Top 3 Computer Programming Programs in New Jersey 2025
Stevens Institute of Technology
728 computer programming graduates annually, 74% graduation rate
Princeton University
201 computer programming graduates annually, 96% graduation rate
Rowan University
117 computer programming graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
- 1.New Jersey offers 12+ accredited computer programming programs across public and private universities
- 2.Stevens Institute of Technology leads with 74% graduation rate
- 3.New Jersey software developers earn median $122,800 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Jersey City, Newark, Princeton
- 5.Cost of living index: 114.5% of US average (above average)
Computer Programming Education in New Jersey: Overview
New Jersey offers 12 accredited computer programming programs, producing approximately 1,191 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Jersey City, Newark, Princeton, with major employers including Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck.
With a median software developer salary of $122,800 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 114.5% compared to the US average, New Jersey offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.
The top computer programming programs in the state are led by Stevens Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Rowan University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 12 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Programming degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
New Jersey-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
New Jersey Computer Programming Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, NJ | Private | $58,680 | 74% | 85.9 |
| 2 | Princeton University | Princeton, NJ | Private | $59,710 | 96% | 82.3 |
| 3 | Rowan University | Glassboro, NJ | Public | $11,250 | 97% | 62.5 |
| 4 | Drew University | Madison, NJ | Private | $44,260 | 92% | 51.4 |
| 5 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | Newark, NJ | Public | $15,616 | 66% | 43.3 |
| 6 | Felician University | Lodi, NJ | Private | $35,180 | 88% | 43.2 |
| 7 | Caldwell University | Caldwell, NJ | Private | $37,352 | — | 41 |
| 8 | Stockton University | Galloway, NJ | Public | $12,996 | — | 40.4 |
| 9 | Bloomfield College | Bloomfield, NJ | Private | $30,680 | — | 39.4 |
| 10 | Rider University | Lawrenceville, NJ | Private | $37,700 | — | 39.2 |
| 11 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus | Madison, NJ | Private | $37,346 | — | 35.7 |
| 12 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | Teaneck, NJ | Private | $36,526 | — | 35 |
Top 5 Computer Programming Programs in New Jersey: Side-by-Side
| School | Stevens Institute of... | Princeton | Rowan | Drew | New Jersey Institute of... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $58,680 | $59,710 | $11,250 | $44,260 | $15,616 |
| Graduation Rate | 74% | 96% | 97% | 92% | 66% |
| Annual Graduates | 728 | 201 | 117 | 18 | 7 |
| Acceptance Rate | 43% | 4% | 78% | 69% | 67% |
| Type | Private | Private | Public | Private | Public |
| Score | 85.9/100 | 82.3/100 | 62.5/100 | 51.4/100 | 43.3/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Programming in New Jersey
New Jersey offers 10 bachelor's-level computer programming programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Princeton University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Rowan University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $85,960 in the New Jersey market.
A bachelor's in computer programming typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Programming Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Programming Bachelor's Programs in New Jersey
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Princeton | $59,710 | 96% | 201 | 82.3 |
| #2 Stevens Institute of... | $58,680 | 74% | 156 | 81.5 |
| #3 Rowan | $11,250 | 97% | 117 | 62.5 |
Top Computer Programming Schools for Master's Degrees in New Jersey
For graduate study, New Jersey offers 7 master's-level computer programming programs. Leading institutions include Stevens Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Rowan University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in New Jersey reaching $159,640 or more.
Top 3 Computer Programming Master's Programs in New Jersey
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Stevens Institute of... | $58,680 | 74% | 728 | 85.9 |
| #2 Princeton | $59,710 | 96% | 54 | 73.0 |
| #3 Rowan | $11,250 | 97% | 62 | 58.4 |
Most Affordable Computer Programming Colleges in New Jersey
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer programming programs in New Jersey are at Rowan University ($11,250/year), Stockton University ($12,996/year), New Jersey Institute of Technology ($15,616/year). These programs offer strong ROI given New Jersey's competitive tech salaries.
