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	15313	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 $15,313 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $87,815
2	Rabbi Jacob Joseph School	97	91.67	--	12093	57801	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Rabbi Jacob Joseph School Edison, NJ Based in Edison, Rabbi Jacob Joseph School accepts 92% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 65% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. At Rabbi Jacob Joseph School, there is a 97% first year retention rate and around 0% of students will earn a degree within......Read more First Year Retention Rate 97 % Acceptance Rate 91.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $12,093 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,801
3	Yeshivas Emek Hatorah	97	100	--	17780	53468	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Yeshivas Emek Hatorah Howell, NJ Located in Howell, Yeshivas Emek Hatorah accepts 100% of applicants. They require unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 52% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. The school’s first year retention rate is 97% and its four year graduation rate is 30%. Most students attending the college opt......Read more First Year Retention Rate 97 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $17,780 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,468
4	Stevens Institute of Technology	94	47.58	1,390 – 1,510	46165	90326	#4 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 65% of students will graduate in 4 years....Read more First Year Retention Rate 94 % Acceptance Rate 47.6% SAT Score 1,390 – 1,510 Avg. Net Price $46,165 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $90,326
5	Rutgers University-New Brunswick	93	58.15	1,310 – 1,500	20522	61263	#5 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 58.2% SAT Score 1,310 – 1,500 Avg. Net Price $20,522 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $61,263
6	Yeshiva Toras Chaim	92	44.25	--	8592	53468	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Yeshiva Toras Chaim Lakewood, NJ Found in Lakewood, Yeshiva Toras Chaim accepts 44% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 71% of students attending Yeshiva Toras Chaim will receive grant aid from the school. At Yeshiva Toras Chaim, there is a 92% first year retention rate and around 0% of students will earn their degree......Read more First Year Retention Rate 92 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 44.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $8,592 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,468
7	Bais Medrash Toras Chesed	91	57.65	--	8027	53468	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Bais Medrash Toras Chesed Lakewood, NJ Found in Lakewood, Bais Medrash Toras Chesed’s acceptance rate is 58%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 45% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 91 % 3.4% Acceptance Rate 57.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $8,027 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,468
8	The College of New Jersey	91	62.29	1,150 – 1,350	25580	62649	#8 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 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 62.3% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $25,580 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,649
9	New Jersey Institute of Technology	90	65.07	1,220 – 1,470	17313	69591	#9 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 73% 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 48%. Three......Read more First Year Retention Rate 90 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 65.1% SAT Score 1,220 – 1,470 Avg. Net Price $17,313 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $69,591
10	Drew University	88	67.83	1,110 – 1,350	28425	47562	#10 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 97% 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 % 4.8% Acceptance Rate 67.8% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $28,425 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,562
11	Ramapo College of New Jersey	84	70.64	1,130 – 1,310	17566	53872	#11 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 64% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. At Ramapo College of New Jersey, there is a 84% first year retention rate and 58% of students......Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % 3.4% Acceptance Rate 70.6% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $17,566 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,872
12	Rutgers University-Newark	84	71.36	1,040 – 1,280	18276	61263	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Rutgers University-Newark Newark, NJ Located in Newark, Rutgers University-Newark accepts 71% of applicants. Undergraduates have to pay $70 to apply. About 47% of students attending Rutgers University-Newark will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % Acceptance Rate 71.4% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $18,276 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $61,263
13	Rowan University	82	77.66	1,120 – 1,320	23761	50705	#13 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 88% 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 37% of students will earn a degree within......Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % Acceptance Rate 77.7% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $23,761 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,705
14	Seton Hall University	81	73.26	1,230 – 1,400	33896	60291	#14 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 $33,896 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $60,291
15	Monmouth University	80	89.02	1,150 – 1,320	34072	55825	#15 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 99% of students attending Monmouth University currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 89.0% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $34,072 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,825
16	Rutgers University-Camden	80	66.29	1,050 – 1,290	19821	61263	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Rutgers University-Camden Camden, NJ Found in Camden, Rutgers University-Camden accepted 66% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in $70 to apply. Approximately 88% of students attending Rutgers University-Camden currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The......Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 2.4% Acceptance Rate 66.3% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $19,821 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $61,263
17	Stockton University	79	88.94	1,040 – 1,230	20761	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 $20,761 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,223
18	Yeshiva Gedolah Keren Hatorah	79	85.71	--	16474	53468	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Yeshiva Gedolah Keren Hatorah Lakewood, NJ Based in Lakewood, Yeshiva Gedolah Keren Hatorah’s acceptance rate is 86% and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 97% of students at Yeshiva Gedolah Keren Hatorah will receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 79%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 79 % 16.8% Acceptance Rate 85.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $16,474 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,468
19	Centenary University	78	83.08	970 – 1,170	22640	46049	#19 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 83%. Of attending students 78% stay after the first year and 54% will graduate within 4 years....Read more First Year Retention Rate 78 % 4.0% Acceptance Rate 83.1% SAT Score 970 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $22,640 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,049
20	Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus	78	95.19	1,040 – 1,320	25585	45916	#20 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 78% first year retention rate, many students major in Pharmacy, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Business Administration and Management, and General. First Year Retention Rate 78 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 95.2% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $25,585 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,916
21	Montclair State University	78	87.89	910 – 1,210	17669	47944	#21 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 59% 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 $17,669 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,944
