2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey

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First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

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Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Princeton University	98	4.62	1,510 – 1,570	19811	87815	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Princeton University Princeton, NJ A private Ivy League research university, Princeton University was founded in 1746 and originally known as the College of New Jersey, making it the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the country. An extremely selective school, Princeton receives around 40,500 applications annually. First Year Retention Rate 98 % 1.0% Acceptance Rate 4.6% SAT Score 1,510 – 1,570 Avg. Net Price $19,811 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $87,815
2	Stevens Institute of Technology	93.64	47.58	1,390 – 1,510	43665	90326	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Stevens Institute of Technology Hoboken, NJ Located right on the Hudson River a few minutes from New York City, Stevens Institute of Technology has an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and about 63% of students will graduate in 4 years....Read more First Year Retention Rate 94 % 0.9% Acceptance Rate 47.6% SAT Score 1,390 – 1,510 Avg. Net Price $43,665 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $90,326
3	Rutgers University-New Brunswick	93	65.35	1,280 – 1,480	19052	61263	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ New Brunswick is the oldest of the three campuses that make up Rutgers University. The school has 19 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools, with many students majoring in Computer and Information Sciences, General, and Social Work....Read more First Year Retention Rate 93 % Acceptance Rate 65.4% SAT Score 1,280 – 1,480 Avg. Net Price $19,052 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $61,263
4	The College of New Jersey	91.32	62.35	1,150 – 1,350	22379	62649	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey The College of New Jersey Ewing, NJ The College of New Jersey was founded in 1855 and originally called the New Jersey State Normal School. It received its current name in 1996. The college has a first year retention rate of 91%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 91 % 2.0% Acceptance Rate 62.4% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $22,379 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,649
5	New Jersey Institute of Technology	90	65.07	1,250 – 1,470	16736	69591	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark, NJ Based in Newark, New Jersey Institute of Technology’s acceptance rate is 65% and charges $75 for undergraduate applications. About 75% of students at New Jersey Institute of Technology currently receive institutional grant aid. The school’s first year retention rate is 90% and its four year graduation rate is 38%. Three......Read more First Year Retention Rate 90 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 65.1% SAT Score 1,250 – 1,470 Avg. Net Price $16,736 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $69,591
6	Drew University	88	67.83	1,110 – 1,350	28193	47562	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Drew University Madison, NJ Based in Madison, Drew University accepted 68% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $40 for undergraduate applications. About 98% of students attending Drew University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 88% of students continued their studies......Read more First Year Retention Rate 88 % Acceptance Rate 67.8% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $28,193 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,562
7	Centenary University	87	96.75	850 – 1,080	22838	46049	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Centenary University Hackettstown, NJ Centenary University was originally founded in 1867 as a preparatory school. Today, the school is known for being a non-selective university, with an acceptance rate of 97%. Of attending students 87% stay after the first year and 59% will graduate within 4 years....Read more First Year Retention Rate 87 % Acceptance Rate 96.8% SAT Score 850 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $22,838 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,049
8	Rutgers University-Newark	84	78.73	1,080 – 1,370	17425	61263	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Rutgers University-Newark Newark, NJ Located in Newark, Rutgers University-Newark accepts 79% of applicants. Undergraduates have to pay $70 to apply. About 58% of students attending Rutgers University-Newark will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % Acceptance Rate 78.7% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $17,425 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $61,263
9	Ramapo College of New Jersey	83.6	70.64	1,120 – 1,310	17348	53872	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Ramapo College of New Jersey Mahwah, NJ Based in Mahwah, Ramapo College of New Jersey’s acceptance rate is 71%. They request $65 for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be requested. About 54% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. At Ramapo College of New Jersey, there is a 83% first year retention rate and 58% of students......Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % 4.0% Acceptance Rate 70.6% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $17,348 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,872
10	Rowan University	82.4	78.3	1,110 – 1,320	22237	50705	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Rowan University Glassboro, NJ Found in Glassboro, Rowan University’s acceptance rate is 78% and requests $65 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 77% of students attending Rowan University will receive grant aid from the school. At Rowan University, there is a 82% first year retention rate and around 46% of students will earn a degree within......Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % 1.0% Acceptance Rate 78.3% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $22,237 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,705
11	Rutgers University-Camden	82	77.75	1,030 – 1,280	18735	61263	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Rutgers University-Camden Camden, NJ Found in Camden, Rutgers University-Camden accepted 78% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in $70 to apply. Approximately 90% of students attending Rutgers University-Camden currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The......Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % Acceptance Rate 77.8% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $18,735 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $61,263
