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2026 Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey

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2026 Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey

Looking for the best Nursing degree programs in New Jersey? This list ranks 149 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.

So you can compare your options, Nursing Degree Search evaluated 111 schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.

Top 25 Nursing Degree Schools in New Jersey

Explore the leading schools below:

Ramapo College Of New Jersey tops our 2026 ranking of the best Nursing degree schools in New Jersey. Ramapo College Of New Jersey is a public school based in Mahwah, NJ. Ramapo College Of New Jersey posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. In-state tuition and fees average $16,777, compared with $27,708 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,014 to complete their Nursing program here. Get the full Ramapo College Of New Jersey report

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#2

Rider University

Lawrenceville, NJ

The strong Nursing programs at Rider University earned it the #2 place in New Jersey. Located in Lawrenceville, NJ, Rider University is a private not-for-profit institution. Rider University posts a six-year graduation rate of 61%. In-state tuition and fees average $41,120. Typical Nursing student debt is $26,241. Read more about Rider University

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A rank of #3 makes Rutgers University Camden one of the top choices in New Jersey. Set in Camden, NJ, Rutgers University Camden is a public institution. About 67% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,764, with out-of-state students paying around $37,276. Rutgers University Camden Nursing students take on a median of $24,577 in debt. Get the full Rutgers University Camden report

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Out of the 111 schools in New Jersey in this year's ranking, The College Of New Jersey landed the #4 spot. Based in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,632, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $24,429. Read more about The College Of New Jersey

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#5

Eastwick College Hackensack

Hackensack, NJ

Out of the 111 schools in New Jersey in this year's ranking, Eastwick College Hackensack landed the #5 spot. Located in Hackensack, NJ, Eastwick College Hackensack is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,075. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,758. Read more about Eastwick College Hackensack

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#6

College Of Saint Elizabeth

Morristown, NJ

College Of Saint Elizabeth did well this year, earning the #6 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Morristown, NJ. The six-year graduation rate is 51%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,740. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,496. More on College Of Saint Elizabeth

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#7

County College Of Morris

Randolph, NJ

County College Of Morris did well this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Randolph, NJ, County College Of Morris is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,210, while out-of-state students pay about $14,310. Students borrow a median of $9,420 to complete their Nursing program here. Read more about County College Of Morris

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#8

Union County College

Cranford, NJ

Union County College did well this year, earning the #8 position. This public school is set in Cranford, NJ. Students from in state pay about $5,280 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,500. Students borrow a median of $14,218 to complete their Nursing program here. Read the full report on Union County College

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#9

Rutgers University New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #9 spot in New Jersey this year. This public school is set in New Brunswick, NJ. About 84% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,120. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile

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#10

Kean University

Union, NJ

Kean University placed #10 among Nursing schools in New Jersey. Based in Union, NJ, Kean University is a public institution. Kean University graduates 47% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $14,299, compared with $22,446 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,703 in student loans. Read the full report on Kean University

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#11

Monmouth University

West Long Branch, NJ

Monmouth University placed #11 among Nursing schools in New Jersey. Based in West Long Branch, NJ, Monmouth University is a private not-for-profit institution. Monmouth University posts a six-year graduation rate of 72%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,552. Monmouth University Nursing students take on a median of $26,847 in debt. Read the full report on Monmouth University

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#12

Rowan University

Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University did well this year, earning the #12 position. Rowan University is a public school based in Glassboro, NJ. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,488 in student loans. More on Rowan University

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#13

Felician College

Lodi, NJ

Felician College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Set in Lodi, NJ, Felician College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 47% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,300. Felician College Nursing students take on a median of $28,500 in debt. Read the full report on Felician College

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#14

Ocean County College

Toms River, NJ

Ocean County College landed the #14 spot in New Jersey this year. Located in Toms River, NJ, Ocean County College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,906, compared with $6,970 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,792 to complete their Nursing program here. See the full Ocean County College profile

