This guide is designed to help you explore everything from tuition costs and financial aid options to statewide initiatives that make earning a degree in New Jersey both accessible and rewarding.
New Jersey, known as the Garden State, offers a unique blend of vibrant metropolitan life and coastal beauty, making it an excellent choice for pursuing your online education. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and situated between New York City and Philadelphia, New Jersey combines urban convenience with scenic shorelines, rolling hills, and cultural richness.
With a population of over 9.2 million, New Jersey has one of the most diverse and dynamic economies in the nation. The state is powered by industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, finance, logistics, and healthcare, while also benefiting from its proximity to major East Coast business hubs.
This strong economic foundation, paired with New Jersey’s respected higher education system—home to institutions like Rutgers University, Princeton University, and an extensive community college network—creates a fertile ground for career advancement through affordable and flexible online degrees.
In this guideTuition and Fee Overview in New Jersey
New Jersey’s higher education system is anchored by Rutgers University, the state’s flagship public institution, along with institutions like New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and The College of New Jersey.
Complementing these universities is a strong network of 18 community colleges, which provide affordable pathways to bachelor’s degrees and career-focused programs. Together, these options make online and on-campus education in New Jersey both flexible and cost-effective for students statewide.
Community Colleges & Technical Colleges
An analysis of 15 associate degree programs shows significant cost differences across the state. Camden County College offers the lowest tuition at $7,800, while Berkeley College ranks highest at $72,240, with an overall average of $18,067.
Associate degree programs in New Jersey
Camden County College
Blackwood, New Jersey
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $130 in-state | $134 out-of-state
Total cost per credit: $7,800
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 4
Learn more: Program detailsSussex County Community College
Newton, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $146 in-state | $291 out-of-state
Total cost per credit: $8,760
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 3
Learn more: Program detailsRowan College of South Jersey
Sewell, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $146 in-state | $174 out-of-state
Total cost per credit: $9,636
Credits: 60-66
Number of degree programs: 23
Learn more: Program detailsAtlantic Cape Community College
Mays Landing, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $174 in-state | $274 out-of-state
Total cost per credit: $10,440
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 11
Learn more: Program detailsBrookdale Community College
Lincroft, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $183 in-state | $312 out-of-state
Total cost per credit: $10,980
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 8
Learn more: Program detailsRaritan Valley Community College
Branchburg, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $192 in-state | $272 out-of-state
Total cost per credit: $11,520
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 10
Learn more: Program detailsCounty College of Morris
Randolph, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $202 in-state | $472 out-of-state
Total cost per credit: $12,120
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 13
Learn more: Program detailsOcean County College
Toms River, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $206 in-state | $298 out-of-state
Total cost per credit: $12,360
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 25
Learn more: Program detailsRowan College at Burlington County
Mount Laurel, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $229 in-state | $318 out-of-state
Total cost per credit: $13,740
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 22
Learn more: Program detailsHudson County Community College
Jersey City, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $224 in-state | $385 out-of-state
Total cost per credit: $14,336
Credits: 60-64
Number of degree programs: 19
Learn more: Program detailsUCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ
Cranford, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $225 in-state | $428 out-of-state
Total cost per credit: $14,850
Credits: 60-66
Number of degree programs: 15
Learn more: Program detailsMercer County Community College
West Windsor, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $237 in-state | $410 out-of-state
Total cost per credit: $15,642
Credits: 60-66
Number of degree programs: 3
Learn more: Program detailsThomas Edison State University
Trenton, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $443 in-state | $573 out-of-state
Total cost per credit: $26,580
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 33
Learn more: Program detailsCentenary University
Hackettstown, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $500
Total cost per credit: $30,000
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 1
Learn more: Program detailsBerkeley College
Woodland Park, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,204
Total cost per credit: $72,240
Credits: 60
Number of degree programs: 15
Learn more: Program details
Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.
Public and Private Institutions
Bachelor’s degree programs in New Jersey
Among 16 online bachelor’s programs, tuition ranges widely. Rider University represents the highest cost at $208,560, while Eastern International College offers the most affordable option at $31,560. The statewide average comes to $111,432.