12	Seton Hall University	81	73.26	1,230 – 1,400	31642	60291	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Seton Hall University South Orange, NJ Based in South Orange, Seton Hall University accepted 73% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $65 for undergraduate applications and $75 for graduate applications. Approximately 100% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 81 % 4.7% Acceptance Rate 73.3% SAT Score 1,230 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $31,642 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $60,291
13	Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus	80.9	95.26	1,080 – 1,240	26472	45916	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus Madison, NJ The Florham campus Fairleigh Dickinson opened in 1958, with other campuses located in New Jersey, Canada, and the United Kingdom. With an 80% first year retention rate, many students major in Business Administration and Management, General, Pharmacy, Psychology, and General. First Year Retention Rate 81 % Acceptance Rate 95.3% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $26,472 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,916
14	Rider University	80.49	79.4	1,110 – 1,320	26618	51289	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Rider University Lawrenceville, NJ Based in Lawrenceville, Rider University accepts 79% of applicants. They require $50 for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students attending Rider University currently receive grant aid from the school. The institution’s first year retention rate is 80% and its four year graduation rate is 54%. The common areas of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % Acceptance Rate 79.4% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $26,618 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,289
15	Saint Elizabeth University	80	95.41	890 – 1,090	18412	49479	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Saint Elizabeth University Morristown, NJ Based in Morristown, Saint Elizabeth University accepts 95% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 98% of students at Saint Elizabeth University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Saint Elizabeth University, there is a 80%......Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % Acceptance Rate 95.4% SAT Score 890 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $18,412 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,479
16	Monmouth University	79.9	89.02	1,150 – 1,320	33228	55825	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Monmouth University West Long Branch, NJ Located in West Long Branch, Monmouth University accepts 89% of applicants and requires $60 for undergraduate applications and $60 for graduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending Monmouth University currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 2.0% Acceptance Rate 89.0% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $33,228 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,825
17	Stockton University	79	88.94	1,040 – 1,230	19752	48223	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Stockton University Galloway, NJ Found in Galloway, Stockton University accepted 89% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $50 for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be offered. Approximately 84% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 79 % 2.6% Acceptance Rate 88.9% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $19,752 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,223
18	Montclair State University	78	87.89	910 – 1,210	13880	47944	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Montclair State University Montclair, NJ Found in Montclair, Montclair State University accepted 88% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $65 for undergraduate applications and $60 for graduate applications. About 51% of students attending Montclair State University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 78 % 2.5% Acceptance Rate 87.9% SAT Score 910 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $13,880 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,944
19	Saint Peter's University	77.5	90.53	970 – 1,170	14486	42470	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Saint Peter's University Jersey City, NJ Found in Jersey City, Saint Peter's University accepts 91% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 99% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is 77%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 78 % Acceptance Rate 90.5% SAT Score 970 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $14,486 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,470
20	New Jersey City University	77	89.18	890 – 1,140	12157	45918	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey New Jersey City University Jersey City, NJ Based in Jersey City, New Jersey City University accepted 89% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 51% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 77 % Acceptance Rate 89.2% SAT Score 890 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $12,157 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,918
21	Felician University	76	95.11	900 – 1,110	15818	56957	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Felician University Lodi, NJ Based in Lodi, Felician University accepts 95% of applicants and requests $30 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 99% of students at Felician University currently receive grant aid from the school. 76% of students continued their studies at Felician University after completing their first year....Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % 8.6% Acceptance Rate 95.1% SAT Score 900 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $15,818 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,957
22	Georgian Court University	76	70.52	1,060 – 1,280	21072	44627	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Georgian Court University Lakewood, NJ Based in Lakewood, Georgian Court University accepted 71% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. Approximately 99% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % Acceptance Rate 70.5% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $21,072 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,627
23	Kean University	75	76.88	900 – 1,170	11593	46603	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Kean University Union, NJ Located in Union, Kean University accepted 77% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $75 for undergraduate applications and $75 for graduate applications. Approximately 75% of students attending Kean University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % Acceptance Rate 76.9% SAT Score 900 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $11,593 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,603
