Six New Jersey Colleges Ranked in National Top 100
The 2027 U.S. News and World Report list features 11 New Jersey institutions, with six placing in the top 100 nationwide.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Higher Education
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U.S. News and World Report has released its 2027 list of Best National Universities, highlighting top-performing public and private institutions across the country. Six colleges located in New Jersey secured positions within the top 100 rankings.
Why it matters
These rankings provide a benchmark for academic quality by evaluating institutions based on undergraduate majors, graduate programs, and research output. The list serves as a standardized guide for prospective students and families assessing higher education opportunities.
Princeton University reached number 2, while Rutgers University New Brunswick landed at number 44. Other notable rankings include Stevens Institute of Technology at 59, Rutgers Newark at 73, NJIT at 85, and Rutgers Camden at 95.
The players
Princeton University
A private Ivy League research university located in Princeton that was founded in 1746.
Rutgers University
The State University of New Jersey, which maintains major campuses in New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden.
Stevens Institute of Technology
A private research university focused on science and technology located in Hoboken.
New Jersey Institute of Technology
A public research university based in Newark that has operated since 1881.
U.S. News and World Report
A media company that publishes annual rankings of colleges and universities based on various academic and research metrics.
The details
The rankings evaluate schools using a methodology that accounts for research impact, doctoral programs, and undergraduate offerings. Across the state, total enrollment figures vary significantly, ranging from 4,020 undergraduates at Rutgers Camden to 39,477 at the New Brunswick campus.
Timeline
1746: Princeton University was founded.
1881: New Jersey Institute of Technology was founded.
1908: Rutgers University Newark was founded.
1926: Rutgers University Camden was founded.
2027: The U.S. News and World Report ranking year.
Roadmap
These rankings reflect a broader trend in higher education where research-intensive universities compete for national recognition. The inclusion of multiple state campuses highlights the evolution of the regional academic ecosystem against top-tier private rivals.
Students and families in New Jersey may use these rankings to compare tuition costs, such as the $68,454 annual fee at Princeton versus the $19,389 in-state tuition at Rutgers New Brunswick. These figures provide a baseline for budget planning and evaluating the return on investment for state institutions.
The takeaway
Prospective students should consider that national rankings are just one factor among many, including campus size and specific academic programs. Investigating in-state options can lead to significant cost savings without compromising on educational quality.
Further reading
For additional context on academic trends in the region, visit Higher Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Asbury Park Press.
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