New Jersey is home to about 10 Catholic colleges, and each school offers a range of degree programs and ministry options. When searching for a Catholic college in the Garden State, read on to learn more about the size, tuition, and special characteristics of some of these schools.
School Comparison
The following table has information regarding the school population and 2021-2022 tuition for some of New Jersey's Catholic colleges. While not the only Catholic colleges in the state, this list gives you a sample of what NJ has to offer.
| School Name | Institution Type | Student Population* | Location | Tuition (2021-2022)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caldwell University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | 2,098 | Caldwell, NJ | $36,900 |
| Saint Elizabeth University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | 1,198 | Morristown, NJ | $34,876 |
| Felician University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | 2,411 | Lodi, NJ | $35,700 |
| Georgian Court University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | 2,123 | Lakewood, NJ | $34,481 |
| Saint Peter's University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | 3,009 | Jersey City, NJ | $38,760 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
New Jersey Catholic Colleges Overview
With locations so close to New York City, New Jersey Catholic colleges offer experiences that many other states cannot offer. Whether you are more concerned with educational programs or on-campus recreation, these school have options that may be a good fit.
Caldwell University
Caldwell University offers some unique ministry and outreach opportunities, partially given their location so close to New York City. With the Midnight Run outreach program, students travel to NYC and hand out food, clothes, blankets and toiletries to the homeless. Students can also get involved with tutoring, social justice and the Greek Life with Kappa Gamma Pi. Caldwell offers majors in more than 30 different fields at the baccalaureate level as well as various dual bachelor's/master's programs, certificate programs, and graduate degrees. Classes are fairly small, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1 as of 2021, and the school had a 74% retention rate among first year students who began a program in 2020, per the NCES.
Saint Elizabeth University
The College of Saint Elizabeth has two academic divisions: the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Professional Studies. These two schools offer a variety of programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Foods and Nutrition, a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies, a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Software Engineering, to name just a few. There are also several program options at the graduate level as well. Among some of the faith-based programs and activities, there is a group called Religion on the Road, where students travel to different churches, mosques and temples to learn the traditions of other religions and religious tolerance. This school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 in 2021, and roughly 96% of full time beginning students received some sort of financial aid in 2020-2021 according to NCES.
Felician University
As the Francsican University of New Jersey, Felician University has a deep Catholic tradition when teaching. They keep their classes small, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 14:1 in 2021 per NCES. Living on campus will raise your yearly cost by more than $13,100, but living on campus may give you more opportunities to immerse yourself in campus ministries and activities. Many of these activities include raising money and awareness for the disadvantaged in the community. Felician has two residence halls, both of which require double occupancy in rooms. The school has a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs through its schools of education, nursing, business, and arts and sciences.
Georgian Court University
Originally a vacation home of the railroad mogul Jay Gould, Georgian Court University sits on a picturesque campus halfway between NCY and Philadelphia and was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1908. Since then, they have extended their program list to 33 bachelor's degree programs and 13 graduate degree programs. According to 2021 enrollment figures offered by the school, 71% of students are female, and 43% of students are an ethnic minority. During the 2020-2021 school year, 99% of first time undergraduate students received some sort of financial aid, including 62% who had student loans. Throughout the school year, Georgian Court takes part in outreach based on the season. At Thanksgiving and Easter, baskets are filled for families, while a giving tree is organized during the advent season.
Saint Peter's University
The average undergraduate class at Saint Peter's University has 22 students. There are numerous campus organizations offered on campus, some of them including Catholic foundations, such as retreats, hunger banquets, remembrance masses and service mission trips for underprivileged communities. Saint Peter's boasts seven residence halls, including Murray Hall, where students who wish to live in these air-conditioned apartments must maintain a 3.0 GPA and remain part of the 'Enriched Living' community. Enriched Living is living clean, with no alcohol or illegal substances, and taking part in community outreach. Nearly all first-time beginning undergraduate students at Saint Peter's University received financial aid in 2021, per NCES.
