Liberal arts colleges are known for offering a broad, well-rounded style of education that helps students build strong communication, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. These schools are designed to give you more than just professional training; they allow you to explore different fields, understand how ideas connect, and grow into someone who can adapt in almost any direction. They tend to attract people who enjoy smaller classes, personalised attention and the freedom to shape their academic interests at their own pace.
Almost every state in the United States has its own set of liberal arts colleges, each contributing to the country’s educational landscape in different ways. New Jersey is no exception. The state blends a solid education network with industries that often value graduates who can think broadly and communicate clearly, such as business, research, education, communication, healthcare support roles, public service and even the growing tech-support sector. Because these fields rely on adaptable talent, liberal-arts graduates usually find themselves fitting in well across different parts of the workforce.
So, if you live in New Jersey and you want an education that gives you range, below, you will find five of the top liberal arts colleges in New Jersey. Take your time, explore each option and choose the one that aligns best with your academic goals and the kind of college experience you want.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey
1. Drew University (Madison, NJ)
Drew University is probably the closest thing New Jersey has to a classic “small liberal arts college.” It sits on a beautiful wooded campus in Madison (just under an hour from New York City) and offers a tight-knit community where class sizes are small, and professors truly know students.
Academically, Drew gives you lots of freedom and breadth: majors range from classics, languages and humanities to sciences and social sciences; there’s even a “special major” option if you want to build your own path. There are opportunities for internships (in NYC, media, arts, etc.), research, and study abroad.
If you’re the kind of student who wants personalised mentorship, variety in what to study, and a campus vibe that’s more intimate than huge, Drew is a very solid pick.
2. Ramapo College of New Jersey (Mahwah, NJ)
Ramapo College is a public liberal arts college; New Jersey even officially recognises it as “the state’s public liberal arts college.” What that means is you get many of the benefits of a liberal-arts education (small-ish classes, broad programs, importance on humanities/social sciences) but in a more affordable, public-college setting.
Class sizes tend to stay small (average ~22 students), and the student-to-faculty ratio gives you reasonable access to instructors. Ramapo offers flexibility: you can major in arts, humanities, sciences, education, business, social work — a lot of options.
Also, Ramapo emphasises experiential learning — internships, co-ops, study abroad, community engagement — hoping to shape “whole persons,” not just students.
3. The College of New Jersey (TCNJ, Ewing Township, NJ)
TCNJ is a public institution with a strong liberal arts foundation. It grew from a teachers’ college started in the 19th century, but over time expanded to a broader undergraduate experience while keeping a liberal-arts–style core.
The campus offers good facilities: modern labs, dorms, libraries, and a well-structured environment. TCNJ tries to give a well-rounded undergrad experience: you get a broad general-education base combined with serious discipline-specific training (whether in sciences, humanities, arts, or even professional tracks).
4. Stockton University (Galloway Township, NJ)
Stockton University is a public school in southern New Jersey that combines liberal-arts, sciences, and professional education with more affordable price points, making it a practical option for many.
It offers a broad set of programs (liberal arts, sciences, humanities, professional tracks) and aims to serve a diverse student body. While maybe not as “small-college vibe” as Drew or Ramapo, Stockton can work especially well if you want a balanced program where you might combine arts, humanities or sciences with practicality and affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there many true liberal arts colleges in New Jersey?
No, New Jersey doesn’t have a long list of traditional liberal-arts colleges. Schools like Drew and Ramapo follow the classic model, while others, such as TCNJ and Stockton, mix liberal-arts foundations with broader university programs.
2. What kind of student usually thrives at a liberal-arts school?
Students who enjoy smaller classes, open discussions, flexible learning paths, and closer relationships with lecturers tend to do well. It’s also great if you want to explore your interests before locking into a career direction.
3. Are liberal-arts colleges in New Jersey expensive?
Private ones like Drew can be pricey, but they also offer scholarships and grants. Ramapo, TCNJ, and Stockton are public schools, so they’re generally more budget-friendly, especially for in-state students.
4. Do liberal-arts graduates get good job opportunities?
Yes. Employers value strong writing, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Many students move into fields like business, education, public policy, media, healthcare pathways, and even tech after additional training.
5. Can I study science or pre-professional courses at a liberal-arts college?
Absolutely. Schools like TCNJ and Stockton offer strong science, nursing-related, and pre-professional paths. Even Drew has solid science programs and partnerships that help students access internships and grad-school opportunities.
6. Will the class sizes really be smaller?
Generally yes. Schools like Drew and Ramapo keep class sizes small enough for lecturers to know their students. TCNJ and Stockton are slightly larger, but most introductory and major courses still stay manageable.
7. Do these colleges offer internships and real-world experience?
Yes. Most of them partner with organisations around New Jersey and New York. Students in humanities, sciences, business, education and social sciences get access to internships, research, and study-abroad options.
8. How competitive is admission into these schools?
It depends on the school. TCNJ is fairly selective, Drew and Ramapo sit in the moderate range, and Stockton is more accessible. Strong grades, a clear application, and good recommendations always help.
9. Should I choose a liberal-arts college if I’m not sure about my major yet?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages is the freedom to explore different fields in your first year or two. These colleges are built to help you figure out your strengths before you commit.
10. Are campus communities at these schools active?
Most of them offer a close-knit environment with clubs, student activities, community service and leadership groups. It’s easier to feel seen and involved compared to large universities.