New Jersey doesn’t get enough credit as a destination for higher education. A new ranking from U.S. News & World Report makes the case.
The publication’s 2026-2027 Best Global Universities ranking evaluated more than 2,250 schools across 100 nations, measuring academic research output and scholarly reputation. Seven New Jersey schools made the cut—and the state’s top institution is climbing.
Princeton University ranks No. 14 globally, up from No. 16 last year—meaning it’s one of top 15 universities on the planet.
Here’s the full New Jersey contingent:
- Princeton University – No. 14
- Rutgers University–New Brunswick – No. 155
- Rutgers University–Newark – No. 688
- New Jersey Institute of Technology – No. 1,070
- Stevens Institute of Technology – No. 1,158
- Montclair State University – No. 1,607
- Rowan University – No. 1,734
Rowan University was the state’s biggest mover, jumping nearly 150 spots in a single year, according to NJ.com. Most other NJ schools held steady or slipped slightly. To qualify for the ranking, universities must have published at least 1,250 research papers between 2020 and 2024.
New Jersey’s educational excellence isn’t just known to Garden State natives, or even just to Americans—the state continues to draw international students at a significant rate. International students typically pay full out-of-state tuition, playing a key role in university finances and domestic scholarship funding.
With New Jersey universities climbing the rankings yet again, the state continues its rise as one of the top education destinations not just in the nation—but the world.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.