NJCU No. 1 in NJ in Washington Monthly Master’s University Rankings

On Sep 8, 2025

New Jersey City University (NJCU) has been ranked as the No. 1 public university in New Jersey and No. 54 nationally in Washington Monthly‘s 2025 Master’s University Rankings, which evaluate institutions based on their contribution to the public good rather than wealth, exclusivity, and prestige.

NJCU ranked No. 2 among all colleges in New Jersey, public or private, and placed in the Top 100 nationally in access, affordability, and service—three of the four categories measured by Washington Monthly.

“This is a testament to our intentional efforts and our collective work over the last few years to revitalize our mission and anchor down in service to the community of predominantly working-class first-generation students we have always been privileged to serve,” said President Andrés Acebo.

Since 2005, Washington Monthly has ranked colleges based on what they do for the country, serving as an alternative to U.S. News & World Report by focusing on institutions’ contribution to the public good in four broad categories: access, affordability, outcomes, and promoting public service.

The rankings highlight NJCU’s commitment to educational accessibility and value. According to the data, NJCU’s net price is $13,868, with median earnings of $45,826 nine years after entering college and student loan debt of only $18,339 for graduates.

Washington Monthly evaluates institutions across four key areas. Access ranks colleges by how well they provide access to non-wealthy students, tracking Pell Grant recipients and comparing enrollment to statistical expectations based on test scores, admission rates, and statewide family income. Affordability measures net price for students with family incomes below $75,000 and graduate debt levels. Outcomes tracks academic and financial outcomes including eight-year graduation rates, income comparisons, and Ph.D. completion rates. Service evaluates promotion of public service through AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, ROTC participation, service-oriented majors, and voting participation initiatives.

Washington Monthly ranked 1,421 colleges nationwide, starting with 1,559 institutions in the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Post-secondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and applying specific criteria for inclusion in the rankings.

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