Find Nursing Colleges

What Do You Want to Study?

Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey

Find Schools Near

2023 Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey

40 Schools Ranked
$43,801 Average Earnings
$26,540 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which nursing program is right for you. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamp that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Nursing Degree Search has created the Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 40 schools in New Jersey to see which ones offered the best programs for nursing students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Nursing Schools in New Jersey

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Ramapo College of New Jersey

Mahwah, New Jersey
1,463 Total Awards
$42,404 Average Earnings
$23,083 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Ramapo College of New Jersey the best school in New Jersey for nursing students working on their degree. This medium-sized public school is located in Mahwah, New Jersey, and it awarded 1,463 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $23,083 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $360 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Ramapo College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,404 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#2

Rider University

Lawrenceville, New Jersey
1,373 Total Awards
$43,094 Average Earnings
$30,049 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Rider University. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey list. Rider University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey that handed out 1,373 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $30,049 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $619, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Rider, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,094 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#3

Rutgers University - Camden

Camden, New Jersey
2,024 Total Awards
$47,992 Average Earnings
$29,939 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Rutgers University - Camden is a great place for nursing students. Rutgers Camden is located in Camden, New Jersey and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,024 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Rutgers Camden accumulate an average of $29,939 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $280 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Rutgers Camden, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,992 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Rutgers University - Camden

#4

The College of New Jersey

Ewing, New Jersey
2,224 Total Awards
$48,225 Average Earnings
$23,651 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means The College of New Jersey is a great place for nursing students. The College of New Jersey is a medium-sized public school located in Ewing, New Jersey that handed out 2,224 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $23,651 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $364. During the early years of their career, TCNJ graduates make an average of $48,225 annually.

Read More…

#5

Eastwick College - Hackensack

Hackensack, New Jersey
309 Total Awards
$31,686 Average Earnings
$17,508 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Eastwick College - Hackensack. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey list. Eastwick College - Hackensack is a very small private for-profit school situated in Hackensack, New Jersey. It awarded 309 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Eastwick College - Hackensack accumulate an average of $17,508 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $84, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Eastwick College - Hackensack, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $31,686 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#6

College of Saint Elizabeth

Morristown, New Jersey
405 Total Awards
$51,086 Average Earnings
$31,642 Avg Student Debt

College of Saint Elizabeth did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #6 on the list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Morristown, New Jersey, and it awarded 405 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $31,642 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, CSE graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,086 during the early year of their career.

Full College of Saint Elizabeth Report

#7

County College of Morris

Randolph, New Jersey
1,245 Total Awards
$36,453 Average Earnings
$10,222 Avg Student Debt

County College of Morris did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #7 on the list. Located in Randolph, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,245 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,222 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, County College of Morris graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,453 during the early year of their career.

Full County College of Morris Report

#8

Union County College

Cranford, New Jersey
1,590 Total Awards
$40,152 Average Earnings
$12,327 Avg Student Debt

Union County College came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey ranking. Union County College is a public institution located in Cranford, New Jersey. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,590 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,327 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Union County College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,152 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Union County College

#9

Rutgers University - New Brunswick

New Brunswick, New Jersey
13,105 Total Awards
$51,056 Average Earnings
$35,025 Avg Student Debt

Rutgers University - New Brunswick ranked #9 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey list. Rutgers New Brunswick is a large public school situated in New Brunswick, New Jersey. It awarded 13,105 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $35,025 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $310. During the early years of their career, Rutgers New Brunswick graduates make an average of $51,056 annually.

Full Rutgers University - New Brunswick Report

#10

Kean University

Union, New Jersey
3,249 Total Awards
$45,194 Average Earnings
$31,387 Avg Student Debt

Kean University came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey ranking. Kean is located in Union, New Jersey and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 3,249 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Kean accumulate an average of $31,387 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $286, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Kean, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,194 during the early years of their career.

Full Kean University Report

#11

Monmouth University

West Long Branch, New Jersey
1,794 Total Awards
$46,267 Average Earnings
$38,927 Avg Student Debt

Monmouth University ranked #11 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey list. Monmouth is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in West Long Branch, New Jersey. It awarded 1,794 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Monmouth accumulate an average of $38,927 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $708. Once they receive their degree, Monmouth graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,267 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Monmouth University

#12

Rowan University

Glassboro, New Jersey
5,800 Total Awards
$45,169 Average Earnings
$29,167 Avg Student Debt

Rowan University ranked #12 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey list. This fairly large public school is located in Glassboro, New Jersey, and it awarded 5,800 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Rowan accumulate an average of $29,167 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $329, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Rowan graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,169 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

#13

Felician University

Lodi, New Jersey
660 Total Awards
$46,928 Average Earnings
$34,720 Avg Student Debt

Felician University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #13 on the list. Lodi, New Jersey is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 660 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $34,720 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $368, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Felician, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,928 during the early years of their career.

