Student Guide to the Best College Towns in New Jersey

College towns in New Jersey offer students access to good-quality education, a calm and student-friendly environment, and various housing options. Popular college towns such as New Brunswick, Newark, Princeton, and Glassboro provide student-friendly communities. These towns provide students with excellent academic opportunities and a range of living experiences across New Jersey. New Jersey is a state in the northeastern United States, known for its diverse communities, beautiful coastline, strong economy, and excellent educational institutions.

New Jersey has various destinations for students to explore and learn about the culture and heritage of the towns. Popular destinations include the Jersey Shore, Liberty State Park, Delaware Water Gap, and numerous historic sites and museums. The average cost of living in New Jersey for students ranges from $2,000–$3,800 per month, depending on the type of town, lifestyle, and housing availability. Finding a student-friendly neighborhood can be challenging for both students and their families.

An Overview of College Towns in New Jersey

Best College Towns in New Jersey

1. Newark 

• Safety Index score: 55/100    
• Walkability score: 79/100    
• Average Rent: $1,000–$2,200    
• Crime Rates: 45 crimes per 1,000 residents  

Newark is one of the hubs for international students coming from around the world. It is the largest city in New Jersey, offering students educational, cultural, and transportation facilities. Students in Newark can explore various attractions such as Newark Museum of Art, Branch Brook Park, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Connectivity is never an issue in this city; NJ Transit and Newark Penn Station make it easy for students to travel. Average tuition fees vary by institution, with public university programs typically ranging from $18,000–$35,000 per year for undergraduate and graduate courses. The urban environment benefits students with a diverse community, strong internship programmes, and proximity to major industries. Students generally spend around $1,800–$3,500 per month, including rent, food, transportation, and personal expenses. 

Rutgers University - Newark 

Founded in 1766, Rutgers University, Newark Campus is recognised for its diverse research programmes, high-quality academics, and student-friendly environment.

• It enrolls around 11,000 students annually, including roughly 1000 international students from around the world.
• International students benefit from extensive support services, including visa assistance, orientation programs, academic advising, and career guidance.
• Popular fields of study include Business, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Biology, Public Administration, Finance, and Data Science. 

New Jersey Institute of Technology  

Founded in 1881, New Jersey Institute of Technology is recognised for its diverse research programmes, high-quality academics, and student-friendly environment. Students are attracted to the STEM programs offered in the institute. 

• It enrolls around 12000 students annually, including roughly 2200 international students from around the world.
• International students benefit through orientation programs, academic resources, career development, and professional opportunities.
• Popular fields of study include Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Architecture, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Applied Mathematics, and Business Analytics.  

2. Princeton

• Safety Index score: 82/100    
• Walkability score: 63/100    
• Average Rent: $1,200–$2,500    
• Crime Rates: 8 crimes per 1,000 residents  

Princeton is one of New Jersey's most prestigious college towns. The town offers a safe, walkable environment with an engaging downtown filled with cafés, bookstores, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Students can enjoy outdoor spaces such as Princeton Battlefield State Park and the scenic Delaware and Raritan Canal trails. While Princeton has a higher cost of living than many college towns, students benefit from excellent academic resources and a strong sense of community. Princeton University is located in Princeton, giving students access to all the required essentials nearby. Students typically spend around $2,000–$3,800 per month, including housing and daily expenses. Average tuition fees are approximately $62,000–$65,000 per year for students in graduate and undergraduate courses.

Princeton University

Founded in 1746, Princeton University is consistently ranked among the top universities in New Jersey and attracts students from around the world.

• It enrolls around 8,900 students annually, including roughly 2,100 international students from around the world.
• International students benefit from extensive support services, including visa assistance, orientation programs, academic advising, and career guidance.
• Popular fields of study include Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Public Policy, Mathematics, and Political Science.

3. New Brunswick 

• Safety Index score: 56/100   
• Walkability score: 88/100    
• Average Rent: $900–$2,000     
• Crime Rates: 26 crimes per 1,000 residents  

New Brunswick, a college town in New Jersey, offers a calm and student-friendly environment. Rutgers University is situated in this town, which offers a great attraction for students and their families. Students enjoy access to parks, cultural attractions, and venues such as the Crossroads Theatre Company. The average monthly cost of living ranges from $1,800 to $3,200, depending on housing and lifestyle choices. The city offers an engaging student environment with numerous academic, social, and professional opportunities. Amber can help students find their dream stay in New Brunswick; the platform regulates all the requirements of the students and gives the best possible option for their housing needs. Standard at New Brunswick is one of the finest properties with the best housing amenities. 

Rutgers University

New Brunswick is one of New Jersey's most engaging college towns and is home to Rutgers University–New Brunswick, the flagship campus of Rutgers University. Founded in 1766, Rutgers is one of the oldest and largest public universities in New Jersey.

