Top 3 UX Design Programs in New Jersey 2025
Kean University
45 ux design graduates annually, 91% graduation rate
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
29 ux design graduates annually, 82% graduation rate
Seton Hall University
17 ux design graduates annually, 93% graduation rate
- 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.
Based on 6 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
UX Design 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 UX Design Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kean University | Union, NJ | Public | $11,135 | 91% | 67.7 |
| 2 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | New Brunswick, NJ | Public | $13,674 | 82% | 63.1 |
| 3 | Seton Hall University | South Orange, NJ | Private | $48,670 | 93% | 58.7 |
| 4 | Georgian Court University | Lakewood, NJ | Private | $35,360 | 96% | 57.6 |
| 5 | Monmouth University | West Long Branch, NJ | Private | $44,098 | โ | 46.2 |
| 6 | DeVry University-New Jersey | Iselin, NJ | For-Profit | $14,392 | โ | 34.3 |
Top 5 UX Design Programs in New Jersey: Side-by-Side
| School | Kean | Rutgers | Seton Hall | Georgian Court | Monmouth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #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)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #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.
Kean University
Union, NJ โข Public
Program Highlights
- โข Annual Tuition: $11,135 (in-state)
- โข Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- โข UX Design Graduates: 45 annually
- โข Acceptance Rate: 77%
- โข 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
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Disney, West Elm, Bokksu.com, We Are Social, GLOW, Google, Saatchi, Oglivy, McCann, Prudential, Major League Baseball
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ โข Public
Program Highlights
- โข Annual Tuition: $13,674 (in-state)
- โข Graduation Rate: 82% (IPEDS 2023)
- โข UX Design Graduates: 29 annually
- โข Acceptance Rate: 65%
- โข 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
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ โข Private
Program Highlights
- โข Annual Tuition: $48,670 (in-state)
- โข Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- โข UX Design Graduates: 17 annually
- โข Acceptance Rate: 79%
- โข 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.
Georgian Court University
Lakewood, NJ โข Private
Program Highlights
- โข Annual Tuition: $35,360 (in-state)
- โข Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- โข UX Design Graduates: 10 annually
- โข Acceptance Rate: 71%
- โข 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.
Monmouth University
West Long Branch, NJ โข Private
Program Highlights
- โข Annual Tuition: $44,098 (in-state)
- โข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- โข UX Design Graduates: 18 annually
- โข Acceptance Rate: 90%
- โข 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
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 6)
- 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 Software Engineering Programs in New Jersey
- Best Computer Engineering Programs in New Jersey
- Best Information Technology Programs in New Jersey
UX Design Programs in Other States
Compare ux design programs across different states:
- Best UX Design Programs in Arizona
- Best UX Design Programs in California
- Best UX Design Programs in Colorado
- Best UX Design Programs in Florida
- Best UX Design Programs in Georgia
- Best UX Design Programs in Illinois
- Best UX Design Programs in Massachusetts
- Best UX Design Programs in Michigan
- Best UX Design Programs in New York
- Best UX Design Programs in North Carolina
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
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.
