In this article, we will be comparing two prominent schools in New Jersey: The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) and the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). We will be analyzing various aspects of each institution, such as costs, tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. By the end of this comparison, prospective students will have a better understanding of the similarities and differences between these two schools, ultimately helping them decide which institution is the right fit for them.
TCNJ Overview
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a public liberal arts college located in Ewing, New Jersey. Established in 1855, the college has a strong emphasis on undergraduate education and offers a variety of degree programs in the arts, sciences, business, education, and engineering. With a beautiful suburban campus and a strong sense of community, TCNJ is known for its rigorous academics, diverse student population, and commitment to excellence.
TCNJ Costs & Tuition
TCNJ is a public institution, which means that it is funded by the state of New Jersey and therefore offers lower tuition rates for in-state students. For the 2020-2021 academic year, the in-state tuition for full-time undergraduate students is approximately $16,551, while out-of-state tuition is approximately $28,266. These figures do not include additional expenses such as room and board, textbooks, transportation, and other personal expenses.
TCNJ Admissions
Admission to TCNJ is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 49% for the fall 2019 entering class. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students was between 1180 and 1370, while the middle 50% range of ACT scores was between 25 and 31. High school GPA and class rank are also important factors in the admissions process.
TCNJ Degrees Offered
TCNJ offers a wide array of undergraduate degree programs within its seven schools: Arts and Communication; Business; Humanities and Social Sciences; Education; Science; Engineering; and Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science. Students have the opportunity to choose from over 50 majors, ranging from Art Education to Civil Engineering to Public Health.
TCNJ Academics
TCNJ is known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education, with a student-faculty ratio of 13:1 and an average class size of 21 students. Professors at TCNJ are known for being accessible and dedicated to their students’ success, often providing personalized attention and mentoring. The college also offers numerous opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and study abroad experiences.
TCNJ Diversity
TCNJ strives to create a diverse and inclusive campus community. The college has a variety of programs and resources in place to support underrepresented students, including the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the EOF Program, and the Center for Global Engagement. About 34% of the fall 2019 entering class were students of color, and 17% were first-generation college students.
TCNJ Students
With an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 6,955 students, TCNJ offers a close-knit community where students can easily connect with their peers. The college offers over 200 student organizations, including clubs, fraternities, sororities, and intramural sports, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved on campus and make lasting friendships.
TCNJ Campus
TCNJ’s campus is located in the suburban town of Ewing, New Jersey, and covers 289 acres. The campus is known for its beautiful, picturesque setting, with modern academic buildings, state-of-the-art facilities, and well-maintained green spaces. Students have access to multiple dining options, a range of housing options, and various recreational facilities, including the Recreation Center and the Aquatic Center.
TCNJ Alumni
TCNJ has a strong alumni network of over 70,000 graduates who have gone on to excel in various fields, including education, business, science, and the arts. Some notable alumni include Chris Smith, a former U.S. Congressman, and James Florio, the former Governor of New Jersey.
TCNJ Rankings
TCNJ consistently ranks among the top public colleges in the United States. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, TCNJ is ranked #4 among regional universities in the North, #1 in the category of Best Undergraduate Teaching, and #5 for Best Value Schools.
TCNJ Outcomes
Graduates of TCNJ have a strong track record of success, with a four-year graduation rate of 75% and a six-year graduation rate of 86%. The average starting salary for TCNJ alumni is around $54,000, and the college has a strong career services department that helps students find internships, jobs, and other opportunities after graduation.
NJIT Overview
The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is a public research university located in Newark, New Jersey. Established in 1881, NJIT is known for its strong emphasis on STEM education and research, offering a range of degree programs in engineering, architecture, computing, and the sciences. With a diverse, urban campus and a commitment to innovation, NJIT offers students a unique educational experience focused on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
NJIT Costs & Tuition
As a public institution, NJIT offers lower tuition rates for in-state students. For the 2020-2021 academic year, the in-state tuition for full-time undergraduate students is approximately $17,674, while out-of-state tuition is approximately $33,386. These figures do not include additional expenses such as room and board, textbooks, transportation, and other personal expenses.
NJIT Admissions
Admission to NJIT is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 64% for the fall 2019 entering class. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students was between 1210 and 1390, while the middle 50% range of ACT scores was between 25 and 31. High school GPA and class rank are also important factors in the admissions process.
NJIT Degrees Offered
NJIT offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate degree programs within its six schools and colleges: Newark College of Engineering; College of Science and Liberal Arts; College of Architecture and Design; Ying Wu College of Computing; Martin Tuchman School of Management; and Albert Dorman Honors College. Students can choose from over 90 majors, including Civil Engineering, Computer Science, and Industrial Design.
NJIT Academics
NJIT is known for its strong focus on STEM education and research, with a student-faculty ratio of 17:1 and an average class size of 26 students. Professors at NJIT are known for their expertise in their fields and their dedication to student success. The university also offers numerous opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and co-op experiences.
