2026 Best Value General Education Schools in New Jersey

1

Middlesex County College
Edison, NJ

For return on investment in general education, no school beat Middlesex County College this year. Located in the suburb of Edison, Middlesex County College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,764, while out-of-state students pay about $7,356. Students borrow a median of $7,000 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of Middlesex County College earn a median of $16,846 early in their careers. Set against $7,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Brookdale Community College
Lincroft, NJ

Students looking for strong value in general education will find it at Brookdale Community College, which ranked #2. Set in the suburb of Lincroft, Brookdale Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,270 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,140 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,750 to complete the general education program here. Early-career general education graduates make about $19,157. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

Passaic County Community College
Paterson, NJ

Passaic County Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general education, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Paterson, Passaic County Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,300, with out-of-state students paying around $10,560. Students borrow a median of $9,581 to complete the general education program here. Early-career general education graduates make about $28,957. That is a strong return on a $9,581 median debt.

4

Salem Community College
Carneys Point, NJ

Salem Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general education, landing the #4 spot this year. Salem Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Carneys Point. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,360, with out-of-state students paying around $10,260. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $17,232. General Education graduates of Salem Community College earn a median of $51,781 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,232 median debt.

5

Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ

A rank of #5 makes Montclair State University one of the best values for general education. Located in the suburb of Montclair, Montclair State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,286 to complete the general education program here. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Montclair State University generally make around $61,225. That is a strong return on a $25,286 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

6

Gloucester County College
Sewell, NJ

Gloucester County College earned the #6 position for value in general education this year. Set in the suburb of Sewell, Gloucester County College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,160, with out-of-state students paying around $6,000. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $10,987. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Gloucester County College generally make around $38,274. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

Saint Peters College
Jersey City, NJ

Saint Peters College placed #7 among the best values for general education. Saint Peters College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Jersey City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,552. Students borrow a median of $22,969 to complete the general education program here. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Saint Peters College generally make around $58,382. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

8

Georgian Court University
Lakewood, NJ

Georgian Court University earned the #8 position for value in general education this year. Set in the city of Lakewood, Georgian Court University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,110 in tuition and fees. General Education graduates carry a median of $24,752 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Georgian Court University generally make around $63,268. Set against $24,752 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%.

9

Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University landed the #9 spot for general education value this year. Rowan University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glassboro. In-state tuition and fees average $16,574, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $24,488. Early-career general education graduates make about $61,640. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants.

10

Monmouth University
West Long Branch, NJ

Monmouth University landed the #10 spot for general education value this year. Located in the suburb of West Long Branch, Monmouth University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,552. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general education program here. Early-career general education graduates make about $59,382. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Monmouth University admits about 89% of applicants.