Peter’s University | 87.47% |
| 27 | Bloomfield College | 87.02% |
| 28 | Thomas Edison State University | 80.55% |
| 29 | Rabbinical College of America | 75.0% |
| 30 | Beth Medrash Govoha | 61.6% |
In conclusion, selecting a college that offers strong job placement rates is crucial for today’s graduates. The institutions highlighted in this list not only provide quality education but also actively support their students in transitioning to successful careers. As the job market continues to evolve, these colleges remain committed to preparing their graduates for future opportunities in a competitive landscape.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