22	Rider University	78	78.64	1,130 – 1,340	26506	51289	#22 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 $60 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 78% and its four year graduation rate is 61%. The common areas of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 78 % 4.9% Acceptance Rate 78.6% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $26,506 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,289
23	Caldwell University	77	71.34	1,130 – 1,370	21875	47439	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Caldwell University Caldwell, NJ Based in Caldwell, Caldwell University accepts 71% 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 77%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 77 % 5.5% Acceptance Rate 71.3% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $21,875 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,439
24	Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus	77	90.71	930 – 1,180	16920	45916	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus Teaneck, NJ Located in Teaneck, Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus’s acceptance rate is 91%. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 98% of students at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus will receive institutional grant aid to make attending......Read more First Year Retention Rate 77 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 90.7% SAT Score 930 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $16,920 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,916
25	Felician University	76	94.01	890 – 1,150	15569	56957	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Felician University Lodi, NJ Based in Lodi, Felician University accepts 94% 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 % 5.0% Acceptance Rate 94.0% SAT Score 890 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $15,569 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,957
26	Georgian Court University	76	78.84	1,050 – 1,260	20457	44627	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Georgian Court University Lakewood, NJ Based in Lakewood, Georgian Court University accepted 79% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. Approximately 91% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % Acceptance Rate 78.8% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,260 Avg. Net Price $20,457 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,627
27	Kean University	76	75.9	930 – 1,150	12708	46603	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Kean University Union, NJ Located in Union, Kean University accepted 76% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $75 for undergraduate applications and $75 for graduate applications. Approximately 64% of students attending Kean University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 75.9% SAT Score 930 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $12,708 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,603
28	Rabbinical College of America	75	95.15	--	16881	54272	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Rabbinical College of America Morristown, NJ Located in Morristown, Rabbinical College of America accepts 95% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 91% of students attending Rabbinical College of America currently receive institutional grant aid. The institution’s first year retention rate is 75% and 15% of students will earn their......Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % 14.8% Acceptance Rate 95.2% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $16,881 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,272
29	Pillar College	74	39.76	--	8024	37885	#29 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 89% of students at Pillar College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Pillar College, there is a 74% first year retention......Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % 8.6% Acceptance Rate 39.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $8,024 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,885
30	William Paterson University of New Jersey	74	90.08	990 – 1,350	13509	44928	#30 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 90% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. About 66% 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 74 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 90.1% SAT Score 990 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $13,509 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,928
31	Saint Peter's University	72	90.3	970 – 1,170	13775	42470	#31 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 90% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is 72%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % Acceptance Rate 90.3% SAT Score 970 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $13,775 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,470
32	Yeshiva Gedolah Shaarei Shmuel	70	54.17	--	14714	53468	#32 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Yeshiva Gedolah Shaarei Shmuel Lakewood, NJ Located in Lakewood, Yeshiva Gedolah Shaarei Shmuel accepts 54% of applicants. They require unknown for undergraduate applications. About 45% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The school’s first year retention rate is 70% and 26% of students will earn......Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 54.2% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,714 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,468
33	New Jersey City University	65	98.38	890 – 1,140	16724	45918	#33 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 98% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. About 35% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % 3.0% Acceptance Rate 98.4% SAT Score 890 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $16,724 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,918
34	Saint Elizabeth University	65	71.03	890 – 1,090	23437	49479	#34 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Saint Elizabeth University Morristown, NJ Based in Morristown, Saint Elizabeth University accepts 71% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 89% of students at Saint Elizabeth University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Saint Elizabeth University, there is a 65%......Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % 18.8% Acceptance Rate 71.0% SAT Score 890 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $23,437 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,479
35	Bloomfield College of Montclair State University	59	69.74	780 – 950	27410	35477	#35 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Bloomfield College of Montclair State University Bloomfield, NJ Based in Bloomfield, Bloomfield College of Montclair State University’s acceptance rate is 70%. Undergraduates have to send in $65 to apply. Approximately 46% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 59 % Acceptance Rate 69.7% SAT Score 780 – 950 Avg. Net Price $27,410 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,477
36	Berkeley College	55	76.99	--	27815	37060	#36 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 77%. 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 55 % 20.3% Acceptance Rate 77.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $27,815 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,060
37	Eastern International College-Jersey City	55	69.63	--	20136	36936	#37 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Eastern International College-Jersey City Jersey City, NJ Found in Jersey City, Eastern International College-Jersey City accepts 70% of applicants. They require $125 for undergraduate applications. About 0% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. At Eastern International College-Jersey City, there is a 55% first year retention rate and around 21% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 55 % Acceptance Rate 69.6% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $20,136 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,936
38	Mosdos Yaakov V'Yisroel	40	89.33	--	11834	0	#38 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in New Jersey Mosdos Yaakov V'Yisroel Lakewood, NJ Located in Lakewood, Mosdos Yaakov V'Yisroel accepts 89% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 90% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Mosdos Yaakov V'Yisroel, there is a 40% first year retention rate and 0% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 40 % Acceptance Rate 89.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $11,834 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $0