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2023 Best Value Nursing Schools in New Jersey

Highlighting Quality Schools With More Affordable Prices

40 Schools Ranked
$16,348 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$21,003 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. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamps with offerings that you might find attractive.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Nursing Degree Search has created its Best Value Nursing Schools in New Jersey ranking. Our analysis looked at 40 schools in New Jersey to see which programs offered the best value experiences for nursing students with the aim of identifying those quality schools that are more affordable than some of their counterparts.

When determining this ranking, we place a high emphasis on the school's quality as well as its sticker price. Even though a college may be affordable, it may not offer value. Specifically, our score for quality is discounted by the published tuition and fees charged by the given college. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The more quality your dollar buys, the better the value.

Our calculations use out-of-state tuition and fees in our nationwide and regional rankings. For statewide rankings, we use average in-state tuition and fees.

Top Value Nursing Schools in New Jersey

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Camden County College

Blackwood, New Jersey
109 Total Awards
$3,744 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,573 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Camden County College to be the best value school for nursing students in New Jersey. Camden County College is located in Blackwood, New Jersey and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 109 degrees to qualified students.

Camden County College undergraduate students pay an average of $3,744 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,573 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Camden County College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $31,946 during the early year of their career.

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#2

Ocean County College

Toms River, New Jersey
150 Total Awards
$8,100 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Ocean County College is a great place for nursing students who want to get the most value for their educational dollar. OCC is located in Toms River, New Jersey and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 150 degrees to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at OCC are $8,100 per year. On average, students take out $15,414 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, OCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,831 during the early year of their career.

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74 Total Awards
$5,550 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,338 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Rowan College of South Jersey Gloucester Campus. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in New Jersey list. Located in Sewell, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school handed out 74 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at RCSJ are $5,550 per year. On average, students take out $16,338 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, RCSJ graduates make an average of $33,252 annually.

Read full report on Rowan College of South Jersey Gloucester Campus

#4

Rowan College at Burlington County

Mount Laurel, New Jersey
119 Total Awards
$6,901 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,442 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Rowan College at Burlington County. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in New Jersey list. Located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school awarded 119 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at RCBC are $6,901 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $16,442 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, RCBC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,118 during the early year of their career.

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#5

Raritan Valley Community College

Branchburg, New Jersey
106 Total Awards
$6,912 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 40 schools in New Jersey that were part of this year’s ranking, Raritan Valley Community College landed the # 5 spot on the list. Branchburg, New Jersey is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 106 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at RVCC are $6,912 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $14,287 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, RVCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,366 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Raritan Valley Community College

#6

Salem Community College

Carneys Point, New Jersey
59 Total Awards
$9,060 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,769 Avg Student Debt

Salem Community College landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value nursing programs. Salem Community College is a very small public school located in Carneys Point, New Jersey that handed out 59 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Salem County College are $9,060 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $17,769 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Salem County College graduates make an average of $44,909 annually.

Full Salem Community College Report

#7

County College of Morris

Randolph, New Jersey
111 Total Awards
$13,620 Average Tuition & Fees

County College of Morris came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Schools in New Jersey ranking. County College of Morris is a medium-sized public school situated in Randolph, New Jersey. It awarded 111 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at County College of Morris are $13,620 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,920 in student loans. During the early years of their career, County College of Morris graduates make an average of $36,453 annually.

As a testament to the quality of education it offers, County College of Morris also is in the top 15% of our Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey ranking.

Full County College of Morris Report

#8

Thomas Edison State University

Trenton, New Jersey
223 Total Awards
$9,342 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,852 Avg Student Debt

Thomas Edison State University landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value nursing programs. Thomas Edison State University is a medium-sized public school located in Trenton, New Jersey that handed out 223 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at TESU are $9,342 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $18,852 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, TESU graduates make an average of $58,555 annually.

Read full report on Thomas Edison State University

#9

Union County College

Cranford, New Jersey
419 Total Awards
$10,562 Average Tuition & Fees

Union County College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Schools in New Jersey ranking. Located in Cranford, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school handed out 419 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Union County College are $10,562 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,094 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Union County College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,152 during the early year of their career.

Union County College also claimed a spot on our Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey list. It’s in the top 20% of all schools in this category.

Read full report on Union County College

#10

Hudson County Community College

Jersey City, New Jersey
92 Total Awards
$11,798 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,191 Avg Student Debt

Hudson County Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students. It came in at #10 on the list. Jersey City, New Jersey is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 92 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at HCCC are $11,798 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,191 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, HCCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $29,989 during the early year of their career.

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#11

Bergen Community College

Paramus, New Jersey
121 Total Awards
$8,659 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,500 Avg Student Debt

Bergen Community College ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in New Jersey list. Located in Paramus, New Jersey, the fairly large public school awarded 121 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Bergen Community College are $8,659 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,500 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $94 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Bergen Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,732 during the early year of their career.

Full Bergen Community College Report

#12

Brookdale Community College

Lincroft, New Jersey
140 Total Awards
$9,554 Average Tuition & Fees

Brookdale Community College landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value nursing programs. Located in Lincroft, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school handed out 140 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Brookdale Community College are $9,554 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,009 in student loans.After graduating from Brookdale Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,016 during the early years of their career.

