10 Best Community Colleges in New Jersey

Key Takeaways

• New Jersey’s 18 community colleges offer accessible, affordable education across the state
• In-county tuition typically ranges from $4,500 to $6,000 per year
• Students benefit from guaranteed university transfer pathways and workforce-aligned training
• The Community College Opportunity Grant can cover tuition for eligible residents
• Programs support careers in healthcare, tech, logistics, business, and more

Why Should You Consider Community Colleges in New Jersey?

New Jersey offers exceptional community college value through its extensive 18-institution system, stretching from dense urban centers to coastal and rural communities. These schools provide high-quality, affordable education tailored to one of the most economically diverse states in the country. Whether you’re looking to enter the workforce quickly or transfer to a top-tier university, New Jersey’s community colleges offer flexible, career-focused pathways to help you achieve your goals.

Programs align closely with key sectors in the state’s knowledge-based economy, including pharmaceutical research, healthcare, logistics, financial services, and technology. Modern campuses feature industry-standard facilities, hands-on training opportunities, and robust student support services designed to meet the needs of learners from all backgrounds.

Annual in-county tuition typically ranges from $4,500 to $6,000, and eligible students can access tuition-free education through the Community College Opportunity Grant. New Jersey’s Comprehensive State-Wide Transfer Agreement allows students to enjoy seamless transfer pathways to four-year institutions. Combined with convenient access to New York City and Philadelphia job markets, the state’s community colleges deliver a strong return on investment for students seeking both quality and affordability.

10 Best Community Colleges in New Jersey

New Jersey offers exceptional community college value through these ten outstanding institutions. Each one combines affordability with distinctive academic strengths and regional advantages, serving students across one of the country’s most densely populated and economically diverse states.

Rowan College at Burlington County

Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) stands out for its 3+1 partnership with Rowan University, which allows students to complete a bachelor’s degree at a dramatically reduced cost, staying on the same campus throughout.

Main Courses

RCBC excels in health sciences, business administration, engineering technologies, culinary arts, and liberal arts transfer tracks. The college is especially known for its dental hygiene and radiography programs.

Pros

• 3+1 model offers significant tuition savings with seamless university transfer
• Modern facilities and extensive student support services
• Strong partnerships with South Jersey employers for internships

Cons

• Limited public transportation options in Mount Laurel

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$5,780

Raritan Valley Community College

Located in North Branch, Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) serves central New Jersey with strong academics, a beautiful campus, and high transfer success.

Main Courses

RVCC offers standout programs in health sciences, environmental studies, business, engineering, and liberal arts. Its nationally recognized Honors College prepares students for transfer to top four-year institutions.

Pros

• Guaranteed transfer pathways to Rutgers and other state universities
• Strong emphasis on sustainability and campus cultural life
• Diverse programs with excellent academic support

Cons

• Car-dependent location with limited public transit

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$6,3

Middlesex College

Located in Edison, Middlesex College sits at the heart of one of New Jersey’s most active job corridors, close to the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and technology sectors.

Main Courses

Top programs include nursing, engineering technology, business, liberal arts, and funeral service education—one of the only programs of its kind in the region.

Pros

• Proximity to major employers in central New Jersey
• Modern facilities and a well-connected location
• Diverse student population and support services

Cons

• Competitive admissions for popular programs like nursing
• Higher local cost of living

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$6,950

Union College of Union County, NJ

With campuses in Cranford, Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Scotch Plains, UCNJ is one of the state’s most accessible colleges, especially for students commuting from the greater New York City area.

Main Courses

Union offers strong programs in allied health, criminal justice, engineering, education, and business. The American Honors program offers a pathway to top universities.

Pros

• Multiple campuses throughout Union County
• Direct access to public transportation and NYC
• Flexible course scheduling, including evenings and weekends

Cons

• Parking and safety can be concerns in urban campus locations

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$7,460

County College of Morris

Situated in Randolph Township, County College of Morris (CCM) offers a tranquil campus setting paired with strong technical and transfer programs.

Main Courses

Popular programs include engineering technology, graphic design, healthcare, business, and music technology. The college also offers strong liberal arts and science tracks for transfer students.