Full Felician University Report

#14

Ocean County College

Toms River, New Jersey
1,466 Total Awards
$37,831 Average Earnings
$12,842 Avg Student Debt

Ocean County College ranked #14 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey list. Located in Toms River, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,466 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from OCC accumulate an average of $12,842 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from OCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,831 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Ocean County College

#15

New Jersey City University

Jersey City, New Jersey
1,697 Total Awards
$44,871 Average Earnings
$28,452 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, New Jersey City University did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. This medium-sized public school is located in Jersey City, New Jersey, and it awarded 1,697 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,452 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $163.After graduating from NJCU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,871 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#16

Raritan Valley Community College

Branchburg, New Jersey
1,146 Total Awards
$51,366 Average Earnings
$11,194 Avg Student Debt

Raritan Valley Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #16 on the list. Located in Branchburg, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,146 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,194 in student loans.After graduating from RVCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,366 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

2,541 Total Awards
$43,120 Average Earnings
$24,552 Avg Student Debt

William Paterson University of New Jersey ranked #17 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey list. William Paterson University is a public institution located in Wayne, New Jersey. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 2,541 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,552 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $258 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, William Paterson University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,120 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

1,359 Total Awards
$48,330 Average Earnings
$41,637 Avg Student Debt

Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #18 on the list. Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Teaneck, New Jersey that handed out 1,359 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $41,637 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $339.After graduating from FDU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,330 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus

#19

Seton Hall University

South Orange, New Jersey
2,827 Total Awards
$54,624 Average Earnings
$40,310 Avg Student Debt

Seton Hall University landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in South Orange, New Jersey, and it awarded 2,827 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Seton Hall accumulate an average of $40,310 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $590, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Seton Hall graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $54,624 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Seton Hall University

944 Total Awards
$45,576 Average Earnings
$36,449 Avg Student Debt

Fairleigh Dickinson University - Florham Campus landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. FDU is located in Madison, New Jersey and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 944 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from FDU accumulate an average of $36,449 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $339. Once they receive their degree, FDU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,576 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

#21

Stockton University

Galloway, New Jersey
2,490 Total Awards
$39,517 Average Earnings
$27,505 Avg Student Debt

Stockton University ranked #21 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey list. Stockton University is a medium-sized public school located in Galloway, New Jersey that handed out 2,490 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,505 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $298. During the early years of their career, Stockton State graduates make an average of $39,517 annually.

Read More…

#22

Rutgers University - Newark

Newark, New Jersey
3,712 Total Awards
$45,097 Average Earnings
$29,750 Avg Student Debt

Rutgers University - Newark came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey ranking. Rutgers Newark is a fairly large public school situated in Newark, New Jersey. It awarded 3,712 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Rutgers Newark accumulate an average of $29,750 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $301, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Rutgers Newark graduates make an average of $45,097 annually.

Full Rutgers University - Newark Report

#23

Saint Peter's University

Jersey City, New Jersey
867 Total Awards
$45,418 Average Earnings
$34,072 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Saint Peter’s University did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. Saint Peter’s College is located in Jersey City, New Jersey and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 867 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $34,072 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $239, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Saint Peter’s College graduates make an average of $45,418 annually.

Read full report on Saint Peter’s University

#24

Brookdale Community College

Lincroft, New Jersey
1,639 Total Awards
$40,016 Average Earnings
$13,160 Avg Student Debt

Brookdale Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #24 on the list. Located in Lincroft, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,639 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,160 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Brookdale Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,016 during the early year of their career.

Full Brookdale Community College Report

#25

Georgian Court University

Lakewood, New Jersey
670 Total Awards
$42,664 Average Earnings
$26,139 Avg Student Debt

Georgian Court University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #25 on the list. Georgian Court is located in Lakewood, New Jersey and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 670 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,139 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $254, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Georgian Court graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,664 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

Best Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

View Best Nursing Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Find Nursing Schools Near You

Our free matching tool for schools matches students with nursing schools across the U.S.