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Saint Peter's University
Jersey City, NJPrivate nonprofit
$41,152
Tuition/yr
58%
Grad rate
60.7
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best artificial intelligence degree programs: Princeton, Stevens Institute of Tech..., Drew
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,440 to $59,710/year
UCNJ Union College of Uni... offers the most affordable option at $9,500/yr
Artificial Intelligence degree programs available: 3 associate's, 8 master's, 2 doctoral in New Jersey
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
3 online artificial intelligence degree programs in New Jersey
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
New Jersey community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
3 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck, Verizon
Tech hubs in Jersey City and Newark
Hakia Research 2026
Artificial Intelligence degree programs near 86+ cities across New Jersey
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 26, 2026
How we ranked New Jersey Artificial Intelligence programs
We rank 22 accredited artificial intelligence programs in New Jersey using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodology$122,800
Are Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in New Jersey Worth It?
Yes. The best artificial intelligence degree programs in New Jersey deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $122,800 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $28,387/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Artificial Intelligence Degree Rankings in New Jersey
Compare the top-ranked Artificial Intelligence programs in New Jersey by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Programs in New Jersey
1
Programs ranked
$41,152
Avg tuition/yr
58%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
New Jersey ranks among the nation's top destinations for artificial intelligence education, with 9 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 7 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Princeton, Stevens Institute of Tech..., Drew, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from New Jersey artificial intelligence programs earn a median salary of $104,380, 6% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Jersey City, Newark, Princeton metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $12,996 to $59,710 annually, with an average of $37,058/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 82%, with the highest reaching 96%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to New Jersey's leading technology employers. For students seeking artificial intelligence degrees in New Jersey, these top-ranked artificial intelligence schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Artificial Intelligence Programs in New Jersey
2
Programs ranked
$15,562
Avg tuition/yr
69%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
New Jersey offers 8 master's degree programs in artificial intelligence, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Stevens Institute of Tech..., Princeton, Rowan, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in New Jersey earn a median salary of $122,800, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Jersey City, Newark, Princeton creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $33,502/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among New Jersey's artificial intelligence schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Artificial Intelligence Degree Costs & Tuition in New Jersey
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $28,387/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $70,968/year |
| Community college tuition | $7,097/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $170,324 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $42,580 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Artificial Intelligence Students in New Jersey
State Aid Programs
The Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) supports New Jersey residents pursuing AI and related computing degrees. TAG awards range from $2,176 to $14,404 per academic year based on financial need and institution type (HESAA). Combined with federal Pell Grants of up to $7,395, qualifying students at public institutions can significantly reduce or eliminate tuition costs. For AI students specifically, NJIT's in-state tuition of approximately $19,974/year for undergraduates and $1,100/credit for the MS in AI means TAG plus Pell could cover a substantial portion of costs. NJ residents must have lived in the state for 12 consecutive months and enroll full-time to qualify.
Key Programs & Amounts
AI-specific funding opportunities:
- Graduate Research Assistantships: Rutgers RAD Collaboratory and NJIT GHRI offer RA positions covering tuition plus stipends of $25,000-$35,000/year for PhD students
- NJ AI Hub Fellowships: The Hub's accelerator and startup ecosystem create fellowship and internship stipends
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP): $37,000/year stipend plus tuition coverage for AI research
- NJEDA Innovation Grants: Strategic Innovation Center internship stipends for AI-focused students
- Corporate AI Scholarships: Google, Microsoft, and NVIDIA offer AI/ML-specific scholarships
- Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Pharma companies (Merck, J&J) and financial firms (Goldman Sachs) offer $5,250-$15,000/year for employees pursuing AI degrees
Institutional Scholarships
AI students benefit from strong ROI calculations.
With entry-level AI engineers earning $100,000-$125,000 and mid-career professionals commanding $140,000-$180,000, even private university AI education pays for itself quickly. Many working professionals pursue part-time MS programs while employed, leveraging employer tuition reimbursement to make graduate AI education essentially free. NJ STARS covers full community college tuition for top 15% graduates, and NJ STARS II supports transfer, providing a funded pathway from community college through the mathematics prerequisites into a four-year AI program. File FAFSA early as NJ state aid is first-come, first-served. Explore affordable AI programs for additional options.