Pros

• Excellent university transfer pathways and academic reputation
• Active honors program and high-tech learning facilities
• Quiet campus in a scenic suburban setting

Cons

• Limited public transit access; car recommended

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$8,190

Bergen Community College

Bergen Community College is New Jersey’s largest community college, with campuses in Paramus, Hackensack, and Lyndhurst. It serves a diverse population and offers extensive academic and technical programs.

Main Courses

BCC is known for its strengths in nursing, dental hygiene, STEM fields, business, and hospitality management. It also offers strong options in theater and performing arts.

Pros

• Proximity to New York City and robust public transportation
• Wide range of programs and transfer partnerships
• Nationally recognized dental hygiene and nursing programs

Cons

• Higher living costs in Bergen County
• A large student population may lead to crowded classes

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$8,955

Brookdale Community College

Located in Lincroft with several regional centers, Brookdale serves Monmouth County and offers access to both shore communities and inland job markets.

Main Courses

Brookdale specializes in nursing, culinary arts, automotive technology, cybersecurity, fashion merchandising, and liberal arts transfer programs.

Pros

• Strong partnerships with New Jersey universities
• Coastal location with access to local industries
• Beautiful, expansive campus with active student life

Cons

• Higher tuition compared to other NJ community colleges
• Limited transportation options outside the main campus

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$9,030

Salem Community College

Salem Community College, located in Carneys Point Township, offers niche programs that attract students from across the country.

Main Courses

SCC is nationally known for its scientific glass technology program. It also offers programs in nuclear energy technology, healthcare, business, and liberal arts.

Pros

• Unique programs not found elsewhere in the U.S.
• Small class sizes and individualized academic support
• Strong regional industry connections in science and energy

Cons

• Rural location with limited nearby amenities
• Smaller selection of general education courses

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$9,290

Rowan College of South Jersey – Gloucester

RCSJ–Gloucester is part of the Rowan College system and partners closely with Rowan University. The campus in Sewell is known for strong technical and transfer offerings.

Main Courses

Standout programs include nursing, automotive technology, nuclear energy technology, liberal arts, and business. The 3+1 option with Rowan University helps students complete bachelor’s degrees at a lower cost.

Pros

• Seamless 3+1 bachelor’s degree pathway with Rowan University
• Modern facilities and hands-on technical training
• High job placement rates in nursing and allied health

Cons

• Higher tuition than many peer colleges in New Jersey
• A suburban location may require personal transportation

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$9,950

Ocean County College

OCC serves the coastal Toms River area and provides strong online learning options and innovative university partnerships.

Main Courses

Popular programs include nursing, engineering, business administration, environmental science, and liberal arts. OCC also collaborates with Kean University for affordable bachelor’s degree pathways.

Pros

• Coastal campus near the Jersey Shore
• Flexible online programs and dual enrollment with Kean
• Strong focus on sustainability and environmental programs

Cons

• Higher tuition than most NJ community colleges
• Shore-area housing costs can be high during summer

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$10,060

Key Requirements for Enrolling in the Best Community Colleges in New Jersey

Before enrolling, students need to meet several basic requirements to ensure they’re placed in the right courses and can qualify for in-county tuition and financial aid.

High School Diploma Verification

Most New Jersey community colleges require proof of high school completion through a diploma or an equivalent credential, such as the GED or HiSET. Many also offer dual enrollment options for current high school students through programs like College Acceleration.

New Jersey Application Submission

Prospective students must submit applications through each college’s online portal. Application fees typically range from $25 to $50, though fee waivers are often available for students with financial need or during special enrollment periods.

Placement Assessment Completion

While many colleges use multiple measures to determine placement, including high school GPA, most still require ACCUPLACER scores or review past academic records to place students in appropriate English, reading, and math courses.

Residency Status Documentation

In-county residency can significantly reduce tuition. Most colleges require documentation such as a lease agreement, utility bills, or a government-issued ID showing at least six months of residency in the county where the college is located.

