By: Richard L. Smith
The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) have earned spots on Money Magazine’s 2025 list of the best public colleges in the United States.
According to information published by Money Magazine, the annual ranking recognized 87 public institutions nationwide that combine strong academic results with affordable costs.
The analysis reviewed more than 700 colleges, measuring factors such as tuition, financial aid, graduation rates, and alumni earnings, with both NJIT and TCNJ placing in the top 30 percent.
NJIT, a polytechnic university in Newark, has a graduation rate of 80% and median early career earnings of $84,280. Its average annual cost after aid is estimated at $17,800, with typical student debt at $21,000.
The university is known for programs in engineering, computing, architecture, business, and science, as well as research in areas from artificial intelligence to national defense.
TCNJ, based in Ewing, graduates 86% of its students, who report early career earnings averaging $73,320.
The school’s estimated cost after aid is $23,700, with median debt of $23,250. It offers more than 160 programs across seven schools and maintains a 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
They were the only two public colleges in New Jersey to make this year’s list.