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Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJPrivate nonprofit
Stevens Institute of Technology: Governor Chris Christie Campus Visit Highlights$61,028
Tuition/yr
87%
Grad rate
91.5
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best software engineering degree programs: Princeton, Stevens Institute of Tech..., Rowan
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,440 to $59,710/year
Essex County College offers the most affordable option at $8,054/yr
Software Engineering degree programs available: 6 associate's, 8 master's, 3 doctoral in New Jersey
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
New Jersey community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
6 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck, Verizon
Tech hubs in Jersey City and Newark
Hakia Research 2026
Software Engineering degree programs near 86+ cities across New Jersey
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked New Jersey Software Engineering programs
We rank 29 accredited software engineering programs in New Jersey using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre Software Engineering Degree Programs in New Jersey Worth It?
Answer
$122,800
Yes. The best software engineering degree programs in New Jersey deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $122,800 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $25,916/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Software Engineering Degree Rankings in New Jersey
Compare the top-ranked Software Engineering programs in New Jersey by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Software Engineering Programs in New Jersey
2
Programs ranked
$53,390
Avg tuition/yr
80%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
New Jersey ranks among the nation's top destinations for software engineering education, with 12 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 4 public and 8 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Princeton, Stevens Institute of Tech..., Rowan, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from New Jersey software engineering programs earn a median salary of $104,380, 6% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Jersey City, Newark, Princeton metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $11,250 to $59,710 annually, with an average of $33,631/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 87%, with the highest reaching 100%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to New Jersey's leading technology employers. For students seeking software engineering degrees in New Jersey, these top-ranked software engineering schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
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Monmouth University
West Long Branch, NJPrivate nonprofit
$45,752
Tuition/yr
72%
Grad rate
71.8
Hakia Score
Best Master's Software Engineering Programs in New Jersey
3
Programs ranked
$41,038
Avg tuition/yr
77%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
New Jersey offers 8 master's degree programs in software engineering, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Stevens Institute of Tech..., Princeton, Rowan, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in New Jersey earn a median salary of $122,800, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Jersey City, Newark, Princeton creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $37,301/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among New Jersey's software engineering schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJPrivate nonprofit
Stevens Institute of Technology: Governor Chris Christie Campus Visit Highlights$61,028
Tuition/yr
87%
Grad rate
88.4
Hakia Score
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$16,334
Tuition/yr
73%
Grad rate
83.4
Hakia Score
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Monmouth University
West Long Branch, NJPrivate nonprofit
$45,752
Tuition/yr
72%
Grad rate
68.0
Hakia Score
Software Engineering Degree Costs & Tuition in New Jersey
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $25,916/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $64,790/year |
| Community college tuition | $6,479/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $155,496 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $38,874 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Software Engineering Students in New Jersey
State Aid Programs
The Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) provides critical support for NJ residents pursuing software engineering degrees. TAG awards range from $2,176 to $14,404 per academic year based on financial need and institution type (HESAA). Combined with federal Pell Grants of up to $7,395, qualifying students at NJIT can reduce their $19,974/year tuition by more than half. TAG is a grant, not a loan, requiring no repayment. Students must be NJ residents for 12 consecutive months, maintain full-time enrollment, and demonstrate financial need via FAFSA. File FAFSA early, as NJ state aid is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Key Programs & Amounts
Key financial aid programs for SE students:
- Federal Pell Grant: Up to $7,395/year
- NJ TAG: $2,176-$14,404/year based on need
- NJ STARS: Free community college tuition for top 15% of high school class. NJ STARS II extends support for four-year transfer
- NJ EOF (Educational Opportunity Fund): Grants plus academic support services
- NJIT Engineering Scholarships: Merit-based awards for incoming engineering students with strong GPAs and test scores
- Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Major NJ employers offer $5,250-$15,000/year for employees pursuing engineering degrees
- SMART Scholarship (DoD): Full tuition, stipend, and guaranteed DoD employment for STEM students. SE qualifies
Institutional Scholarships
Software engineering students benefit from the strongest ROI of any engineering discipline.
With entry-level salaries of $85,000-$110,000 and mid-career salaries of $130,000-$170,000, even the full cost of a four-year public university degree is recovered within 2-3 years. Many working software engineers pursue part-time MS programs while employed, leveraging employer tuition reimbursement. Goldman Sachs, Merck, Prudential, and other major NJ employers commonly cover graduate engineering education costs. Professional organizations including IEEE Computer Society and ACM offer computing-specific scholarships. The NJ Society of Professional Engineers (NJSPE) provides additional scholarship opportunities for engineering students. Explore affordable SE programs for more options.