Artificial Intelligence Degree ROI Calculator, New Jersey
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a artificial intelligence degree in New Jersey. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Artificial Intelligence Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a artificial intelligence degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+1326%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$2,452,300
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$105,882
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$3,487,708
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (New York City, NY)$180,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return6.3%
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Artificial Intelligence Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in New Jersey metro areas
Jersey City$135K
Newark$129K
Princeton$123K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Jersey City | $135K |
| Newark | $129K |
| Princeton | $123K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Artificial Intelligence Graduates in New Jersey
Find artificial intelligence jobs in New Jersey. These major employers across New Jersey metro areas are actively hiring artificial intelligence degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Artificial Intelligence Jobs in Jersey City
NJGoldman Sachs
finance
Verisk Analytics
data
Forbes
media
Artificial Intelligence Jobs in Newark
NJPrudential Financial
finance
Panasonic
electronics
Audible
tech
Artificial Intelligence Jobs in Princeton
NJNRG Energy
energy
Bristol-Myers Squibb
pharma
Siemens
engineering
Transfer Pathways for Artificial Intelligence Degrees in New Jersey
State Transfer System
New Jersey's community college transfer system provides a foundation for AI careers through mathematics and computer science coursework. Under the State-Wide Transfer Agreement, students completing an AS degree from any of NJ's 19 community colleges receive guaranteed junior standing at public four-year institutions (NJ Transfer). Since AI programs require extensive mathematical preparation, the community college pathway allows students to complete calculus sequences, linear algebra, statistics, and introductory programming at a fraction of four-year university costs. Students should pursue an AS in Mathematics or Computer Science for maximum AI program transferability.
How Transfers Work
Critical courses to complete at community college for AI transfer: Calculus I, II, and III (the full sequence), Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics, Discrete Mathematics, Introduction to Programming (Python preferred), Data Structures, and Introduction to Computer Science. These courses form the prerequisite foundation for every AI program at NJIT, Rutgers, and Stevens. NJIT maintains transfer agreements with all 19 community colleges, and its data science department (housing the AI program) accepts foundational math and CS courses from transfer students. Bergen Community College, Middlesex College, and County College of Morris offer particularly strong mathematics sequences.
Transfer Planning Tips
Transfer planning strategies for AI students:
- 1Prioritize mathematics: The full calculus sequence through multivariate plus linear algebra is non-negotiable for AI programs
- 2Learn Python deeply: Most AI frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn) use Python
- 3Take statistics seriously: Probability theory underpins all machine learning
- 4Earn the AS degree: Guarantees junior standing and maximizes credit acceptance
- 5Verify equivalencies: Use njtransfer.org to confirm each course maps correctly
- 6Maintain 3.0+ GPA: Target 3.2+ for NJIT's competitive computing programs
- 7Self-study AI fundamentals: Online resources (Coursera, fast.ai) demonstrate initiative and build foundational AI knowledge Community college tuition averaging $7,618/year versus $19,974 at NJIT saves approximately $24,000 over two years, funds that can be redirected toward graduate AI education, which is increasingly expected for senior AI roles. Explore computer science transfer pathways as an alternative entry point.
Why Pursue an Artificial Intelligence Degree in New Jersey?
Industry & Workforce
New Jersey is positioning itself as the East Coast capital of artificial intelligence, anchored by the NJ AI Hub at Princeton University. Launched in March 2025, the Hub brings together Princeton, Microsoft, CoreWeave, and the NJEDA with founding partner investments exceeding $72 million, including up to $25 million from the state (Princeton NJ AI Hub, NJ Governor Office). The Hub occupies a 6,500-square-foot co-working space in West Windsor along Route 1. New Jersey's innovation corridor, and focuses on AI applications in life sciences, clean energy, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and logistics. In October 2025, Microsoft brought its Discovery AI platform to the Hub, enabling researchers to accelerate scientific discovery using agentic AI technology (Microsoft Discovery AI).
Salary Outlook
AI engineer salaries in New Jersey rank among the highest nationally.
Machine learning engineers and AI specialists earn $140,000-$180,000 median, with senior AI researchers at pharmaceutical and financial firms commanding $200,000-$280,000 (Glassdoor, BLS OEWS May 2024). The BLS projects 35% national growth for AI-related roles through 2033. New Jersey's unique combination of pharmaceutical companies (requiring AI for drug discovery), financial firms (using AI for trading and risk), and the growing data center ecosystem creates diverse AI career paths unavailable in most other states.
Regional Tech Hubs
The AI infrastructure buildout in New Jersey is massive.
Nebius is constructing a 300 MW data center in Vineland dedicated to GPU computing and AI workloads, with Microsoft committing to a deal worth up to $19.4 billion over five years (Nebius NJ). CoreWeave, a co-founder of the NJ AI Hub, operates AI cloud infrastructure from New Jersey. The NJ AI Hub's accelerator, powered by Plug and Play, launched in early 2026 to connect AI startups with mentors and investors (NJ AI Hub Accelerator). Compare programs in New York or explore our national AI rankings.
