New Jersey university campus representing machine learning education
Updated December 2025

Best Machine Learning Programs in New Jersey: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 14 top accredited machine learning programs in New Jersey. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Jersey City, Newark, Princeton.

Programs Ranked14
Median Salary$122,800
Cost of Living114.5%
Tech Hubs3

Top 3 Machine Learning Programs in New Jersey 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

Princeton University

Princeton, NJPrivate

201 machine learning graduates annually, 96% graduation rate

$60K
Tuition/yr
96%
Grad Rate
97.1
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Stevens Institute of Technology

Hoboken, NJPrivate

233 machine learning graduates annually, 74% graduation rate

$59K
Tuition/yr
74%
Grad Rate
85.9
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

Rowan University

Glassboro, NJPublic

62 machine learning graduates annually, 97% graduation rate

$11K
Tuition/yr
97%
Grad Rate
66.7
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.New Jersey offers 14+ accredited machine learning programs across public and private universities
  • 2.Princeton University leads with 96% 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)

Machine Learning Education in New Jersey: Overview

New Jersey offers 14 accredited machine learning programs, producing approximately 655 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 machine learning programs in the state are led by Princeton University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Rowan University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Ranking Methodology

Based on 14 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Machine Learning degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

New Jersey-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024

New Jersey Machine Learning Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1Princeton UniversityPrinceton, NJPrivate$59,71096%97.1
2Stevens Institute of TechnologyHoboken, NJPrivate$58,68074%85.9
3Rowan UniversityGlassboro, NJPublic$11,25097%66.7
4Drew UniversityMadison, NJPrivate$44,26092%55.7
5Seton Hall UniversitySouth Orange, NJPrivate$48,67093%50.3
6Stockton UniversityGalloway, NJPublic$12,996โ€”47
7New Jersey Institute of TechnologyNewark, NJPublic$15,61666%45.9
8Felician UniversityLodi, NJPrivate$35,18088%45.7
9Caldwell UniversityCaldwell, NJPrivate$37,352โ€”44.6
10Montclair State UniversityMontclair, NJPublic$13,71075%44.2
11Rider UniversityLawrenceville, NJPrivate$37,700โ€”43.5
12Bloomfield CollegeBloomfield, NJPrivate$30,680โ€”42
13Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham CampusMadison, NJPrivate$37,346โ€”39.8
14Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan CampusTeaneck, NJPrivate$36,526โ€”38.7

Top 5 Machine Learning Programs in New Jersey: Side-by-Side

SchoolPrincetonStevens Institute of...RowanDrewSeton Hall
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$59,710
$58,680
$11,250
$44,260
$48,670
Graduation Rate
96%
74%
97%
92%
93%
Annual Graduates
201
233
62
18
7
Acceptance Rate
4%
43%
78%
69%
79%
Type
Private
Private
Public
Private
Private
Score
97.1/100
85.9/100
66.7/100
55.7/100
50.3/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Machine Learning in New Jersey

New Jersey offers 10 bachelor's-level machine learning programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Princeton University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Drew University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $85,960 in the New Jersey market.

A bachelor's in machine learning typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs in New Jersey

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Princeton
$59,710
96%
201
97.1
#2 Stevens Institute of...
$58,680
74%
233
85.9
#3 Drew
$44,260
92%
18
55.7

Top Machine Learning Schools for Master's Degrees in New Jersey

For graduate study, New Jersey offers 8 master's-level machine learning 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 Machine Learning Master's Programs in New Jersey

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Stevens Institute of...
$58,680
74%
821
85.9
#2 Princeton
$59,710
96%
83
74.7
#3 Rowan
$11,250
97%
62
66.7

Most Affordable Machine Learning Colleges in New Jersey

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable machine learning programs in New Jersey are at Rowan University ($11,250/year), Stockton University ($12,996/year), Montclair State University ($13,710/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 Machine Learning Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Machine Learning Programs in New Jersey (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Rowan
$11,250
$45,000
0.9 years
Public
#2 Stockton
$12,996
$51,984
1 years
Public
#3 Montclair State
$13,710
$54,840
1.1 years
Public

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Machine Learning Schools in New Jersey

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 machine learning 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.