Software Engineering Degree ROI Calculator, New Jersey
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a software engineering degree in New Jersey. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Software Engineering Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a software engineering degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+1116%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$2,064,777
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$94,118
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$3,100,185
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (New York City, NY)$160,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return5.6%
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Software Engineering Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in New Jersey metro areas
Jersey City$135K
Newark$129K
Princeton$123K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Jersey City | $135K |
| Newark | $129K |
| Princeton | $123K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Software Engineering Graduates in New Jersey
Find software engineering jobs in New Jersey. These major employers across New Jersey metro areas are actively hiring software engineering degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Software Engineering Jobs in Jersey City
NJGoldman Sachs
finance
Verisk Analytics
data
Forbes
media
Software Engineering Jobs in Newark
NJPrudential Financial
finance
Panasonic
electronics
Audible
tech
Software Engineering Jobs in Princeton
NJNRG Energy
energy
Bristol-Myers Squibb
pharma
Siemens
engineering
Transfer Pathways for Software Engineering Degrees in New Jersey
State Transfer System
New Jersey's statewide transfer system supports software engineering students through its 19 community colleges. Under the State-Wide Transfer Agreement, students completing an AS degree receive guaranteed junior standing at all public four-year institutions (NJ Transfer). For software engineering specifically, students should pursue an AS in Computer Science or Information Technology. Since NJIT offers the only ABET-accredited BS in Software Engineering, transfer students targeting NJIT should verify course equivalencies carefully using NJIT's transfer agreement database, which covers all 19 NJ community colleges.
How Transfers Work
Critical courses to complete at community college for SE transfer: Programming I and II (Java or Python), Data Structures, Introduction to Computer Science, Calculus I and II, Linear Algebra or Discrete Mathematics, Physics I (calculus-based), and English Composition. NJIT's software engineering program has specific prerequisites that differ slightly from CS, including more emphasis on project management and systems analysis. Bergen Community College, Middlesex College, and Essex County College offer strong programming and mathematics foundations. Students transferring to Rutgers for CS with SE concentration should follow the CS transfer pathway.
Transfer Planning Tips
Transfer planning strategies for SE students:
- 1Target NJIT specifically: As the only ABET SE program, map your coursework to NJIT's prerequisites from day one
- 2Complete the full calculus sequence: Required for all engineering programs
- 3Take physics: Calculus-based physics is required for SE but not always for CS
- 4Build projects: Develop a GitHub portfolio demonstrating team collaboration (use Git from the start)
- 5Earn the AS degree: Guarantees junior standing and maximizes credit acceptance
- 6Maintain 3.0+ GPA: Engineering programs have competitive transfer admission
- 7Explore alternative paths: A CS degree with SE electives provides equivalent industry preparation if NJIT transfer isn't feasible Community college tuition averaging $7,618/year versus $19,974 at NJIT saves approximately $24,000 over two years. NJ STARS covers full community college tuition for qualifying students. Compare with computer science transfer pathways.
Why Pursue a Software Engineering Degree in New Jersey?
Industry & Workforce
New Jersey's position in the nation's largest metropolitan technology market makes it an exceptional state for software engineering careers.
The New York-Newark-Jersey City metro area ranks #1 nationally for software developer employment, and New Jersey captures a growing share as companies establish engineering offices across the Hudson River. Software engineers in New Jersey earn a median salary of approximately $127,500 per year, with Glassdoor reporting an average of $141,105 (Glassdoor, BLS OEWS May 2024). Jersey City software engineers average $144,626, reflecting the premium employers pay in the financial services corridor. ZipRecruiter reports the range spanning $113,000 to $146,000 depending on specialization (ZipRecruiter).
Salary Outlook
The BLS projects 15% growth for software developers through 2034, significantly outpacing most occupations. New Jersey's industry diversity creates varied software engineering specializations: financial trading platforms at Goldman Sachs, clinical trial management systems at Merck and Johnson & Johnson, content delivery platforms at Audible, consumer electronics software at Samsung and Panasonic, and telecommunications systems at Verizon. NJIT offers New Jersey's only ABET-accredited BS in Software Engineering, providing rigorous preparation that meets national engineering standards (NJIT ABET).
Regional Tech Hubs
New Jersey's technology infrastructure investment accelerates software engineering demand.
The state ranks as a top-5 data center market nationally, with Nebius building a 300 MW facility in Vineland and CoreWeave expanding operations (JLL Report). The NJ AI Hub at Princeton, with $72 million in founding partner investments, creates demand for software engineers who can build production AI systems (Princeton NJ AI Hub). The NJEDA's 12 Strategic Innovation Centers are projected to support 28,000 jobs over a decade, many requiring software engineering talent (NJEDA). Compare programs in New York or explore our national SE rankings.