• The university has an acceptance rate of approximately 66%.
• Rutgers attracts a significant international population, with approximately 9,000 international students enrolled across its campuses.
• Average tuition fees for international students range from $33,000–$38,000 per year.
• Popular programs include Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Pharmacy, Psychology, Biological Sciences, and Public Health.
• The university provides extensive academic resources through libraries such as the Alexander Library, Archibald S. Alexander Library, Library of Science and Medicine, and Paul Robeson Library.

4. Glassboro

• Safety Index score: 68/100    
• Walkability score: 53/100     
• Average Rent: $800–$1,700     
• Crime Rates: 17 crimes per 1,000 residents   

Glassboro is known for its student-friendly environment, and the town features local shops, restaurants, parks, and community events. Glassboro is generally more affordable than many larger New Jersey cities, with students spending approximately $1,600–$2,800 per month on housing and living expenses. Rowan University is a great attraction for students, and families feel safe around this college town.

Rowan University 

Founded in 1923, Rowan University is recognized for its commitment to innovation, experiential learning, and strong industry partnerships.

• The university has an acceptance rate of approximately 79%. Rowan provides students with access to extensive academic resources through facilities such as the Campbell Library, which offers research support.
• Rowan hosts a growing international student community of approximately 1,000 students from countries around the world.
• International students receive support through visa assistance, orientation programs, academic advising, career services, and cultural engagement initiatives.
• Average tuition fees for international students range from $24,000–$30,000 per year.
• Popular programs include Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Education, Nursing, Health Sciences, and Biological Sciences.

5. Madison

• Safety Index score: 84/100   
• Walkability score: 72/100    
• Average Rent: $1,100–$2,200     
• Crime Rates: 7 crimes per 1,000 residents   

Madison is a charming suburban college town and home to Drew University. The average monthly cost of living ranges from $2,000–$3,500, which includes housing options and other amenities. Madison is especially attractive to students seeking a quieter setting while remaining connected to major urban centers. Madison is home to the distinguished Drew University, which attracts students from around the world with various programs and courses.

Drew University

Drew University was founded in 1867 in Madison, one of the best college towns in New Jersey. The university emphasizes small class sizes and experiential learning opportunities.

• The university has an acceptance rate of approximately 73% and enrolls around 2,200 students annually.
• Drew attracts students from across the United States and around the world, with international students making up a notable part of the campus community.
• International students receive support through visa guidance, orientation programs, academic advising, career counseling, and cultural engagement activities.
• Average tuition fees are approximately $45,000–$50,000 per year. The University offers programs in Business, Psychology, Political Science, Data Science, Biology, English, and International Relations.

6. South Orange

• Safety Index score: 71/100     
• Walkability score: 74/100     
• Average Rent: $1,000–$2,300     
• Crime Rates: 16 crimes per 1,000 residents   

South Orange is a beautiful college town in New Jersey. The town is home to Seton Hall University. The town combines a strong academic environment with better opportunities and availability of internships and apprenticeships. Many Coffee shops, cultural venues, and community events are available in this town. Students benefit from convenient public transportation to New York City and access to nearby parks and recreational facilities. The average monthly cost of living is around $1,900–$3,400, making it a practical choice for students seeking both convenience and an active campus lifestyle.

Seton Hall University

South Orange is a college town that is home to Seton Hall University, one of the leading private universities in New Jersey. The university was founded in 1856.

• The university has an acceptance rate of approximately 78%.
• The university enrolls around 10,000 students annually. Seton Hall attracts students from across the globe, with approximately 1,000 international students representing numerous countries.
• Average tuition fees range from $48,000 to $52,000 per year for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
• Popular programs include Business, Diplomacy and International Relations, Nursing, Health Sciences, Education, Psychology, and Communication.
• The university offers academic resources through the Walsh Library. It serves as a major hub for learning, research, and student collaboration.

Student life in New Jersey

Student life in New Jersey offers a balance of academics, entertainment, outdoor recreation, and career opportunities. Students enjoy the academic facilities, colorful and engaging nightlife, and other student spots in the college towns.

• Nightlife in New Jersey: New Jersey has an interesting nightlife scene that caters to a wide range of student interests. Students living near the Jersey Shore can enjoy beachside restaurants, boardwalk attractions, and seasonal nightlife venues. Those studying in northern New Jersey also have convenient access to the nightlife, theaters, and entertainment districts of New York City.
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Students in New Jersey can explore a variety of famous destinations during weekends and semester breaks. Popular attractions include Liberty State Park, Cape May, Atlantic City Boardwalk, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and Grounds For Sculpture. Students also frequently visit the Jersey Shore's beaches, historic Princeton, and waterfront areas overlooking the Manhattan skyline.
• Outdoor Activities: Students can enjoy hiking, cycling, kayaking, fishing, camping, paddleboarding, and visiting nature reserves. Popular outdoor destinations like Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Palisades Interstate Park are famous among students in New Jersey.

New Jersey is a student-friendly state with all the needed conveniences and student spots. The towns of New Brunswick, Princeton, Newark, Glassboro, Madison, and South Orange offer access to respected universities, diverse housing options, dynamic campus communities, and strong career opportunities. Students benefit from easy-to-access internships, cultural attractions, and professional networks.

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