Top 3 Computer Science Programs in New Jersey 2025
Stevens Institute of Technology
728 computer science graduates annually, 74% graduation rate
Princeton University
201 computer science graduates annually, 96% graduation rate
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
684 computer science graduates annually, 82% graduation rate
- 1.New Jersey offers 26+ accredited computer science 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 Science Education in New Jersey: Overview
New Jersey offers 26 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 2,751 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 science programs in the state are led by Stevens Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 25 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science 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 Science 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 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | New Brunswick, NJ | Public | $13,674 | 82% | 82.1 |
| 4 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | Newark, NJ | Public | $15,616 | 66% | 64.4 |
| 5 | Rowan University | Glassboro, NJ | Public | $11,250 | 97% | 63.8 |
| 6 | Rutgers University-Newark | Newark, NJ | Public | $13,674 | 94% | 59.1 |
| 7 | The College of New Jersey | Ewing, NJ | Public | $14,706 | 100% | 58.3 |
| 8 | Kean University | Union, NJ | Public | $11,135 | 91% | 56.6 |
| 9 | Ramapo College of New Jersey | Mahwah, NJ | Public | $15,978 | 91% | 53.5 |
| 10 | Montclair State University | Montclair, NJ | Public | $13,710 | 75% | 52.8 |
| 11 | Drew University | Madison, NJ | Private | $44,260 | 92% | 51.4 |
| 12 | Seton Hall University | South Orange, NJ | Private | $48,670 | 93% | 48.8 |
| 13 | Georgian Court University | Lakewood, NJ | Private | $35,360 | 96% | 48.4 |
| 14 | New Jersey City University | Jersey City, NJ | Public | $13,785 | — | 44.2 |
| 15 | Stockton University | Galloway, NJ | Public | $12,996 | — | 43.5 |
| 16 | Felician University | Lodi, NJ | Private | $35,180 | 88% | 43.2 |
| 17 | Caldwell University | Caldwell, NJ | Private | $37,352 | — | 41.9 |
| 18 | Rutgers University-Camden | Camden, NJ | Public | $13,674 | — | 41.5 |
| 19 | Rider University | Lawrenceville, NJ | Private | $37,700 | — | 40.2 |
| 20 | Saint Peter's University | Jersey City, NJ | Private | $39,954 | — | 39.9 |
| 21 | Bloomfield College | Bloomfield, NJ | Private | $30,680 | — | 39.4 |
| 22 | William Paterson University of New Jersey | Wayne, NJ | Public | $14,690 | — | 38.8 |
| 23 | Monmouth University | West Long Branch, NJ | Private | $44,098 | — | 38.3 |
| 24 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | Teaneck, NJ | Private | $36,526 | — | 36.8 |
| 25 | Saint Elizabeth University | Morristown, NJ | Private | $33,886 | — | 36.5 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in New Jersey: Side-by-Side
| School | Stevens Institute of... | Princeton | Rutgers | New Jersey Institute of... | Rowan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $58,680 | $59,710 | $13,674 | $15,616 | $11,250 |
| Graduation Rate | 74% | 96% | 82% | 66% | 97% |
| Annual Graduates | 728 | 201 | 684 | 274 | 140 |
| Acceptance Rate | 43% | 4% | 65% | 67% | 78% |
| Type | Private | Private | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 85.9/100 | 82.3/100 | 82.1/100 | 64.4/100 | 63.8/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in New Jersey
New Jersey offers 25 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Princeton University, Stevens Institute of Technology. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $85,960 in the New Jersey market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in New Jersey
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Rutgers | $13,674 | 82% | 684 | 82.1 |
| #2 Princeton | $59,710 | 96% | 201 | 82.3 |
| #3 Stevens Institute of... | $58,680 | 74% | 156 | 66.7 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in New Jersey
For graduate study, New Jersey offers 13 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include Stevens Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick. 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 Science 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 Rutgers | $13,674 | 82% | 274 | 69.0 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in New Jersey
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in New Jersey are at Kean University ($11,135/year), Rowan University ($11,250/year), Stockton University ($12,996/year). These programs offer strong ROI given New Jersey's competitive tech salaries.
At Kean University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $44,540 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 Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science Programs in New Jersey (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Kean | $11,135 | $44,540 | 0.9 years | Public |
| #2 Rowan | $11,250 | $45,000 | 0.9 years | Public |
| #3 Stockton | $12,996 | $51,984 | 1 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in New Jersey
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science 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 Science Graduates: 728 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 43%
- • Ranking Score: 85.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 74% graduation rate
- 728 computer science 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.
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $59,710 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 201 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 4%
- • Ranking Score: 82.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 201 computer science 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.
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $13,674 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 82% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 684 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 65%
- • Ranking Score: 82.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 82% graduation rate
- 684 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 82.1 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (82%), program size (684 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (65% 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 Science Graduates: 274 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 67%
- • Ranking Score: 64.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 66% graduation rate
- 274 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 64.4 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (66%), program size (274 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (67% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,250 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 140 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 78%
- • Ranking Score: 63.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 140 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 63.8 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (140 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (78% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
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 26)
- 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 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
- Best Information Systems Programs in New Jersey
Computer Science Programs in Other States
Compare computer science programs across different states:
Computer Science 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.