Software Engineering Program Availability in New Jersey
20 Programs
New Jersey offers 20 accredited software engineering programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Jersey City, Newark, Princeton.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Software Engineering Job Market & Salary Data in New Jersey
Employment Outlook
New Jersey's software engineering job market reflects the diversity of its employer base.
Unlike single-industry tech hubs, NJ software engineers work across financial services (Jersey City), pharmaceuticals (Route 1 corridor), telecommunications (statewide), consumer electronics (North Jersey), and defense (South Jersey). This diversity provides recession resilience, when one sector contracts, others absorb engineering talent. Jersey City has experienced 25% tech job growth, with over 20,000 tech professionals now working in the Hudson County waterfront office corridor. The financial services sector alone employs thousands of software engineers for trading platforms, risk systems, and mobile banking applications (BLS OEWS May 2024).
Salaries by Metro
Software engineering salaries by specialization:
- Full-Stack Developer: $110,000-$145,000. React/Node.js stacks for fintech and pharma web apps
- Backend Engineer: $120,000-$155,000. Java, Python, Go systems for financial trading and healthcare data
- Mobile Engineer: $115,000-$150,000, iOS/Android development at Samsung, Audible, consumer apps
- DevOps/Platform Engineer: $125,000-$160,000. Cloud infrastructure, CI/CD, Kubernetes for enterprise
- Embedded Systems Engineer: $110,000-$140,000. IoT, medical devices at J&J, consumer electronics at Samsung
- Senior/Staff Engineer: $160,000-$220,000+. Technical leadership at major corporations Entry-level software engineers with a BS start at $85,000-$110,000 in New Jersey, with salaries growing rapidly with experience (Glassdoor).
High-Growth Sectors
High-demand technology stacks in NJ include: Java and Spring Boot (financial services), Python (pharmaceutical data pipelines, ML), React and TypeScript (web applications), Swift/Kotlin (mobile development at Samsung and consumer apps), C++ (trading systems, embedded systems), and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP). Agile methodologies, CI/CD pipelines, and microservices architectures are standard expectations. The NJ FAST fintech accelerator at Stevens Institute demonstrates the startup engineering ecosystem, its latest cohort of 13 companies raised $80 million collectively, all requiring software engineering talent (Stevens NJ FAST). For related paths, explore computer science degrees, web development programs, or mobile development degrees.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in New Jersey$79,820$178,060
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Software Engineering Programs in New Jersey
Online Programs
0 available in New Jersey
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$23,324/yr$25,916/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Software Engineering Programs in Other States
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 119
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Pennsylvania
- Total Programs
- 83
- Median Tuition
- $36,500
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Delaware
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $14,000
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 200
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 52
- Median Tuition
- $5,100
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 90
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Massachusetts
- Total Programs
- 72
- Median Tuition
- $44,200
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Virginia
- Total Programs
- 34
- Median Tuition
- $12,700
Software Engineering Degree Programs in New Jersey: FAQ
What are the best software engineering degree programs in New Jersey?
The best software engineering degree programs in New Jersey based on our methodology are: 1) Princeton University (96% graduation rate), 2) Stevens Institute of Technology, and 3) Rowan University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). New Jersey offers 20 total accredited programs across 10 public and 10 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 12 bachelor's programs.
How much do software engineering degree programs cost in New Jersey?
Software Engineering degree program costs in New Jersey vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $25,916/year, while private institutions average $57,015/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $6,479/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $103,664 at public schools to $228,061 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can software engineering degree graduates earn in New Jersey?
Software Engineering professionals in New Jersey earn a median salary of $122,800, which is 6% above the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $79,820, while senior roles exceed $178,060. Salaries vary by metro area: Jersey City ($135,080), Newark ($128,940) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online software engineering degree programs in New Jersey?
Yes, New Jersey offers 0 accredited online Software Engineering programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from various state universities. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire software engineering degree graduates in New Jersey?
Major Software Engineering employers in New Jersey include Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck, Verizon, AT&T. The Jersey City and Newark metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from New Jersey universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. New Jersey's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a software engineering degree program worth it in New Jersey?
A software engineering degree program in New Jersey offers strong ROI with a $122,800 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $25,916/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($138,764), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do software engineering degree programs take in New Jersey?
Standard completion times for software engineering degree programs in New Jersey are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. New Jersey community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a New Jersey university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for software engineering degree students in New Jersey?
New Jersey software engineering degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. New Jersey state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by New Jersey's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
New Jersey salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.