Best Colleges in New Jersey for Healthcare Degrees: The Top 10 Schools Shaping the State’s Future Medical Workforce in 2026
Best Colleges in New Jersey for Healthcare Degrees: The Top 10 Schools Shaping the State’s Future Medical Workforce in 2026
New Jersey has become one of the strongest healthcare education centers in the Northeast. With nationally ranked hospital systems, growing biomedical research infrastructure, and rising demand for nurses, medical professionals, and allied-health specialists, the state offers excellent opportunities for students pursuing careers in the health sciences. From large research universities to focused professional schools, New Jersey’s higher-education landscape provides rigorous training, strong advising support, and meaningful clinical placements.
This expanded guide highlights the top ten New Jersey colleges for earning a healthcare degree in 2026. Each institution was selected based on academic strength, program accreditation, faculty expertise, clinical partnerships, student outcomes, and the breadth of available healthcare majors. Together, these schools help shape the next generation of medical professionals across the state and beyond.
Rutgers University – New Brunswick
Rutgers New Brunswick stands as New Jersey’s flagship academic institution and a leading research powerhouse. Students pursuing healthcare careers benefit from access to majors in biomedical engineering, nursing, genetics, public health, biological sciences, and kinesiology. The campus is deeply connected to Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS), which provides research labs, faculty mentors, and exposure to cutting-edge medical advancements. Pre-med and pre-dental advising programs help students prepare competitive applications for professional schools. Clinical experiences are available through RWJBarnabas Health and other statewide partners.Rutgers University – Newark
Rutgers Newark is home to one of the strongest nursing programs in the region. Its School of Nursing offers pathways for traditional BSN, RN-to-BSN, and advanced practice nursing, with strong NCLEX pass rates and deep partnerships with hospitals in Newark and northern New Jersey. Rutgers Newark also offers degrees in public health and health sciences, preparing students for a broad range of clinical and community-health roles. The campus’s urban setting provides unmatched opportunities for hands-on clinical and service work.Rutgers University – Camden
Rutgers Camden provides high-quality healthcare education through its School of Nursing and College of Arts and Sciences. The nursing school offers programs for traditional undergraduates, career changers, and accelerated second-degree students. The campus’s access to Cooper University Health Care strengthens clinical placements, internships, and community-engagement opportunities. Students seeking pre-medical pathways can major in biology, chemistry, or health sciences with strong faculty support.Seton Hall University
Seton Hall’s Interprofessional Health Sciences (IHS) Campus is one of the most advanced in the state. Located in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, the IHS campus delivers cutting-edge programs in nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, athletic training, and health administration. Students benefit from professional simulation labs, interdisciplinary learning, and direct access to one of the region’s most expansive healthcare networks. Seton Hall is ideal for students seeking intensive clinical training and modern health-education technology.Montclair State University
Montclair State has expanded rapidly in healthcare education, offering majors in nursing, public health, nutrition, exercise science, and medical humanities. The School of Nursing emphasizes evidence-based practice and clinical readiness. Students conduct clinical rotations at leading New Jersey hospitals, gaining early and frequent patient-care experience. Montclair’s strong science departments and growing research footprint position it as a rising leader in health-education preparation.Rowan University
Rowan University has transformed into a major center for health sciences thanks to investments in biomedical education and its affiliation with the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM). Students gain access to enriching research, clinical shadowing, and health-career exploration opportunities. Rowan offers majors in biological sciences, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, public health, athletic training, and health promotion. Its interdisciplinary approach supports both clinical and research-oriented healthcare pathways.The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)
TCNJ stands out for its selective academic environment and high-performing nursing program. Students benefit from small classes, strong faculty mentorship, and clinical placements throughout central New Jersey. Its majors in biology, chemistry, psychology, and health and exercise science also prepare students for medical, dental, and allied-health graduate programs. TCNJ is especially appealing for students who want academic rigor combined with close-knit learning communities.Stockton University
Stockton University’s School of Health Sciences has become one of southern New Jersey’s strongest training grounds for nursing, public health, communication disorders, exercise science, and health science. The university offers modern simulation labs, community clinics, and hands-on learning environments. Stockton’s emphasis on population health and wellness makes it a strong choice for students interested in both clinical practice and community-focused healthcare careers.Kean University
Kean offers accessible and well-supported pathways into nursing, public health, health information management, and exercise science. Its growing health-science infrastructure and partnerships with New Jersey hospitals give students valuable clinical exposure. Kean’s supportive advising and flexible scheduling options benefit students balancing work, family, or part-time study commitments. It is an excellent option for students looking for a strong, affordable route into healthcare.Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU)
FDU prepares students for healthcare careers through majors in nursing, clinical laboratory sciences, biology, and public health. Small class sizes and individualized mentoring help students prepare for graduate programs or clinical roles. FDU’s partnerships with hospitals and community clinics create steady clinical placements. The university’s global focus also provides unique opportunities to study public health and clinical practice from international perspectives.
Choosing the Right New Jersey Healthcare Program
Students should consider their long-term goals when selecting a school:
• Direct clinical pathways like nursing or imaging require accredited programs with strong clinical placements.
• Pre-med and pre-dental students need strong science departments, research access, and advising support.
• Allied-health careers benefit from programs with simulation labs and partnerships with healthcare networks.
• Public health students should look for community engagement opportunities and strong statewide collaborations.
New Jersey’s top healthcare colleges offer these advantages and more, helping students build strong academic foundations and enter a rapidly growing industry with confidence and hands-on experience.
High Value Source Links
https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-health-professions/s/new-jersey/
https://www.rutgers.edu/academics/schools-and-colleges
https://nursing.camden.rutgers.edu/
https://nursing.newark.rutgers.edu/
https://www.shu.edu/interprofessional-health-sciences/
https://www.montclair.edu/nursing/
https://www.rowan.edu/academics/colleges/ahss/
https://nursing.tcnj.edu/
https://stockton.edu/health-sciences/
https://www.fdu.edu/academics/colleges-schools/chs/
