Best Colleges for Nursing in New Jersey 2026

Best Colleges for Nursing in New Jersey 2026

With an aging population and expanding healthcare needs, nursing remains one of the most in-demand professions in New Jersey. These programs combine rigorous clinical training with classroom instruction to prepare graduates for immediate employment.

We analyzed 46 colleges and universities in New Jersey offering Nursing programs, evaluating them on national ranking, acceptance rate, tuition costs, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation outcomes. Here are the top 10 programs for 2026.

Quick Comparison: Top Nursing Programs in New Jersey

Detailed School Profiles

1. Healthcare Training Institute (HTINJ)

Location: Union, New Jersey • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 41.7%
• In-State Tuition: N/A | Out-of-State: N/A
• Enrollment: 48 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
• Graduation Rate: 76% | Median Earnings (6yr): $25,900
• Average Financial Aid: $5,725

View full Healthcare Training Institute (HTINJ) profile →

2. Rutgers University

Location: New Brunswick, New Jersey • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 60%
• In-State Tuition: $12,330 | Out-of-State: $32,189
• Enrollment: 50,254 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,300
• Average Financial Aid: $14,107

View full Rutgers University profile →

3. Bloomfield College

Location: Bloomfield, New Jersey • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 61%
• In-State Tuition: $29,950 | Out-of-State: $29,950
• Enrollment: 1,685 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $29,500
• Average Financial Aid: $21,948

View full Bloomfield College profile →

4. The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)

Location: Ewing, New Jersey • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 62.3%
• In-State Tuition: $19,632 | Out-of-State: $25,752
• Enrollment: 7,105 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Earnings (6yr): $49,200
• Average Financial Aid: $10,335

View full The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) profile →

5. Jersey College

Location: Teterboro, New Jersey • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 67.6%
• In-State Tuition: N/A | Out-of-State: N/A
• Enrollment: 4,478 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
• Graduation Rate: 39% | Median Earnings (6yr): $46,500
• Average Financial Aid: $4,210

View full Jersey College profile →

6. Eastern International College

Location: Belleville, New Jersey • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 69.6%
• In-State Tuition: $18,383 | Out-of-State: $18,383
• Enrollment: 495 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: 34% | Median Earnings (6yr): $20,900
• Average Financial Aid: $7,173

View full Eastern International College profile →

7. Ramapo College Of New Jersey

Location: Mahwah, New Jersey • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 70.6%
• In-State Tuition: $16,777 | Out-of-State: $27,708
• Enrollment: 4,898 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
• Graduation Rate: 70% | Median Earnings (6yr): $41,700
• Average Financial Aid: $12,020

View full Ramapo College Of New Jersey profile →

8. Rutgers University-Camden

Location: Camden, New Jersey • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 71%
• In-State Tuition: $11,886 | Out-of-State: $30,613
• Enrollment: 7,171 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,300
• Average Financial Aid: $14,078

View full Rutgers University-Camden profile →

9. College of Saint Elizabeth

Location: Morristown, New Jersey • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 71%
• In-State Tuition: $36,741 | Out-of-State: $36,741
• Enrollment: 557 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 51% | Median Earnings (6yr): $33,000
• Average Financial Aid: $30,583

View full College of Saint Elizabeth profile →

10. Caldwell University

Location: Caldwell, New Jersey • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 71.3%
• In-State Tuition: $40,848 | Out-of-State: $40,848
• Enrollment: 1,575 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Graduation Rate: 57% | Median Earnings (6yr): $32,200
• Average Financial Aid: $27,426

View full Caldwell University profile →

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program in New Jersey

Selecting the best Nursing program depends on your career goals, budget, and learning preferences. Here are key factors to evaluate:

• Accreditation: Verify the program holds relevant professional accreditation, which affects both educational quality and career eligibility.
• Career Outcomes: Look at job placement rates, median starting salaries, and employer partnerships. Programs with strong internship pipelines give graduates a significant advantage.
• Faculty Expertise: Schools with lower student-to-faculty ratios and active researchers typically offer more mentorship opportunities and cutting-edge coursework.
• Financial Fit: Compare net price after financial aid, not just sticker price. In-state public universities often deliver excellent value for New Jersey residents.
• Campus Resources: Consider research labs, industry connections, career services, and student organizations related to Nursing.

Explore More

Looking for more college comparisons? Check out our College Comparison Tool to evaluate schools side by side, or use our Admissions Calculator to estimate your chances at top Nursing programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best colleges for Nursing in New Jersey?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Nursing programs in New Jersey include Healthcare Training Institute (HTINJ), Rutgers University, and Bloomfield College.

How much does a Nursing degree cost in New Jersey?
In-state tuition for Nursing programs in New Jersey averages around $23,318 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.

What can I do with a Nursing degree from a New Jersey school?
Graduates from New Jersey's Nursing programs pursue careers across multiple sectors. The state's economic landscape and industry connections provide graduates with strong networking opportunities and career pathways.