16 Programs
Artificial Intelligence Program Availability in New Jersey
New Jersey offers 16 accredited artificial intelligence programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Jersey City, Newark, Princeton.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Artificial Intelligence Job Market & Salary Data in New Jersey
Employment Outlook
New Jersey's AI job market benefits from three converging industry sectors.
The pharmaceutical corridor, home to Merck, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, and Novo Nordisk, hires AI engineers for drug discovery, protein folding prediction, clinical trial optimization, and real-world evidence generation. The financial services sector, anchored by Goldman Sachs, Prudential, and Audible in the Jersey City-Newark corridor, employs AI specialists for algorithmic trading, fraud detection, risk modeling, and natural language processing. The data center and cloud computing sector, with NJ ranking as a top-5 market nationally, creates demand for AI infrastructure engineers and MLOps specialists (BLS OEWS May 2024).
Salaries by Metro
AI salaries in New Jersey reflect acute talent competition:
- ML Engineer (mid-level): $140,000-$175,000, building and deploying production ML models
- AI Research Scientist: $160,000-$220,000, developing novel algorithms, publishing research
- NLP Engineer: $130,000-$165,000, text analytics, chatbots, document processing for financial/pharma
- Computer Vision Engineer: $135,000-$170,000, medical imaging AI, quality inspection systems
- AI/ML Director: $200,000-$300,000+, leading AI strategy at major corporations
- Entry-level AI Engineer: $100,000-$125,000, strong foundation in Python, TensorFlow/PyTorch Pharmaceutical companies offer particularly competitive total compensation including stock options, annual bonuses of 15-25%, and tuition reimbursement for advanced AI degrees (Glassdoor).
High-Growth Sectors
Hiring managers prioritize these AI skills in New Jersey: deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch), cloud ML platforms (AWS SageMaker, Azure ML), large language model fine-tuning and deployment, MLOps and model monitoring, statistical modeling, and domain expertise in either healthcare/pharma or financial services. The NJ AI Hub is creating a new startup ecosystem where AI companies receive mentorship, compute resources, and investor access, its Plug and Play accelerator launched in early 2026 with multiple cohorts planned annually (NJ AI Hub Accelerator). For related career paths, explore machine learning programs, data science degrees, or computer science programs.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in New Jersey$79,820$178,060
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Artificial Intelligence Programs in New Jersey
Online Programs
3 available in New Jersey
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$25,548/yr$28,387/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Artificial Intelligence Programs in Other States
Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 112
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Pennsylvania
- Total Programs
- 75
- Median Tuition
- $38,800
Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 177
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 38
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 62
- Median Tuition
- $8,600
Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Massachusetts
- Total Programs
- 70
- Median Tuition
- $44,500
Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Virginia
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $10,100
Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in New Jersey: FAQ
What are the best artificial intelligence degree programs in New Jersey?
The best artificial intelligence degree programs in New Jersey based on our methodology are: 1) Princeton University (96% graduation rate), 2) Stevens Institute of Technology, and 3) Drew University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). New Jersey offers 16 total accredited programs across 7 public and 9 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 9 bachelor's programs.
How much do artificial intelligence degree programs cost in New Jersey?
Artificial Intelligence degree program costs in New Jersey vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $28,387/year, while private institutions average $62,451/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $7,097/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $113,548 at public schools to $249,806 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can artificial intelligence degree graduates earn in New Jersey?
Artificial Intelligence professionals in New Jersey earn a median salary of $122,800, which is 6% above the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $79,820, while senior roles exceed $178,060. Salaries vary by metro area: Jersey City ($135,080), Newark ($128,940) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online artificial intelligence degree programs in New Jersey?
Yes, New Jersey offers 3 accredited online Artificial Intelligence programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from Rider University and Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire artificial intelligence degree graduates in New Jersey?
Major Artificial Intelligence employers in New Jersey include Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck, Verizon, AT&T. The Jersey City and Newark metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from New Jersey universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. New Jersey's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is an artificial intelligence degree program worth it in New Jersey?
An artificial intelligence degree program in New Jersey offers strong ROI with a $122,800 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $28,387/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($138,764), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do artificial intelligence degree programs take in New Jersey?
Standard completion times for artificial intelligence degree programs in New Jersey are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. New Jersey community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a New Jersey university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for artificial intelligence degree students in New Jersey?
New Jersey artificial intelligence degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. New Jersey state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by New Jersey's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
New Jersey salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.