NJIT Diversity
NJIT is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has a variety of programs and resources in place to support underrepresented students, including the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the EOF Program, and the Center for Pre-College Programs. About 52% of the fall 2019 entering class were students of color, and 34% were first-generation college students.
NJIT Students
With an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 8,532 students, NJIT offers a diverse and vibrant community where students can connect with their peers and engage in various extracurricular activities. The university offers over 140 student organizations, including clubs, fraternities, sororities, and intramural sports, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved on campus and make lasting friendships.
NJIT Campus
NJIT’s campus is located in the urban setting of Newark, New Jersey, and covers 45 acres. The campus features modern academic buildings, state-of-the-art research facilities, and various recreational amenities, including the Wellness and Events Center and the Murray Center for Athletics. Students have access to multiple dining options and a range of housing options, from traditional residence halls to apartment-style living.
NJIT Alumni
NJIT has a strong alumni network of over 78,000 graduates who have gone on to excel in various fields, particularly in engineering, technology, and science. Some notable alumni include Ursula Burns, the former CEO of Xerox, and Robert Hugin, the former CEO of Celgene.
NJIT Rankings
NJIT consistently ranks among the top national universities in the United States. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, NJIT is ranked #118 among national universities, #46 for Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, and #53 for Best Value Schools.
NJIT Outcomes
Graduates of NJIT have a strong track record of success, with a four-year graduation rate of 29% and a six-year graduation rate of 64%. The average starting salary for NJIT alumni is around $64,000, and the university has a strong career services department that helps students find internships, jobs, and other opportunities after graduation.
TCNJ vs NJIT Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending TCNJ and NJIT, there are some notable differences. For in-state students, TCNJ’s tuition is slightly lower at approximately $16,551, compared to NJIT’s tuition of approximately $17,674. For out-of-state students, the difference is more significant, with TCNJ’s tuition at approximately $28,266 and NJIT’s tuition at approximately $33,386.
However, it’s important to consider the additional expenses associated with attending each institution, such as room and board, textbooks, transportation, and other personal expenses. Additionally, financial aid options may vary between the schools, so it’s crucial for prospective students to examine the financial aid packages offered at both institutions before making a decision.
TCNJ vs NJIT Admissions Difficulty
Both TCNJ and NJIT have competitive admissions processes, but TCNJ has a slightly lower acceptance rate at around 49%, compared to NJIT’s acceptance rate of around 64%. This suggests that TCNJ may be more selective in its admissions process, making it potentially more difficult for prospective students to gain acceptance.
Additionally, the middle 50% range of SAT and ACT scores for admitted students is relatively similar between the two institutions, with TCNJ’s middle 50% range of SAT scores between 1180 and 1370, and NJIT’s middle 50% range of SAT scores between 1210 and 1390. Similarly, the middle 50% range of ACT scores for both schools is between 25 and 31.
Considering these factors, prospective students aiming to gain admission to either TCNJ or NJIT should strive to maintain a strong high school GPA, achieve competitive standardized test scores, and participate in extracurricular activities to increase their chances of acceptance.
TCNJ vs NJIT Academic Difficulty
Both TCNJ and NJIT are known for their rigorous academic programs, with a strong emphasis on undergraduate education and research. However, the specific academic difficulty students may encounter at each institution largely depends on the chosen major and individual course load.
TCNJ is known for its liberal arts focus and offers a wide range of degree programs across various disciplines. With a student-faculty ratio of 13:1 and an average class size of 21 students, TCNJ students may benefit from a more personalized learning experience and greater access to faculty support.
In contrast, NJIT is primarily focused on STEM education and research, offering degree programs in engineering, architecture, computing, and the sciences. With a student-faculty ratio of 17:1 and an average class size of 26 students, NJIT students may experience a slightly larger class size and more competitive academic environment.
Ultimately, the academic difficulty students may face at either institution will depend on their individual aptitudes, interests, and chosen degree programs.
TCNJ vs NJIT Outcome Comparison
When comparing the outcomes of TCNJ and NJIT graduates, both institutions boast strong track records of success. TCNJ has a higher four-year graduation rate at 75%, compared to NJIT’s four-year graduation rate of 29%. Similarly, TCNJ’s six-year graduation rate is 86%, while NJIT’s is 64%.
The average starting salary for TCNJ alumni is around $54,000, whereas NJIT alumni have a higher average starting salary of approximately $64,000. This difference may be attributed to the focus on STEM disciplines at NJIT, which often lead to higher-paying careers.
Both TCNJ and NJIT have strong career services departments that assist students in finding internships, jobs, and other opportunities after graduation. Prospective students should consider their individual career goals and desired fields of study when comparing the outcomes of these two institutions.