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#13

Middlesex County College

Edison, New Jersey
70 Total Awards
$7,992 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,313 Avg Student Debt

Middlesex County College ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in New Jersey list. Located in Edison, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school awarded 70 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Middlesex County College undergraduate students pay an average of $7,992 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $12,313 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Middlesex County College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,545 during the early year of their career.

Full Middlesex County College Report

#14

Passaic County Community College

Paterson, New Jersey
54 Total Awards
$9,390 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,495 Avg Student Debt

Passaic County Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students. It came in at #14 on the list. Paterson, New Jersey is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 54 students in 2020-2021.

PCCC undergraduate students pay an average of $9,390 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $12,495 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, PCCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,021 during the early year of their career.

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#15

Ramapo College of New Jersey

Mahwah, New Jersey
157 Total Awards
$24,694 Average Tuition & Fees

Ramapo College of New Jersey ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in New Jersey list. Ramapo College is located in Mahwah, New Jersey and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 157 degrees to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Ramapo College are $24,694 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $22,964 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 $376.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.

Ramapo College also made our Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey list, coming in at #1.

Read full report on Ramapo College of New Jersey

#16

Rutgers University - Camden

Camden, New Jersey
315 Total Awards
$32,299 Average Tuition & Fees

Rutgers University - Camden came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Schools in New Jersey ranking. Located in Camden, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school awarded 315 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Rutgers Camden undergraduate students pay an average of $32,299 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $24,092 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $249 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.

Rutgers Camden also made our Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey list, coming in at #3.

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#17

Essex County College

Newark, New Jersey
41 Total Awards
$8,966 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,116 Avg Student Debt

Essex County College landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value nursing programs. Essex is located in Newark, New Jersey and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 41 degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Essex are $8,966 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,116 in student loans.After graduating from Essex, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,750 during the early years of their career.

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#18

Kean University

Union, New Jersey
62 Total Awards
$19,771 Average Tuition & Fees

Kean University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students. It came in at #18 on the list. This fairly large public school is located in Union, New Jersey, and it awarded 62 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Kean are $19,771 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,358 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $236 if they 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.

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#19

The College of New Jersey

Ewing, New Jersey
84 Total Awards
$29,594 Average Tuition & Fees

The College of New Jersey ranked #19 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in New Jersey list. TCNJ is a public institution located in Ewing, New Jersey. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 84 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at TCNJ are $29,594 a year. On average, students take out $22,132 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $327.After graduating from TCNJ, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,225 during the early years of their career.

TCNJ also took the #4 spot in our Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey rankings.

Full The College of New Jersey Report

#20

Atlantic Cape Community College

Mays Landing, New Jersey
1 Total Awards
$8,340 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,077 Avg Student Debt

Atlantic Cape Community College ranked #20 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in New Jersey list. This small public school is located in Mays Landing, New Jersey, and it awarded 1 degrees in 2020-2021.

Atlantic Cape Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $8,340 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $16,077 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Atlantic Cape Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,386 during the early years of their career.

Full Atlantic Cape Community College Report

#21

Eastwick College - Hackensack

Hackensack, New Jersey
61 Total Awards
$17,424 Average Tuition & Fees

Eastwick College - Hackensack ranked #21 on this year’s Best Value Nursing Schools in New Jersey list. Located in Hackensack, New Jersey, the very small private for-profit school handed out 61 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Eastwick College - Hackensack are $17,424 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $19,378 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 $68 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Eastwick College - Hackensack graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $31,686 during the early year of their career.

Eastwick College - Hackensack not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #5 on our Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey list.

Read full report on Eastwick College - Hackensack

158 Total Awards
$22,946 Average Tuition & Fees

William Paterson University of New Jersey did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students. It came in at #22 on the list. William Paterson University is a medium-sized public school situated in Wayne, New Jersey. It awarded 158 degrees in 2020-2021.

William Paterson University undergraduate students pay an average of $22,946 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $26,059 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 $188 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 full report on William Paterson University of New Jersey

#23

Rowan University

Glassboro, New Jersey
116 Total Awards
$23,408 Average Tuition & Fees

Rowan University came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Nursing Schools in New Jersey ranking. Rowan is a fairly large public school situated in Glassboro, New Jersey. It awarded 116 degrees in 2020-2021.

Rowan undergraduate students pay an average of $23,408 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $23,830 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 $279.After graduating from Rowan, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,169 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Rowan University

101 Total Awards
$38,074 Average Tuition & Fees

Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value nursing programs. Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Teaneck, New Jersey that handed out 101 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at FDU are $38,074 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,191 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $305, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, FDU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,330 during the early year of their career.

Full Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus Report

#25

New Jersey City University

Jersey City, New Jersey
185 Total Awards
$25,364 Average Tuition & Fees

New Jersey City University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for nursing students. It came in at #25 on the list. Located in Jersey City, New Jersey, the medium-sized public school handed out 185 degrees in 2020-2021.

NJCU undergraduate students pay an average of $25,364 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $23,694 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, NJCU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,871 during the early year of their career.

Full New Jersey City University Report

Best Value Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • 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.

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