Eastern International College
Jersey City, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $263
Total tuition per credit: $31,560
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 3
Learn more: Program detailsCentenary University
Hackettstown, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $500
Total tuition per credit: $60,000
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 4
Learn more: Program detailsKean University
Union, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $529
Total tuition per credit: $63,480
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 14
Learn more: Program detailsThomas Edison State University
Trenton, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $440 in-state | $573 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 69
Learn more: Program detailsRowan University
Glassboro, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $519 - $589
Total tuition per credit: $62,280 - $70,680
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 10
Learn more: Program detailsNew Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
Newark, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $537
Total tuition per credit: $68,199 - $71,958
Credits: 127-134
Number of degree programs: 1
Learn more: Program detailsBerkeley College
Woodland Park, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $602
Total tuition per credit: $72,240
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 15
Learn more: Program detailsGeorgian Court University
Lakewood, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $635
Total tuition per credit: $76,200
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 3
Learn more: Program detailsCaldwell University
Caldwell, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,069
Total tuition per credit: $128,280
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 2
Learn more: Program detailsMontclair State University
Montclair, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $663 in-state | $1,084 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 6
Learn more: Program detailsWilliam Paterson University
Wayne, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $675 in-state | $1,102 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 20
Learn more: Program detailsPillar College
Newark, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,050 in-state | $1,356 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 1
Learn more: Program detailsRutgers University-Camden
Camden, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $593 in-state | $1,406 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 2
Learn more: Program detailsRutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $593 in-state | $1,406 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 2
Learn more: Program detailsRutgers University-Newark
Newark, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $593 in-state | $1,406 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 1
Learn more: Program detailsRider University
Lawrenceville, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,738
Total tuition per credit: $208,560
Credits: 120
Number of degree programs: 4
Learn more: Program details
Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.
A review of 22 online master’s degrees reveals tuition from $26,748 at Thomas Edison State University (lowest) to $75,360 at Seton Hall University (highest), with an average of $37,117.
Master’s degree programs in New Jersey
Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $743
Total tuition per credit: $26,748
Credits: 36
Number of degree programs: 20
Learn more: Program detailsCaldwell University
Caldwell, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $812
Total tuition per credit: $26,796
Credits: 33
Number of degree programs: 4
Learn more: Program detailsSaint Peter's University
Jersey City, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $900
Total tuition per credit: $27,000
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 6
Learn more: Program detailsMonmouth University
West Long Branch, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $995
Total tuition per credit: $29,850
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 1
Learn more: Program detailsMontclair State University
Montclair, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,018
Total tuition per credit: $30,540
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 14
Learn more: Program detailsKean University
Union, and Hillside, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,020
Total tuition per credit: $30,600
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 7
Learn more: Program detailsSaint Elizabeth University
Morristown, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,052
Total tuition per credit: $31,560
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 3
Learn more: Program detailsGeorgian Court University
Lakewood, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,070
Total tuition per credit: $32,100
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 13
Learn more: Program detailsNew Jersey City University
Jersey City, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $916
Total tuition per credit: $32,976
Credits: 36
Number of degree programs: 13
Learn more: Program detailsCentenary University
Hackettstown, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,102
Total tuition per credit: $33,060
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 1
Learn more: Program detailsWilliam Paterson University
Wayne, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $808
Total tuition per credit: $33,936
Credits: 42
Number of degree programs: 33
Learn more: Program detailsFelician University
Lodi and Rutherford, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $960
Total tuition per credit: $34,560
Credits: 36
Number of degree programs: 7
Learn more: Program detailsFairleigh Dickinson University
Teaneck, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,156
Total tuition per credit: $34,680
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 9
Learn more: Program detailsBerkeley College
Newark, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,175
Total tuition per credit: $35,250
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 2
Learn more: Program detailsRowan University
Glassboro, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $982
Total tuition per credit: $35,352
Credits: 36
Number of degree programs: 13
Learn more: Program detailsNew Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
Newark, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,211
Total tuition per credit: $36,330
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 16
Learn more: Program detailsRutgers University–Camden
Camden, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,313
Total tuition per credit: $39,390
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 1
Learn more: Program detailsRutgers University–New Brunswick
New Brunswick, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,313
Total tuition per credit: $39,390
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 19
Learn more: Program detailsRutgers University–Newark
Newark, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,313
Total tuition per credit: $39,390
Credits: 30
Number of degree programs: 2
Learn more: Program detailsRider University
Lawrenceville, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,110
Total tuition per credit: $39,960
Credits: 36
Number of degree programs: 8
Learn more: Program detailsStevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,993
Total tuition per credit: $71,748
Credits: 36
Number of degree programs: 21
Learn more: Program detailsSeton Hall University
South Orange, New Jersey2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,570
Total tuition per credit: $75,360
Credits: 48
Number of degree programs: 29
Learn more: Program details
Tuition and cost data in this table, researched in July 2025 from university websites, are statewide averages and exclude additional costs like housing, meals, books, and fees. Rates are subject to change; verify current information directly with institutions.
