15 Cheapest Universities in New Jersey for International Students

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In New Jersey, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in New Jersey, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 21 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in New Jersey, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in New Jersey for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in New Jersey ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Thomas Edison State University 9,556 USD 70%
Saint Peter’s University 17,600 USD - 38,800 USD 45%
Kean University 18,200 USD 43%
The College of New Jersey 19,800 USD 38%
Stockton University 20,500 USD 36%
Montclair State University 21,500 USD 32%
William Paterson University 23,200 USD 27%
New Jersey City University 24,000 USD 24%
Rowan University 24,400 USD 23%
Ramapo College of New Jersey 25,400 USD 20%
Rutgers University 29,900 USD 6%
Georgian Court University 33,900 USD - 36,300 USD -7%
Centenary University 34,900 USD -10%
Caldwell University 36,000 USD -14%
Rider University 36,000 USD -14%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 31,600 USD for universities in New Jersey.

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1. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University was specifically created to address the needs of adult students that had a hard time completing their degrees at traditional institutions. It offers flexible and affordable options, such as online degree programs, easy-to-adapt schedules, and the acceptance of non-academic credits for transfer, like credits from work experience or portfolios. This university is known in Trenton for its beautiful campus that features historical buildings and a wide variety of art.

2. Saint Peter’s University

Located in Jersey City, a place with a flourishing economy filled with thousands of job opportunities, Saint Peter’s University is a private institution with a Jesuit tradition. Its five schools offer 50 bachelor’s degrees and about 20 master’s degrees. Its education is designed to have a core curriculum for developing soft skills and studying the humanities and sciences, along with off-campus experiences through community service and career fairs. Also, this university is widely known for its student organizations and sports teams, notably the basketball, golf, and soccer teams that have earned multiple national titles.

3. Kean University

Kean University was the first public higher education institution in New Jersey and the only public university in the country to have a campus in China. The university is currently made up of over 16,000 students enrolled in more than 50 programs in both undergraduate and graduate studies. They boast of their world-class education system that is both affordable and accessible.

4. The College of New Jersey

The College of New Jersey was founded in 1855 in Ewing Township, New Jersey, and is one of the leading public colleges in the region. It currently has seven schools offering over 50 study programs in the liberal arts and applied sciences. Classes at the university are characterized by smaller groups to increase interaction and for students and faculty to develop closer connections. 

5. Stockton University

Stockton University was named after one of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence. It is among the best universities in its area, placing 34th in the Regional Universities North ranking by US News. Besides its Galloway campus, Stockton also has locations in Atlantic City, Hammonton, Manahawkin, and Woodbine.

6. Montclair State University

With a vast number of programs and outstanding facilities that support students’ academic and professional development, Montclair State University has been dubbed “New Jersey’s best public university”. Many activities, such as leadership programs and volunteer programs, also occur around campus to help students get more involved in the community. Montclair State is also known to be an excellent research institution in the country.

7. William Paterson University

William Paterson University was initially founded as the Paterson City Normal School for teacher education and training. In 1937, the university started offering other professional degrees, including nursing and business education, until finally opening its first graduate program in 1955. Since then, the institution grew and prospered and was awarded its university status in 1997.

8. New Jersey City University

New Jersey City University (NJCU) was initially established as a teachers’ training school in 1927. And today, it has expanded to provide educational programs in various fields of study such as education, business, and arts and sciences. In addition, the university highly promotes multiculturism within its campus. NJCU has a welcoming student body, one of New Jersey’s most diverse learning communities.

9. Rowan University

Rowan University started as the Glassboro Normal School in 1923 before beginning the transition to university in 1992. More than 150 programs are available at Rowan University, including MD and DO courses. It is among the few institutions in the US to offer both of those programs. Eight colleges comprise the university, allowing it to welcome 22,000+ students in a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

10. Ramapo College of New Jersey

Ramapo College of New Jersey is one of the state’s premier public liberal arts colleges. It highly aims to intensify the students learning by challenging their critical thinking and research curiosity. The institution heavily emphasizes collaborative teaching and coordinates with multiple universities nationwide. The college maintains a vibrant, hands-on environment for both domestic and international students.