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#15

New Jersey City University

Jersey City, NJ

New Jersey City University did well this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Jersey City, NJ, New Jersey City University is a public institution. New Jersey City University posts a six-year graduation rate of 34%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,460. Students borrow a median of $22,107 to complete their Nursing program here. Read more about New Jersey City University

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Raritan Valley Community College did well this year, earning the #16 position. Raritan Valley Community College is a public school based in Branchburg, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,664, with out-of-state students paying around $7,584. Students borrow a median of $9,668 to complete their Nursing program here. More on Raritan Valley Community College

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William Paterson University Of New Jersey ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Located in Wayne, NJ, William Paterson University Of New Jersey is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 44%. Students from in state pay about $15,704 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,344. The median Nursing program debt is $25,644. See the full William Paterson University Of New Jersey profile

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Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus did well this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Teaneck, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. About 54% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,010. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus Nursing students take on a median of $24,770 in debt. See the full Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus profile

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#19

Seton Hall University

South Orange, NJ

Seton Hall University came in at #19 in this year's ranking. Located in South Orange, NJ, Seton Hall University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. In-state tuition and fees average $53,170. Graduates carry a median of $23,422 in student loans. More on Seton Hall University

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Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham placed #20 among Nursing schools in New Jersey. This private not-for-profit school is set in Madison, NJ. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham graduates 66% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,468. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham Nursing students take on a median of $24,701 in debt. Read the full report on Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham

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The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey placed #21 among Nursing schools in New Jersey. This public school is set in Galloway, NJ. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey graduates 68% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $16,266, with out-of-state students paying around $24,524. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey Nursing students take on a median of $24,990 in debt. Get the full The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey report

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Rutgers University Newark ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. This public school is set in Newark, NJ. Rutgers University Newark posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. Students from in state pay about $17,250 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,762. The median Nursing program debt is $25,065. Read more about Rutgers University Newark

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#23

Saint Peters College

Jersey City, NJ

Saint Peters College landed the #23 spot in New Jersey this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Jersey City, NJ. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,552. Students borrow a median of $22,969 to complete their Nursing program here. Read more about Saint Peters College

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Brookdale Community College came in at #24 in this year's ranking. Set in Lincroft, NJ, Brookdale Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,270, with out-of-state students paying around $10,140. Typical Nursing student debt is $12,651. Get the full Brookdale Community College report

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#25

Georgian Court University

Lakewood, NJ

Georgian Court University did well this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Lakewood, NJ, Georgian Court University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,110. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,752. See the full Georgian Court University profile

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Rest of the Top 50 Best Nursing Degree Schools in New Jersey

These schools also placed among the very best this year:

Hudson County Community College landed the #26 spot in New Jersey this year. Set in Jersey City, NJ, Hudson County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,384, with out-of-state students paying around $9,248. Students borrow a median of $10,671 to complete their Nursing program here. Get the full Hudson County Community College report

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#27

Bergen Community College

Paramus, NJ

Bergen Community College came in at #27 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Paramus, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,913, while out-of-state students pay about $9,294. Students borrow a median of $17,720 to complete their Nursing program here. Read the full report on Bergen Community College

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#28

Caldwell College

Caldwell, NJ

Caldwell College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Caldwell College is a private not-for-profit school based in Caldwell, NJ. Caldwell College posts a six-year graduation rate of 58%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,848. Students borrow a median of $26,188 to complete their Nursing program here. See the full Caldwell College profile

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Thomas Edison State College did well this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Trenton, NJ, Thomas Edison State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,838 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,856. The median Nursing program debt is $16,149. Read the full report on Thomas Edison State College

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#30

Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ

Montclair State University did well this year, earning the #30 position. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. Montclair State University graduates 65% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Students borrow a median of $25,286 to complete their Nursing program here. Read more about Montclair State University

