Pros & Cons of NJ Colleges

Aiden Raymond (‘28)

There are a lot of famous and renowned colleges and universities in New Jersey. All these places have their pros and cons in experiences that students go through when attending. Here is a short analysis of the pros and cons for some of the significant colleges in New Jersey.

Princeton University is amongst one of the finest universities in this world. Also, it is highly regarded with respect to academic programs like the sciences, humanities, and engineering. Probably one of the biggest advantages of attending Princeton is that it carries an excellent reputation with it. Also, the campus environment is great. There are historic buildings everywhere and such peaceful surroundings make learning a very enjoyable experience. However, Princeton is very expensive, and although financial aid is provided by the school, many students might find it hard to afford. Finally, admission to Princeton is highly competitive, and out of the thousands who apply every year, just a few are given an admission.

Because Rutgers University is the largest in New Jersey, it offers almost every field of study. Rutgers is pretty affordable since it is an in-state school, and with such a big population of students, diversity is everywhere. This institution enjoys good prestige, especially in the business, law, and engineering branches.

On the other hand, Rutgers is a big school, meaning huge classes and less personal attention by professors. Furthermore, another drawback could be the campus location in New Brunswick; some consider the atmosphere very urban and busy, though many other students might enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city. 

The College of New Jersey, or TCNJ, is known for its strong programs in education, nursing, and business. These fields hold a great reputation, and students graduating from these programs have had great success. TCNJ's campus is small, which allows students to easily interact with professors and other students. It is also said to be quite beautiful and well-kept, adding to the overall experience. Of course, there are a couple things that TCNJ lacks: fewer program offers than larger universities, which may affect those studying for engineering or technology; and the location itself may not be as attractive for the students who want hustle in a big city.

Seton Hall is an excellent private Catholic university, offering health, business, and law programs. Small class size is an added bonus for students that prefer more personal attention from professors. It is located near New York City; making opportunities for internships and jobs available in many industries. However, it is a private university and, as such, is far more costly to attend than many of New Jersey's public schools. The student body is also much smaller, which can sometimes make for a less diverse campus compared to larger schools.

Each college has its strengths and weaknesses, and what might be the right choice would depend on what you want from a college experience. If you are looking forward to prestige and academic rigor, then Princeton is the place to be. Looking for affordability and offering a wide options of programs, Rutgers could be your best fit. Smaller schools, like TCNJ and Seton Hall, are more personal in learning. In the end, it all depends on what's important to you: academics, campus life, cost, or location.