11. Rutgers University

With nearly 70,000 students, Rutgers University is one of the largest universities in New Jersey. It operates four campuses, including those in New Brunswick and Camden. Founded as a private institution in 1766, it later became a public institution after merging with several colleges. With numerous departments, centers, and institutes dedicated to research and education, Rutgers University has significantly contributed to science, technology, engineering, and other fields of study.

12. Georgian Court University

Georgian Court University is a private institution that still maintains the values of its Catholic roots, which include service, justice, integrity, and compassion. Their liberal arts curriculum focuses on its broad character but also makes sure to provide specialized tools for students who want to pursue a career in certain fields. It offers 37 bachelor’s degree programs and 15 master’s degree programs with different concentrations available both on-campus and online. The university also has special programs and modern facilities, like the Women in Leadership Development program or their Arboretum.

13. Centenary University

Centenary University is a private university in New Jersey that offers programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Founded in 1867, the school has a beautiful campus that has student parking, dining areas, modern facilities, and classrooms that allow for a healthy learning environment. The student community is diverse, inclusive, and welcoming which many students appreciate.

14. Caldwell University

Caldwell University currently has over 2,200 students from over 60 countries, including the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Jamaica. Life at Caldwell is filled with different opportunities for professional athletics, recreational sports, interest clubs, organizations, and Greek-letter organizations. Different services are also offered in the university, such as bookstores, libraries, fitness centers, health service centers, academic support buildings, and student housing. The school guides itself with Catholic beliefs and traditions, bridging technical knowledge with spiritual thinking.

15. Rider University

Rider University is an institution that excels in student engagement and teaching. It provides a fun-filled environment where students can express themselves freely and contribute to society through research. The private university is best for business, arts, and science students.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in New Jersey for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in New Jersey ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Caldwell University 10,500 USD - 11,200 USD 50%
Drew University 11,000 USD - 20,300 USD 47%
Centenary University 12,200 USD 41%
Ramapo College of New Jersey 12,300 USD - 18,400 USD 41%
Montclair State University 12,500 USD 40%
Saint Peter’s University 12,600 USD - 18,000 USD 39%
Georgian Court University 13,200 USD - 17,000 USD 36%
Rider University 14,100 USD - 36,000 USD 32%
The College of New Jersey 15,600 USD - 34,600 USD 25%
Rowan University 15,800 USD - 16,300 USD 24%
William Paterson University 18,300 USD - 18,800 USD 12%
New Jersey City University 19,100 USD 7%
Monmouth University 20,300 USD 2%
Seton Hall University 20,700 USD - 22,800 USD -0%
Fairleigh Dickinson University 20,700 USD -0%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 20,600 USD for universities in New Jersey.

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1. Caldwell University

Caldwell University currently has over 2,200 students from over 60 countries, including the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Jamaica. Life at Caldwell is filled with different opportunities for professional athletics, recreational sports, interest clubs, organizations, and Greek-letter organizations. Different services are also offered in the university, such as bookstores, libraries, fitness centers, health service centers, academic support buildings, and student housing. The school guides itself with Catholic beliefs and traditions, bridging technical knowledge with spiritual thinking.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Caldwell University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 10,425 USD to 11,130 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Drew University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Drew University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Drew University is 10,995 USD to 20,265 USD.

Drew University helps students find their purpose with its comprehensive program offerings. It has gained the nickname “University in the Forest” since the woods surround its campus. Students find the university hospitable and welcoming, especially to international applicants.

3. Centenary University

Centenary University is a private university in New Jersey that offers programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Founded in 1867, the school has a beautiful campus that has student parking, dining areas, modern facilities, and classrooms that allow for a healthy learning environment. The student community is diverse, inclusive, and welcoming which many students appreciate.

The tuition fee at Centenary University for incoming international master’s students is 12,120 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Ramapo College of New Jersey

Another affordable university to consider in New Jersey is Ramapo College of New Jersey.

Ramapo College of New Jersey is one of the state’s premier public liberal arts colleges. It highly aims to intensify the students learning by challenging their critical thinking and research curiosity. The institution heavily emphasizes collaborative teaching and coordinates with multiple universities nationwide. The college maintains a vibrant, hands-on environment for both domestic and international students.