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#31

Salem Community College

Carneys Point, NJ

Salem Community College did well this year, earning the #31 position. Salem Community College is a public school based in Carneys Point, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,360, while out-of-state students pay about $10,260. The median Nursing program debt is $17,232. Read the full report on Salem Community College

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Gloucester County College came in at #32 in this year's ranking. Set in Sewell, NJ, Gloucester County College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,160, compared with $6,000 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $13,236. Read more about Gloucester County College

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Middlesex County College placed #33 among Nursing schools in New Jersey. Based in Edison, NJ, Middlesex County College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,764, while out-of-state students pay about $7,356. The median Nursing program debt is $9,514. More on Middlesex County College

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#34

Essex County College

Newark, NJ

Essex County College placed #34 among Nursing schools in New Jersey. Based in Newark, NJ, Essex County College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,415, with out-of-state students paying around $9,523. Essex County College Nursing students take on a median of $12,472 in debt. More on Essex County College

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#35

Berkeley College Woodland Park

Woodland Park, NJ

Berkeley College Woodland Park placed #35 among Nursing schools in New Jersey. Located in Woodland Park, NJ, Berkeley College Woodland Park is a private for-profit institution. Roughly 40% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,320. Students borrow a median of $27,068 to complete their Nursing program here. Read more about Berkeley College Woodland Park

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#36

Burlington County College

Mount Laurel, NJ

Burlington County College did well this year, earning the #36 position. This public school is set in Mount Laurel, NJ. Students from in state pay about $6,990 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,495. Graduates carry a median of $12,488 in student loans. More on Burlington County College

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Passaic County Community College came in at #37 in this year's ranking. Based in Paterson, NJ, Passaic County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,300, with out-of-state students paying around $10,560. The median Nursing program debt is $9,581. See the full Passaic County Community College profile

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#38

Bloomfield College

Bloomfield, NJ

Bloomfield College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. This public school is set in Bloomfield, NJ. Bloomfield College posts a six-year graduation rate of 38%. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. The median Nursing program debt is $29,635. Read the full report on Bloomfield College

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#39

Camden County College

Blackwood, NJ

Camden County College landed the #39 spot in New Jersey this year. This public school is set in Blackwood, NJ. Students from in state pay about $4,320 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,416. Camden County College Nursing students take on a median of $12,999 in debt. See the full Camden County College profile

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#40

Atlantic Cape Community College

Mays Landing, NJ

Atlantic Cape Community College did well this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Mays Landing, NJ, Atlantic Cape Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,594 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,350 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,002 to complete their Nursing program here. Read the full report on Atlantic Cape Community College

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Holy Name Medical Center School Of Nursing did well this year, earning the #41 position. Read the full report on Holy Name Medical Center School Of Nursing

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Lincoln Technical Institute Mahwah came in at #42 in this year's ranking. Read the full report on Lincoln Technical Institute Mahwah

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Innovate Salon Academy Brick Township Nj placed #43 among Nursing schools in New Jersey. See the full Innovate Salon Academy Brick Township Nj profile

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American Institute Of Medical Sciences And Education ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Get the full American Institute Of Medical Sciences And Education report

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American Institute Toms River did well this year, earning the #45 position. Get the full American Institute Toms River report

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Bais Medrash Toras Chesed placed #46 among Nursing schools in New Jersey. See the full Bais Medrash Toras Chesed profile

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Rizzieri Institute did well this year, earning the #47 position. Read more about Rizzieri Institute

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Yeshiva Yesodei Hatorah did well this year, earning the #48 position. Get the full Yeshiva Yesodei Hatorah report

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Medical Career Institute ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. More on Medical Career Institute

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Lincoln Technical Institute Union did well this year, earning the #50 position. Get the full Lincoln Technical Institute Union report

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More Nursing Rankings

Ranking Methodology & Notes

This list is compiled by Nursing Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: State · 111 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 149 ranked schools only.

References

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