Notable Statewide Initiatives in New Jersey
New Jersey has made major investments in making higher education more affordable and accessible. Through statewide tuition assistance, transfer support, and need-based aid, students can pursue online and on-campus degrees with reduced financial barriers. Below are some of the most impactful statewide programs:
- NJ STARS Program – Provides free tuition at New Jersey community colleges for high-achieving high school graduates who rank in the top 15% of their class.
- NJ STARS II – Extends tuition support for NJ STARS students who transfer to a four-year public or private college in New Jersey.
- Garden State Guarantee (GSG) – Offers free tuition and fees for eligible students with adjusted gross incomes of $65,000 or less, and sliding-scale aid for those earning up to $100,000.
- EOF (Educational Opportunity Fund) – Supports economically and educationally disadvantaged students with academic, financial, and counseling resources to succeed in higher education.
- Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) Program – One of the nation’s most generous need-based financial aid programs, helping New Jersey residents afford college at both public and private institutions.
- Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) – Provides “last-dollar” scholarships covering tuition and approved fees at New Jersey’s 18 community colleges for qualifying students.
Cost of Attendance Beyond Tuition
One of the biggest advantages of pursuing an online degree is avoiding the high expenses of on-campus housing and meal plans. Still, students should carefully budget for additional costs that come with higher education.
- Room & Board: New Jersey is one of the most expensive states for housing, especially in metropolitan areas like Newark, Jersey City, and Princeton. Online students can save significantly by studying from home and avoiding the state’s competitive rental market.
- Books & Supplies: Costs vary by program, but students should plan to spend anywhere from several hundred to over $1,000 per year on textbooks, course materials, and software. Choosing digital or rental options can help lower expenses.
- Transportation: With a dense public transit system and proximity to New York City and Philadelphia, New Jersey students have more options beyond driving. Online learners primarily save on commuting costs but should still account for occasional travel to campus or professional events.
- Pell Grant Eligibility: Federal Pell Grant eligibility is determined by the FAFSA and based on financial need. While New Jersey’s higher cost of living isn’t directly included in the calculation, completing the FAFSA early ensures the best chance to maximize federal and state aid opportunities.
State-Funded Grants & Scholarships
New Jersey provides one of the most generous sets of state-funded financial aid programs in the country. These grants and scholarships are designed to make higher education more affordable and accessible for residents across income levels.
- Tuition Aid Grant (TAG): The cornerstone of New Jersey’s financial aid system, TAG provides need-based funding to thousands of students each year attending eligible public and private colleges in the state.
- NJ STARS Program: Offers free tuition at New Jersey community colleges for students graduating in the top 15% of their high school class.
- NJ STARS II: Extends tuition assistance for NJ STARS recipients who transfer to a four-year New Jersey college or university.
- Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF): Provides academic support, counseling, and financial assistance to students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Garden State Guarantee (GSG): Covers up to the full cost of tuition and fees at public four-year institutions for students with adjusted gross incomes of $65,000 or less, and partial support for families earning up to $100,000.
- Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG): A “last-dollar” scholarship program that makes community college tuition- and fee-free for eligible students from low- and moderate-income households.
- Governor’s Urban Scholarship: Supports high-achieving students from designated economically challenged communities in New Jersey, providing up to $1,000 annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Camden County College offers one of the lowest tuition rates at around $7,800, making it one of the most affordable options for online associate degrees in New Jersey.
Tuition for online bachelor’s programs in New Jersey varies widely—from about $31,560 at Eastern International College to $208,560 at Rider University, with an average cost of $111,432.
Online master’s degrees in New Jersey range from $26,748 at Thomas Edison State University to $75,360 at Seton Hall University, with an average of $37,117.
New Jersey offers generous state-funded aid, including the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG), NJ STARS, NJ STARS II, the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), the Garden State Guarantee (GSG), and the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG).
New Jersey has one of the highest housing costs in the U.S., especially in cities like Newark and Jersey City. Online learners can save significantly on room and board by studying from home.
Eligibility for federal Pell Grants and state programs like TAG and CCOG is determined through the FAFSA. Students are encouraged to file early to maximize financial aid opportunities.