New Jersey university campus representing ux design education
Updated December 2025

Best UX Design Programs in New Jersey: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 6 top accredited ux design programs in New Jersey. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Jersey City, Newark, Princeton.

Programs Ranked6
Median Salary$122,800
Cost of Living114.5%
Tech Hubs3

Top 3 UX Design Programs in New Jersey 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

Kean University

Union, NJPublic

45 ux design graduates annually, 91% graduation rate

$11K
Tuition/yr
91%
Grad Rate
67.7
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJPublic

29 ux design graduates annually, 82% graduation rate

$14K
Tuition/yr
82%
Grad Rate
63.1
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

Seton Hall University

South Orange, NJPrivate

17 ux design graduates annually, 93% graduation rate

$49K
Tuition/yr
93%
Grad Rate
58.7
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.New Jersey offers 6+ accredited ux design programs across public and private universities
  • 2.Kean University leads with 91% 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)

UX Design Education in New Jersey: Overview

New Jersey offers 6 accredited ux design programs, producing approximately 121 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 ux design programs in the state are led by Kean University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Seton Hall University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Ranking Methodology

Based on 6 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

UX Design 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 UX Design Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1Kean UniversityUnion, NJPublic$11,13591%67.7
2Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick, NJPublic$13,67482%63.1
3Seton Hall UniversitySouth Orange, NJPrivate$48,67093%58.7
4Georgian Court UniversityLakewood, NJPrivate$35,36096%57.6
5Monmouth UniversityWest Long Branch, NJPrivate$44,098โ€”46.2
6DeVry University-New JerseyIselin, NJFor-Profit$14,392โ€”34.3

Top 5 UX Design Programs in New Jersey: Side-by-Side

SchoolKeanRutgersSeton HallGeorgian CourtMonmouth
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$11,135
$13,674
$48,670
$35,360
$44,098
Graduation Rate
91%
82%
93%
96%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
45
29
17
10
18
Acceptance Rate
77%
65%
79%
71%
90%
Type
Public
Public
Private
Private
Private
Score
67.7/100
63.1/100
58.7/100
57.6/100
46.2/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in UX Design in New Jersey

New Jersey offers 6 bachelor's-level ux design programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Kean University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Seton Hall University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $85,960 in the New Jersey market.

A bachelor's in ux design typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best UX Design Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 UX Design Bachelor's Programs in New Jersey

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Kean
$11,135
91%
45
67.7
#2 Rutgers
$13,674
82%
29
63.1
#3 Seton Hall
$48,670
93%
17
58.7

Top UX Design Schools for Master's Degrees in New Jersey

Master's-level ux design programs are limited in New Jersey. Consider online graduate programs or neighboring states for advanced study options.

Most Affordable UX Design Colleges in New Jersey

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable ux design programs in New Jersey are at Kean University ($11,135/year), Rutgers University-New Brunswick ($13,674/year), DeVry University-New Jersey ($14,392/year). These programs offer strong ROI given New Jersey's competitive tech salaries.

At Kean University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $44,540 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $85,960, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.9 years. See our Most Affordable UX Design Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable UX Design Programs in New Jersey (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Kean
$11,135
$44,540
0.9 years
Public
#2 Rutgers
$13,674
$54,696
1.1 years
Public
#3 DeVry University-New Jersey
$14,392
$57,568
1.1 years
For-Profit

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 UX Design Schools in New Jersey

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 ux design 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

Kean University

Union, NJ โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $11,135 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข UX Design Graduates: 45 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 67.7 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 91% graduation rate
  • 45 ux design graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 67.7 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (45 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

Kean's BFA Graphic Design program offers hands-on experience with emerging technologies like VR and AR, while providing practical experience through internships and collaborations with public and nonprofit partners. Graduates work at top companies including Disney, Google, and Major League Baseball.

Program Accreditations & Designations
National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
Career Outcomes
  • Top Employers: Disney, West Elm, Bokksu.com, We Are Social, GLOW, Google, Saatchi, Oglivy, McCann, Prudential, Major League Baseball
Available Specializations / Concentrations
webUXmobilesocialmotion graphicsVR (virtual reality)AR (augmented reality)immersive experiences
#2

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $13,674 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 82% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข UX Design Graduates: 29 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 65%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 63.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 82% graduation rate
  • 29 ux design graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 63.1 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (82%), program size (29 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (65% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

The UX Design program is part of the Master of Business and Science degree, combining 19 credits of business courses with 24 credits of science courses focused on user experience design. Students can waive the Visual Design course if they have previous graphics design education and substitute it with another UXD-related course.

Program Details
  • Credits: 43 credits
#3

Seton Hall University

South Orange, NJ โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $48,670 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข UX Design Graduates: 17 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 58.7 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 93% graduation rate
  • 17 ux design graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 58.7 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (17 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#4

Georgian Court University

Lakewood, NJ โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $35,360 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข UX Design Graduates: 10 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 57.6 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 96% graduation rate
  • 10 ux design graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 57.6 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (10 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (71% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#5

Monmouth University

West Long Branch, NJ โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $44,098 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข UX Design Graduates: 18 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 46.2 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 18 ux design graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 46.2 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (18 graduates), state salary outcomes ($122,800), and selectivity (90% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

The B.F.A. in Design and Animation is a career-track program that prepares students for professional work in graphic design, computer graphics, Web design, and animation with required portfolio reviews and mandatory internships. The program offers two distinct concentrations and includes collaborative print shop experience with faculty having professional industry backgrounds.

Admissions
  • Transfer Friendly
Program Details
  • Internship Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
AnimationGraphic and Interactive Design
$73,500
Starting Salary
$105,000
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
5,311
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Jersey with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$104,589

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+35%

Data Scientist opportunities in Jersey with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$123,514

DevOps Engineer

SOC 15-1244
+22%

DevOps Engineer opportunities in Jersey with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$107,578

AI/ML Engineer

SOC 15-1299
+23%

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

Median Salary:$110,474
+33%

Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Jersey with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$124,364

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 6)
  • You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)

Other Tech Degree Programs in New Jersey

UX Design Programs in Other States

UX Design 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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