At Rowan University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $45,000 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $85,960, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.9 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Programming Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Programming Programs in New Jersey (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Rowan | $11,250 | $45,000 | 0.9 years | Public |
| #2 Stockton | $12,996 | $51,984 | 1 years | Public |
| #3 New Jersey Institute of... | $15,616 | $62,464 | 1.2 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Programming Schools in New Jersey
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer programming programs in New Jersey, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $58,680 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 74% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Programming Graduates: 728 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 43%
- • Ranking Score: 85.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 74% graduation rate
- 728 computer programming graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 85.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (74%), program size (728 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (43% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Stevens offers a unique cybersecurity program that combines computer science and mathematics with security-driven focus in an interdisciplinary atmosphere. The program addresses real-world implementation challenges including technological limitations, cost restraints and human factors that other programs often overlook.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.000
Program Details
- Credits: 36 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $59,710 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Programming Graduates: 201 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 4%
- • Ranking Score: 82.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 201 computer programming graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 82.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (201 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (4% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Princeton's Computer Science Department is unique as the only department at Princeton offering both Bachelor of Arts (AB) and Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) degrees, providing flexibility in academic paths. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications through required independent work and senior thesis projects.
Admission Prerequisites
- •COS 126 or ECE 115
- •COS 217
- •COS 226
- •MAT 202, 204, 217 or EGR 154
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,250 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Programming Graduates: 117 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 78%
- • Ranking Score: 62.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 117 computer programming graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 62.5 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (117 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (78% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
This ABET-accredited program offers an accelerated 4+1 degree option allowing students to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in five years. Students gain hands-on research experience working on real-world projects with industry partners like the Federal Aviation Administration.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Drew University
Madison, NJ • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $44,260 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Programming Graduates: 18 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 69%
- • Ranking Score: 51.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 18 computer programming graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 51.4 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (18 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (69% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $15,616 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 66% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Programming Graduates: 7 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 67%
- • Ranking Score: 43.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 66% graduation rate
- 7 computer programming graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 43.3 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (66%), program size (7 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (67% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
NJIT offers both B.S. and M.S. in Computer Science programs with specialized tracks in AI, Cybersecurity, and other cutting-edge fields, recognized as the #1 Public College for Best Value in NJ. The programs emphasize regular faculty interaction and flexible online options for working professionals.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •four-year accredited Bachelor's degree
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Jersey with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Jersey with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Jersey with strong job growth.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Jersey with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Jersey with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Jersey City, Newark, Princeton
- You're seeking competitive salaries ($122,800 median)
- You want to work at companies like Johnson & Johnson or Prudential
- You prefer New Jersey's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs New Jersey's 12)
- You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)
Other Tech Degree Programs in New Jersey
Explore other technology degree programs available in New Jersey:
- Best Computer Science Programs in New Jersey
- Best Artificial Intelligence Programs in New Jersey
- Best Machine Learning Programs in New Jersey
- Best Data Science Programs in New Jersey
- Best Data Analytics Programs in New Jersey
- Best Cybersecurity Programs in New Jersey
- Best Information Security Programs in New Jersey
- Best Software Engineering Programs in New Jersey
- Best Computer Engineering Programs in New Jersey
- Best Information Technology Programs in New Jersey
Computer Programming Programs in Other States
Compare computer programming programs across different states:
- Best Computer Programming Programs in Arizona
- Best Programming Programs in California
- Best Computer Programming Programs in Colorado
- Best Programming Programs in Florida
- Best Computer Programming Programs in Georgia
- Best Programming Programs in Illinois
- Best Computer Programming Programs in Massachusetts
- Best Computer Programming Programs in Michigan
- Best Programming Programs in New York
- Best Computer Programming Programs in North Carolina
Computer Programming in New Jersey FAQ
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - New Jersey salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.