Financial Aid Filing

Completing the FAFSA is essential for accessing state and federal aid. New Jersey students can apply for generous programs like the Community College Opportunity Grant, which offers eligible students tuition-free education, TAG grants, and institutional scholarships.

How Do New Jersey Community College Costs Compare to National Averages?

New Jersey community colleges typically charge between $4,500 and $6,000 annually for in-county residents. This puts them slightly above the national average of around $5,000, but still significantly below the cost of attending four-year colleges in the state.

Community colleges represent substantial savings in a region where private university tuition often exceeds $50,000 annually. New Jersey’s financial aid programs, especially the Community College Opportunity Grant, further improve affordability by making tuition completely free for qualifying students with family incomes under $65,000. Students also save by living at home, accessing public transit, and avoiding high housing costs common in urban areas.

What Are the Tuition Fees for International Students at Community Colleges in New Jersey?

International students pay out-of-county or out-of-state rates, usually between $10,000 and $15,000 per year. This is still far more affordable than tuition at New Jersey universities, which often ranges from $35,000 to $50,000 annually.

While international students are not eligible for state aid like the Community College Opportunity Grant, some schools offer institutional scholarships, international student grants, or on-campus jobs to help cover costs. However, they should also budget for mandatory health insurance (typically $2,000–$3,000 per year), SEVIS fees, and living expenses—especially in areas close to New York City, where housing and transportation costs are higher.

How Does University of the People Compare with the Best Community Colleges in New Jersey?

University of the People (UoPeople) offers a very different model from New Jersey’s community colleges. It is a tuition-free, fully online university that charges only modest assessment fees per undergraduate course, typically $160. While this can make UoPeople one of the most affordable options overall, the structure is best suited for highly self-motivated learners comfortable in a completely virtual environment.

By contrast, New Jersey’s community colleges offer a hybrid of in-person, online, and hands-on training programs, especially in fields like nursing, engineering technology, and culinary arts. These institutions are regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, unlike UoPeople’s national accreditation (via the Distance Education Accrediting Commission) and WASC.

New Jersey community colleges also offer access to modern labs, clinical sites, and campus services that UoPeople cannot provide. However, UoPeople’s asynchronous courses offer flexibility for students working full time or managing family responsibilities. For students who don’t qualify for New Jersey’s tuition assistance programs, UoPeople may present a lower-cost alternative. However, it lacks the in-person learning and professional network opportunities available at local colleges.

Ready to Choose the Best Community College?

Choosing the right community college in New Jersey means considering more than just cost. You’ll want to look at each school’s program offerings, campus location, transfer agreements, faculty support, and access to internships or local employers. New Jersey’s colleges offer outstanding value and opportunity thanks to partnerships with schools like Rowan University, strong state financial aid, and proximity to the New York and Philadelphia job markets.

Your tuition could be completely covered if you’re eligible for the Community College Opportunity Grant. Even if you’re not, most colleges offer institutional scholarships, part-time study options, and extensive advising support to help you succeed.

Whether you’re aiming for a four-year degree, learning a new trade, or returning to school for a career pivot, New Jersey’s community colleges offer the flexibility and resources to make your goals achievable.

FAQs

What is the cheapest community college in New Jersey?

Rowan College at Burlington County is among the most affordable, with annual in-county tuition around $5,780.

What financial aid is available at New Jersey community colleges?

Eligible students may qualify for the Community College Opportunity Grant (tuition-free), TAG grants, federal Pell Grants, work-study programs, and institutional scholarships.

Do New Jersey community colleges offer online degree programs?

Yes, most colleges offer online and hybrid programs in areas like business, healthcare, and computer science.

Can I earn a bachelor’s degree at New Jersey community colleges?

Some colleges, like RCBC and RCSJ, offer 3+1 programs in partnership with universities that allow you to complete a bachelor’s degree while staying on the community college campus.

Do New Jersey community colleges accept out-of-state students?

Yes, but out-of-state students pay higher tuition rates. Some schools also offer specialized rates for students from nearby states.

Which New Jersey community colleges have the newest facilities?

Colleges like Rowan College at Burlington County, Middlesex College, and County College of Morris have invested heavily in modern campus facilities and updated technical labs.