24	Caldwell University	74	65.4	1,010 – 1,320	23071	47439	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Caldwell University Caldwell, NJ Based in Caldwell, Caldwell University accepts 65% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is 74%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % Acceptance Rate 65.4% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $23,071 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,439
25	Pillar College	70	39.76	--	5842	37885	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Pillar College Newark, NJ Based in Newark, Pillar College accepts 40% of applicants. They request $50 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. Approximately 88% of students at Pillar College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Pillar College, there is a 70% first year retention......Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % Acceptance Rate 39.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $5,842 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,885
26	William Paterson University of New Jersey	67.5	92.52	990 – 1,350	16999	44928	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey William Paterson University of New Jersey Wayne, NJ Located in Wayne, William Paterson University of New Jersey accepted 93% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. About 65% of students at William Paterson University of New Jersey currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more First Year Retention Rate 68 % Acceptance Rate 92.5% SAT Score 990 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $16,999 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,928
27	Berkeley College	64	78.32	--	20068	37060	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Berkeley College Woodland Park, NJ Based in Woodland Park, Berkeley College’s acceptance rate is 78%. Undergraduates have to send in $50 to apply. Approximately 88% of students at Berkeley College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 64 % Acceptance Rate 78.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $20,068 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,060
28	Bloomfield College	53	67.23	780 – 940	18522	35477	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Bloomfield College Bloomfield, NJ Based in Bloomfield, Bloomfield College’s acceptance rate is 67%. Undergraduates have to send in $40 to apply. Approximately 97% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 53 % Acceptance Rate 67.2% SAT Score 780 – 940 Avg. Net Price $18,522 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,477
29	Bais Medrash Toras Chesed	0	63.01	--	7484	53468	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Bais Medrash Toras Chesed Lakewood, NJ First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 63.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $7,484 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,468
30	Beth Medrash Govoha	0	78.32	--	0	40300	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Beth Medrash Govoha Lakewood, NJ First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 78.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,300
31	Beth Medrash of Asbury Park	0	42.31	--	10707	51749	#31 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Beth Medrash of Asbury Park Lakewood, NJ First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 42.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $10,707 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,749
32	Chamberlain University-New Jersey	0	90	--	38084	59213	#32 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Chamberlain University-New Jersey North Brunswick, NJ First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 90.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $38,084 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213
33	Eastern International College-Jersey City	0	100	--	23532	59213	#33 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Eastern International College-Jersey City Jersey City, NJ First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $23,532 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213
34	Eastwick College-Hackensack	0	78.32	--	35023	38122	#34 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Eastwick College-Hackensack Hackensack, NJ First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 78.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $35,023 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,122
35	Eastwick College-Ramsey	0	77.82	--	28467	53147	#35 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Eastwick College-Ramsey Ramsey, NJ First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 77.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $28,467 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,147
36	Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus	0	95.56	990 – 1,220	17121	45916	#36 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus Teaneck, NJ First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 95.6% SAT Score 990 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $17,121 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,916
37	Rabbinical College of America	0	87.14	--	14947	54272	#37 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Rabbinical College of America Morristown, NJ First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 87.1% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,947 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,272
38	Strayer University-New Jersey	0	100	--	0	36582	#38 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Strayer University-New Jersey Piscataway, NJ First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,582
39	Thomas Edison State University	0	0	--	0	65570	#39 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Thomas Edison State University Trenton, NJ First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $65,570
40	Yeshiva Gedola Tiferes Yerachmiel	0	42.62	--	8936	53468	#40 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Yeshiva Gedola Tiferes Yerachmiel Lakewood, NJ First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 42.6% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $8,936 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,468
41	Yeshiva Gedolah Keren Hatorah	0	100	--	9303	63721	#41 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Yeshiva Gedolah Keren Hatorah Lakewood, NJ First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $9,303 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
42	Yeshiva Gedolah Shaarei Shmuel	0	53	--	8944	63721	#42 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Yeshiva Gedolah Shaarei Shmuel Lakewood, NJ First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 53.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $8,944 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
43	Yeshiva Toras Chaim	0	98.41	--	5821	53468	#43 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Yeshiva Toras Chaim Lakewood, NJ First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 98.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $5,821 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,468