#11 Designation

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
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Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $59,710 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 201 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 4%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 97.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 96% graduation rate
  • 201 machine learning graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 97.1 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 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 offers both undergraduate concentrations in Data and Information with machine learning courses and a graduate certificate program through the Center for Statistics and Machine Learning. The program balances technical rigor with curricular flexibility and requires rigorous research components for advanced students.

Program Accreditations & Designations
ABET
Admission Prerequisites
  • โ€ขhigh-school mathematics through calculus
  • โ€ขhigh-school physics
  • โ€ขhigh-school chemistry
Admissions
  • Min GPA: B+ (3.3) or better for certificate coursework
Program Details
  • Credits: 36 courses for four-year BSE program, 28 courses for three-year advanced standing
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Data and InformationCircuits and SystemsSecurity and PrivacyComputer SystemsEnergy and EnvironmentQuantum Computing and Applied Physics
#2

Stevens Institute of Technology

Hoboken, NJ โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
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Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $58,680 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 74% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 233 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 43%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 85.9 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 74% graduation rate
  • 233 machine learning graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 85.9 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (74%), program size (233 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 both undergraduate AI and graduate machine learning programs with hands-on learning experiences, state-of-the-art facilities, and exceptional career outcomes including $121,000 average salary for machine learning graduates. The programs combine strong theoretical foundations with practical applications and real-world capstone projects.

Admissions
  • Min GPA: 3.000
Program Details
  • Credits: 30 credits
Career Outcomes
  • Starting Salary: $121,000
  • Job Placement: over 97% within six months of graduation
#3

Rowan University

Glassboro, NJ โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
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Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $11,250 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 62 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 66.7 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 97% graduation rate
  • 62 machine learning graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 66.7 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (62 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (78% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

Rowan University offers multiple machine learning pathways including a comprehensive M.S. in Data Science with strong foundations in data mining, modeling, statistical and machine learning, plus an undergraduate certificate in Applied Machine Learning that provides practical hands-on experience through project components and real-world clinic experiences.

Admission Prerequisites
  • โ€ขCalculus II
  • โ€ขProbability and Statistical Inference for Computing Systems
  • โ€ขLinear Algebra
  • โ€ขIntroduction to Object-Oriented Programming or Computer Science and Programming
  • โ€ขData Structures and Algorithms or Data Structures for Engineers
Program Details
  • Credits: 30 graduate semester hours
Available Specializations / Concentrations
thesis tracknon-thesis track
#4

Drew University

Madison, NJ โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $44,260 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 18 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 69%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 55.7 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 92% graduation rate
  • 18 machine learning graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 55.7 / 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.

#51 Designation

Seton Hall University

South Orange, NJ โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
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Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $48,670 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 7 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 50.3 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 93% graduation rate
  • 7 machine learning graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 50.3 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (7 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

Seton Hall offers a comprehensive 35-credit program combining financial technology with machine learning and AI applications. The program features specialized tracks in data science or business analytics with practical courses in algorithmic trading, blockchain, and financial AI.

Program Accreditations & Designations
AACSB
Admission Prerequisites
  • โ€ขCalculus 1
  • โ€ขLinear Algebra
  • โ€ขStatistics
Admissions
  • Min GPA: 3.2
Program Details
  • Credits: 35 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Data Science TrackBusiness Analytics Track
$73,500
Starting Salary
$105,000
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
6,979
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Jersey with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$111,002

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+35%

Data Scientist opportunities in Jersey with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$112,963

DevOps Engineer

SOC 15-1244
+22%

DevOps Engineer opportunities in Jersey with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$115,725

AI/ML Engineer

SOC 15-1299
+23%

AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Jersey with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$103,991
+33%

Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Jersey with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$120,596

Which Should You Choose?

Choose New Jersey if...
  • 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
Consider other states if...
  • You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
  • You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs New Jersey's 14)
  • You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)

Other Tech Degree Programs in New Jersey

Machine Learning Programs in Other States

Machine Learning 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

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

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