The tuition fee in Ramapo College of New Jersey for master’s program for foreign students starts from 12,286 USD.

5. Montclair State University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Montclair State University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 12,474 USD yearly.

With a vast number of programs and outstanding facilities that support students’ academic and professional development, Montclair State University has been dubbed “New Jersey’s best public university”. Many activities, such as leadership programs and volunteer programs, also occur around campus to help students get more involved in the community. Montclair State is also known to be an excellent research institution in the country.

6. Saint Peter’s University

Located in Jersey City, a place with a flourishing economy filled with thousands of job opportunities, Saint Peter’s University is a private institution with a Jesuit tradition. Its five schools offer 50 bachelor’s degrees and about 20 master’s degrees. Its education is designed to have a core curriculum for developing soft skills and studying the humanities and sciences, along with off-campus experiences through community service and career fairs. Also, this university is widely known for its student organizations and sports teams, notably the basketball, golf, and soccer teams that have earned multiple national titles.

7. Georgian Court University

Georgian Court University is a private institution that still maintains the values of its Catholic roots, which include service, justice, integrity, and compassion. Their liberal arts curriculum focuses on its broad character but also makes sure to provide specialized tools for students who want to pursue a career in certain fields. It offers 37 bachelor’s degree programs and 15 master’s degree programs with different concentrations available both on-campus and online. The university also has special programs and modern facilities, like the Women in Leadership Development program or their Arboretum.

8. Rider University

Rider University is an institution that excels in student engagement and teaching. It provides a fun-filled environment where students can express themselves freely and contribute to society through research. The private university is best for business, arts, and science students.

9. The College of New Jersey

The College of New Jersey was founded in 1855 in Ewing Township, New Jersey, and is one of the leading public colleges in the region. It currently has seven schools offering over 50 study programs in the liberal arts and applied sciences. Classes at the university are characterized by smaller groups to increase interaction and for students and faculty to develop closer connections. 

10. Rowan University

Rowan University started as the Glassboro Normal School in 1923 before beginning the transition to university in 1992. More than 150 programs are available at Rowan University, including MD and DO courses. It is among the few institutions in the US to offer both of those programs. Eight colleges comprise the university, allowing it to welcome 22,000+ students in a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

11. William Paterson University

William Paterson University was initially founded as the Paterson City Normal School for teacher education and training. In 1937, the university started offering other professional degrees, including nursing and business education, until finally opening its first graduate program in 1955. Since then, the institution grew and prospered and was awarded its university status in 1997.

12. New Jersey City University

New Jersey City University (NJCU) was initially established as a teachers’ training school in 1927. And today, it has expanded to provide educational programs in various fields of study such as education, business, and arts and sciences. In addition, the university highly promotes multiculturism within its campus. NJCU has a welcoming student body, one of New Jersey’s most diverse learning communities.

13. Monmouth University

New Jersey’s Monmouth University is committed to providing students with excellent learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Aside from extensive programs and a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, Monmouth also takes pride in its athletic community. Life on campus is made vibrant through a vast number of activities and organizations for students to enjoy, too.

14. Seton Hall University

Seton Hall University is a leading Catholic university in the country. Since its establishment, it has produced thousands of excellent graduates with compassionate hearts and wise minds. The university aims to be able to preserve the catholic principles while also keeping up with the emerging technological advancement.

15. Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) is one of the most prominent institutions in the state of New Jersey. The university offers more than 100 multidisciplinary programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. FDU educates its students on different campuses: two in New Jersey and two campuses outside the US, which are located in Canada and England. Indeed, this global university is fully committed to generating world-class leaders, experts, and innovators by providing high education standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in New Jersey?

Applying to cheap universities in New Jersey requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in New Jersey?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in New Jersey. For example, one of the best affordable schools in New Jersey is the Caldwell University, which offers Accounting , Business Analytics , and Computer Science to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Caldwell University offers Accounting , School Counseling, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in New Jersey, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in New Jersey as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in New Jersey for international students was helpful!