Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in New Jersey 2025
New Jersey Institute of Technology
40 cybersecurity graduates annually, 66% graduation rate
Stevens Institute of Technology
11 cybersecurity graduates annually, 74% graduation rate
Rowan University
10 cybersecurity graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
- 1.New Jersey offers 9+ accredited cybersecurity programs across public and private universities
- 2.New Jersey Institute of Technology leads with 66% 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)
Cybersecurity Education in New Jersey: Overview
New Jersey offers 9 accredited cybersecurity programs, producing approximately 115 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 cybersecurity programs in the state are led by New Jersey Institute of Technology, Stevens Institute of Technology, Rowan University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 9 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cybersecurity 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 Cybersecurity Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | Newark, NJ | Public | $15,616 | 66% | 62 |
| 2 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, NJ | Private | $58,680 | 74% | 58.4 |
| 3 | Rowan University | Glassboro, NJ | Public | $11,250 | 97% | 56.5 |
| 4 | Thomas Edison State University | Trenton, NJ | Public | $6,638 | — | 53.3 |
| 5 | Montclair State University | Montclair, NJ | Public | $13,710 | 75% | 49.2 |
| 6 | Felician University | Lodi, NJ | Private | $35,180 | 88% | 47 |
| 7 | Rider University | Lawrenceville, NJ | Private | $37,700 | — | 44.6 |
| 8 | New Jersey City University | Jersey City, NJ | Public | $13,785 | — | 42.6 |
| 9 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | Teaneck, NJ | Private | $36,526 | — | 37.1 |
Top 5 Cybersecurity Programs in New Jersey: Side-by-Side
| School | New Jersey Institute of... | Stevens Institute of... | Rowan | Thomas Edison State | Montclair State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $15,616 | $58,680 | $11,250 | $6,638 | $13,710 |
| Graduation Rate | 66% | 74% | 97% | N/A% | 75% |
| Annual Graduates | 40 | 11 | 10 | 16 | 10 |
| Acceptance Rate | 67% | 43% | 78% | N/A | 87% |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 62.0/100 | 58.4/100 | 56.5/100 | 53.3/100 | 49.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cybersecurity in New Jersey
New Jersey offers 3 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Stevens Institute of Technology, Felician University, New Jersey City University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $85,960 in the New Jersey market.
A bachelor's in cybersecurity typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in New Jersey
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Stevens Institute of... | $58,680 | 74% | 11 | 58.4 |
| #2 Felician | $35,180 | 88% | 4 | 47.0 |
| #3 New Jersey City | $13,785 | N/A% | 10 | 42.6 |
Top Cybersecurity Schools for Master's Degrees in New Jersey
For graduate study, New Jersey offers 7 master's-level cybersecurity programs. Leading institutions include New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rowan University, Thomas Edison State 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 Cybersecurity Master's Programs in New Jersey
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 New Jersey Institute of... | $15,616 | 66% | 40 | 62.0 |
| #2 Rowan | $11,250 | 97% | 10 | 56.5 |
| #3 Thomas Edison State | $6,638 | N/A% | 16 | 53.3 |
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges in New Jersey
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in New Jersey are at Thomas Edison State University ($6,638/year), Rowan University ($11,250/year), Montclair State University ($13,710/year). These programs offer strong ROI given New Jersey's competitive tech salaries.
At Thomas Edison State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $26,552 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $85,960, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.5 years. See our Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in New Jersey (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Thomas Edison State | $6,638 | $26,552 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #2 Rowan | $11,250 | $45,000 | 0.9 years | Public |
| #3 Montclair State | $13,710 | $54,840 | 1.1 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Cybersecurity Schools in New Jersey
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 cybersecurity 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.
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $15,616 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 66% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 40 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 67%
- • Ranking Score: 62.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 66% graduation rate
- 40 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 62.0 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (66%), program size (40 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (67% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The M.S. in Cyber Security and Privacy creates a strong foundation and detailed technical knowledge in security, privacy, and cryptography applied to computer systems, networks, and web applications. The program offers a Cyber Defense Option whose objective is to create leaders with strong communication and management skills in addition to the strong technical knowledge.
Admission Prerequisites
- •bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a discipline related to computing (e.g., Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Sciences, or Information Technology)
- •Applicants with a bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline or relevant professional experience can first take a graduate certificate
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $58,680 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 74% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 11 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 43%
- • Ranking Score: 58.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 74% graduation rate
- 11 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 58.4 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (74%), program size (11 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 one of the few undergraduate cybersecurity programs that addresses practical implementation challenges by combining computer science and mathematics with security-driven focus in an interdisciplinary atmosphere. The program uniquely integrates science, technology and management skills while providing hands-on learning experiences and industry collaboration opportunities.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.000
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $94,200
- Job Placement: 96.8% of graduates achieved their desired outcome within six months of graduation
- Top Employers: Bank of America, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, Lockheed
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,250 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 10 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 78%
- • Ranking Score: 56.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 10 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 56.5 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (10 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (78% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Rowan's M.S. in Cybersecurity welcomes students from diverse backgrounds beyond computer science, offers hands-on training with real hacking tools in a cyber lab, and provides flexible 3+1+1 pathways making it one of the most affordable cyber master's degrees in the country.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.5 for Computer Science Majors, 3.0 for all other majors
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 30 graduate semester hours (online pathway), 31 graduate semester hours (in-person pathway)
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, NJ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,638 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 16 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 53.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 16 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 53.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (16 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $13,710 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 10 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 49.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 10 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 49.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (10 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (87% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
This STEM-designated MS in Cybersecurity program offers advanced hands-on training with access to state-of-the-art labs and cutting-edge research opportunities. The program is designed for diverse academic backgrounds and combines technical and managerial aspects including legal, ethical, and policy issues.
Admission Prerequisites
- •CSIT 501 Java Programming
- •CSIT 502 Computer Systems Principles
- •CSIT 503 Data Structures
- •CSIT 504 Discrete Mathematics in Computing
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 9)
- 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 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
Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
Compare cybersecurity programs across different states:
- Best Cybersecurity Programs in Arizona
- Best Cybersecurity Programs in California
- Best Cybersecurity Programs in Colorado
- Best Cybersecurity Programs in Florida
- Best Cybersecurity Programs in Georgia
- Best Cybersecurity Programs in Illinois
- Best Cybersecurity Programs in Massachusetts
- Best Cybersecurity Programs in Michigan
- Best Cybersecurity Programs in New York
- Best Cybersecurity Programs in North Carolina
Cybersecurity 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.