Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in New Jersey 2025
Princeton University
201 software engineering graduates annually, 96% graduation rate
Stevens Institute of Technology
266 software engineering graduates annually, 74% graduation rate
Rowan University
117 software engineering graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
- 1.New Jersey offers 14+ accredited software engineering 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)
Software Engineering Education in New Jersey: Overview
New Jersey offers 14 accredited software engineering programs, producing approximately 807 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 software engineering 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.
Based on 14 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Software Engineering 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 Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Princeton University | Princeton, NJ | Private | $59,710 | 96% | 94.9 |
| 2 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, NJ | Private | $58,680 | 74% | 85.9 |
| 3 | Rowan University | Glassboro, NJ | Public | $11,250 | 97% | 72.1 |
| 4 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | Newark, NJ | Public | $15,616 | 66% | 60.3 |
| 5 | The College of New Jersey | Ewing, NJ | Public | $14,706 | 100% | 56.8 |
| 6 | Drew University | Madison, NJ | Private | $44,260 | 92% | 55 |
| 7 | Stockton University | Galloway, NJ | Public | $12,996 | — | 46 |
| 8 | Felician University | Lodi, NJ | Private | $35,180 | 88% | 45.3 |
| 9 | Caldwell University | Caldwell, NJ | Private | $37,352 | — | 44.1 |
| 10 | Rider University | Lawrenceville, NJ | Private | $37,700 | — | 42.9 |
| 11 | Bloomfield College | Bloomfield, NJ | Private | $30,680 | — | 41.6 |
| 12 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus | Madison, NJ | Private | $37,346 | — | 39.2 |
| 13 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | Teaneck, NJ | Private | $36,526 | — | 38.2 |
| 14 | Monmouth University | West Long Branch, NJ | Private | $44,098 | — | 36.6 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in New Jersey: Side-by-Side
| School | Princeton | Stevens Institute of... | Rowan | New Jersey Institute of... | College of New Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $59,710 | $58,680 | $11,250 | $15,616 | $14,706 |
| Graduation Rate | 96% | 74% | 97% | 66% | 100% |
| Annual Graduates | 201 | 266 | 117 | 67 | 12 |
| Acceptance Rate | 4% | 43% | 78% | 67% | 62% |
| Type | Private | Private | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 94.9/100 | 85.9/100 | 72.1/100 | 60.3/100 | 56.8/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in New Jersey
New Jersey offers 12 bachelor's-level software engineering 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 software engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs in New Jersey
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Princeton | $59,710 | 96% | 201 | 94.9 |
| #2 Stevens Institute of... | $58,680 | 74% | 266 | 85.9 |
| #3 Rowan | $11,250 | 97% | 117 | 72.1 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in New Jersey
For graduate study, New Jersey offers 8 master's-level software engineering 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 Software Engineering Master's Programs in New Jersey
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Stevens Institute of... | $58,680 | 74% | 811 | 85.9 |
| #2 Princeton | $59,710 | 96% | 54 | 72.5 |
| #3 Rowan | $11,250 | 97% | 62 | 57.9 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in New Jersey
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in New Jersey are at Rowan University ($11,250/year), Stockton University ($12,996/year), The College of New Jersey ($14,706/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 Software Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Software Engineering 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 College of New Jersey | $14,706 | $58,824 | 1.2 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Software Engineering Schools in New Jersey
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 software engineering 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.
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $59,710 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 201 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 4%
- • Ranking Score: 94.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 201 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 94.9 / 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's Computer Science B.S.E. program offers both theoretical depth and practical application across AI/ML, systems, and theory with flexibility to explore interdisciplinary areas. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on project work and provides pathways to diverse careers in tech, finance, data analysis, and research.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •Four years of mathematics (including calculus for students interested in engineering)
- •At least two years of laboratory science (including physics and chemistry for students interested in engineering)
- •COS 126 (or ECE 115)
- •COS 217
- •COS 226
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $58,680 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 74% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 266 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 43%
- • Ranking Score: 85.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 74% graduation rate
- 266 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 85.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (74%), program size (266 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (43% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Stevens' Software Engineering program features a unique design-focused curriculum with hands-on courses every semester incorporating entrepreneurial thinking, culminating in Senior Design team capstone projects working on prototypes for real business problems. Students learn to engineer intelligent, secure software built to perform in complex, high-stakes environments with access to state-of-the-art research labs and facilities.
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,250 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 117 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 78%
- • Ranking Score: 72.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 117 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 72.1 / 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.
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $15,616 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 66% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 67 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 67%
- • Ranking Score: 60.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 66% graduation rate
- 67 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 60.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (66%), program size (67 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (67% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
The College of New Jersey
Ewing, NJ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,706 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 12 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 62%
- • Ranking Score: 56.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 12 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 56.8 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (12 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (62% 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 14)
- 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 Computer Engineering Programs in New Jersey
- Best Information Technology Programs in New Jersey
- Best Information Systems Programs in New Jersey
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
Compare software engineering programs across different states:
- Best Software Engineering Programs in Arizona
- Best Software Engineering Programs in California
- Best Software Engineering Programs in Colorado
- Best Software Engineering Programs in Florida
- Best Software Engineering Programs in Georgia
- Best Software Engineering Programs in Illinois
- Best Software Engineering Programs in Massachusetts
- Best Software Engineering Programs in Michigan
- Best Software Engineering Programs in New York
- Best Software Engineering Programs in North Carolina
Software Engineering 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.