Best colleges under $20,000 a year in New Jersey
The highest-rated colleges whose average yearly price after grants is under $20,000.
Best colleges under $20,000 a year in New Jersey6 schools
6 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in New Jersey.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
- Net price (average yearly cost after grants) under $20,000 from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by Compass Score, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ · Private nonprofitIvy LeagueHonor Roll#1 in New Jersey
- Net price $6,128 a year
- 98% graduate
- 2
Yeshiva Gedola Tiferes Yerachmiel
Lakewood, NJ · Private nonprofitTop 4% for graduation
- Net price $10,016 a year
- 91% graduate
- 3
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ · PublicTop 6% for earnings
- Net price $16,504 a year
- 73% graduate
- 4
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Mahwah, NJ · PublicTop 17% for earnings
- Net price $18,173 a year
- 70% graduate
- 5
Rutgers University-Camden
Camden, NJ · PublicTop 11% for earnings
- Net price $18,745 a year
- 67% graduate
- 6
Rutgers University-Newark
Newark, NJ · PublicTop 11% for earnings
- Net price $19,703 a year
- 64% graduate
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Princeton University | $6,128 | $10,320 | $110,066 | 98% |
| Yeshiva Gedola Tiferes Yerachmiel | $10,016 | — | — | 91% |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | $16,504 | $21,000 | $84,276 | 73% |
| Ramapo College of New Jersey | $18,173 | $21,000 | $67,541 | 70% |
| Rutgers University-Camden | $18,745 | $21,500 | $74,479 | 67% |
| Rutgers University-Newark | $19,703 | $21,500 | $74,479 | 64% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.