Top 3 Data Science Programs in New Jersey 2025
Stevens Institute of Technology
728 data science graduates annually, 74% graduation rate
Princeton University
201 data science graduates annually, 96% graduation rate
Rowan University
97 data science graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
- 1.New Jersey offers 18+ accredited data 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)
Data Science Education in New Jersey: Overview
New Jersey offers 18 accredited data science programs, producing approximately 1,438 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 data science 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 18 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data 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 Data 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 | Rowan University | Glassboro, NJ | Public | $11,250 | 97% | 61.1 |
| 4 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | Newark, NJ | Public | $15,616 | 66% | 59.3 |
| 5 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | New Brunswick, NJ | Public | $13,674 | 82% | 56.2 |
| 6 | Drew University | Madison, NJ | Private | $44,260 | 92% | 51.4 |
| 7 | Ramapo College of New Jersey | Mahwah, NJ | Public | $15,978 | 91% | 48.7 |
| 8 | Seton Hall University | South Orange, NJ | Private | $48,670 | 93% | 46.1 |
| 9 | Felician University | Lodi, NJ | Private | $35,180 | 88% | 43.2 |
| 10 | Caldwell University | Caldwell, NJ | Private | $37,352 | — | 41 |
| 11 | Stockton University | Galloway, NJ | Public | $12,996 | — | 40.4 |
| 12 | Montclair State University | Montclair, NJ | Public | $13,710 | 75% | 40 |
| 13 | Saint Peter's University | Jersey City, NJ | Private | $39,954 | — | 39.8 |
| 14 | Bloomfield College | Bloomfield, NJ | Private | $30,680 | — | 39.4 |
| 15 | Rider University | Lawrenceville, NJ | Private | $37,700 | — | 39.2 |
| 16 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus | Madison, NJ | Private | $37,346 | — | 35.7 |
| 17 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | Teaneck, NJ | Private | $36,526 | — | 35 |
| 18 | Monmouth University | West Long Branch, NJ | Private | $44,098 | — | 33.2 |
Top 5 Data Science Programs in New Jersey: Side-by-Side
| School | Stevens Institute of... | Princeton | Rowan | New Jersey Institute of... | Rutgers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $58,680 | $59,710 | $11,250 | $15,616 | $13,674 |
| Graduation Rate | 74% | 96% | 97% | 66% | 82% |
| Annual Graduates | 728 | 201 | 97 | 165 | 51 |
| Acceptance Rate | 43% | 4% | 78% | 67% | 65% |
| Type | Private | Private | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 85.9/100 | 82.3/100 | 61.1/100 | 59.3/100 | 56.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in New Jersey
New Jersey offers 11 bachelor's-level data science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Princeton University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $85,960 in the New Jersey market.
A bachelor's in data science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Data Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Data Science 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 Rutgers | $13,674 | 82% | 51 | 56.2 |
Top Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in New Jersey
For graduate study, New Jersey offers 14 master's-level data science 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 Data 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 Rowan | $11,250 | 97% | 97 | 61.1 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in New Jersey
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data science programs in New Jersey are at Rowan University ($11,250/year), Stockton University ($12,996/year), Rutgers University-New Brunswick ($13,674/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 Data Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Data Science 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 Rutgers | $13,674 | $54,696 | 1.1 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Data Science Schools in New Jersey
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 data 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)
- • Data Science Graduates: 728 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 43%
- • Ranking Score: 85.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 74% graduation rate
- 728 data 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.
Why Choose This Program
Stevens offers a comprehensive Data Science program with strong mathematical foundations, multiple specialization tracks, and excellent employment outcomes with graduates earning an average of $109,571. The program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0 at bachelor's level, 3.5 at master's level
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits for MS Data Science
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $109,571 for Data Science master's graduates
- Job Placement: Over 97% of master's and doctoral graduates secured jobs within six months
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $59,710 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 201 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 4%
- • Ranking Score: 82.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 201 data 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.
Why Choose This Program
Princeton's Computer Science program offers both A.B. and B.S.E. degree options with a curriculum that emphasizes theoretical analysis, advanced computer systems design, and AI/machine learning foundations. The program provides extensive flexibility to explore subdisciplines and cross-disciplinary investigations including data science, with dedicated Statistics and Machine Learning courses taught by leading experts.
Admission Prerequisites
- •COS 126
- •COS 217
- •COS 226
- •Four years of mathematics (including calculus for students interested in engineering)
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,250 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 97 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 78%
- • Ranking Score: 61.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 97 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.1 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (97 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (78% 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)
- • Data Science Graduates: 165 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 67%
- • Ranking Score: 59.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 66% graduation rate
- 165 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 59.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (66%), program size (165 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 online and on-campus Master's in Data Science programs with strong connections to NYC tech and finance sectors. The program combines practical experience with industry tools like Python and Tableau, while graduates achieve high mid-career salaries averaging $159,000 nationally.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $159,000 Mid-Career Salary, National Average; $168,300 Mid-Career Salary, NYC Metro Area
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $13,674 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 82% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 51 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 65%
- • Ranking Score: 56.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 82% graduation rate
- 51 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 56.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (82%), program size (51 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (65% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Rutgers offers both undergraduate BA and graduate MS programs in Data Science with flexible tracks (Statistics and Human Centered), rolling admissions, and required research projects with faculty supervision. The program combines strong foundations in statistical analysis, data management, and computing with practical training requirements.
Admission Prerequisites
- •calculus
- •computer science
- •statistical inference
- •data management
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.2
Program Details
- Credits: 30 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 18)
- 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 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
Data Science Programs in Other States
Compare data science programs across different states:
- Best Data Science Programs in Arizona
- Best Data Science Programs in California
- Best Data Science Programs in Colorado
- Best Data Science Programs in Florida
- Best Data Science Programs in Georgia
- Best Data Science Programs in Illinois
- Best Data Science Programs in Massachusetts
- Best Data Science Programs in Michigan
- Best Data Science Programs in New York
- Best Data Science Programs in North Carolina
Data 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.