15 Military Friendly Colleges in New Jersey

1 Rutgers University – New Brunswick
83 Somerset St | New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Rutgers University provides numerous resources for veterans, including a dedicated veterans’ center for social interaction and the Rutgers Veterans House, fostering connections among veterans university-wide. Additionally, an office assists in processing military education benefits, although using military training for credit might not be feasible in certain Rutgers professional schools.

As part of the Yellow Ribbon Program, Rutgers University – New Brunswick extends support to approximately 105 undergraduates annually, offering a maximum school annual contribution of $7,022 per student. Additionally, up to 15 graduate students could receive a maximum of $7,555.

The retention rate for full-time students receiving military benefits stands at 87%, while part-time students have a retention rate of 100%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,904
Grad: $6,693

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 332
Grad: 117

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 87%
Part Time: 100%

2 Rowan University
201 Mullica Hill Rd | Glassboro, NJ 08028

Rowan University houses a dedicated Military Services office, aiding military-affiliated students in transitioning to campus life. The Veteran Student Organization (VSO) fosters camaraderie among military veterans and student civilians, promoting communication and understanding.

The university boasts a retention rate of 89% for full-time students and 40% for part-time students. Additionally, Rowan offers a 20% tuition reduction scholarship for veteran students and their dependents, along with the possibility of earning credit for military training.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $5,932
Grad: $8,518

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 297
Grad: 31

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 89%
Part Time: 40%

3Rutgers University – Camden
406 Penn, Camden, New Jersey 08102

At Rutgers University Camden, the Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services (OVMPS) plays a crucial role. Not only does it offer Green Zone Military Cultural Competency Training across the university, but it also conducts tailored trainings for external organizations, benefiting faculty, staff, and students alike.

The university fosters a supportive environment through its Veterans Council, overseen by the Director of the Office of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, the campus accommodates three VA work-study student veterans and knowledgeable staff dedicated to serving veteran students across all areas.

Beyond utilizing benefits, Rutgers Camden offers scholarships designed explicitly for veteran students. The Veterans House provides a dedicated space for veterans to connect with their peers, enhancing their sense of community on campus.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,642
Grad: $11,129

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 162
Grad: 68

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 67%
Part Time: 100%

4Rutgers University – Newark
249 University Avenue, Blumenthal Hall, Newark, New Jersey 07102

Rutgers University offer undergraduate, graduate and professional studies in the arts and humanities, life and physical sciences, business, social sciences, law, public affairs and criminal justice. The school welcomes current and prospective students who are veterans and Reservists. There are regular events on campus as well as a Student Veterans Organization. Dedicated staff is also on hand to answer questions and help you with enrollment, benefits and other questions.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,552
Grad: $10,163

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 170
Grad: 73

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 89%
Part Time: 100%

5 Montclair State University
1 Normal Ave | Montclair, NJ 07043

Montclair University houses an Office of Veteran and Military Resources, dedicated to supporting military-affiliated students in their academic journey. Additionally, the Veteran to Veteran (V2V) Peer Mentorship Program assists newcomers in transitioning smoothly into university life.

The retention rates at Montclair University stand at 81% for full-time students and 25% for part-time students. Moreover, the university potentially grants credit for military training. Annually, Montclair offers an unlimited annual school contribution to up to 8 undergraduate and 2 graduate students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $10,434
Grad: $10,910

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 156
Grad: 27

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 81%
Part Time: 25%

6Fairleigh Dickinson University – Metropolitan Campus
1000 River Rd, Teaneck, New Jersey 07666

Farleigh Dickinson University provides both on-campus and online learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. The institution has a history of supporting military students, dating back to its dedication to returning WWII veterans with tailored academic programs.

Through the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, FDU actively participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, ensuring that eligible veterans under the GI Bill can attend FDU at no cost. Unlike many other institutions, FDU doesn’t impose a cap on Yellow Ribbon awards.

Additionally, FDU offers veterans organizations, various events, fundraisers, and an array of resources designed for military members and their families. The university simplifies the process of accessing VA benefits and evaluates military transcripts to grant college credits. Beyond these provisions, FDU provides counseling services and staff support for referrals related to non-educational needs like housing.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $25,590
Grad: $7,671

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 27
Grad: 37

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 89%
Part Time: 100%

7 Rider University
2083 Lawrenceville Rd | Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Rider University has a long history of welcoming veterans and military service members, dating back to 1865 when most of Rider’s first class consisted of Civil War veterans. The Veteran Affairs Office at Rider is dedicated to assisting you in applying for benefits, and the Rider University Veterans Association provides an excellent opportunity to establish a network with fellow veterans.

Participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Rider extends awards to an unlimited number of undergraduate and graduate students. The university commits to covering the full remaining 50% of all tuition and fees after the application of VA benefits.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $26,985
Grad: $26,633

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 34
Grad: 5

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 100%
Part Time: 100%

8Lincoln Technical Institute – Union
2299 Vauxhall Rd, Union, New Jersey 07083

Lincoln Tech offers several program areas including in HVAC, Auto, Spa and Cosmetology, Electrical and Electronics. From dedicated military student support teams to scholarships for veterans, the school is there to welcome you. It was actually set up in 1946 to be a resource for returning veterans from World War II. Needless to say, you could contact the school to help you access and use your education benefits, guide you through enrollment and more.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $12,072
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 110
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 80%
Part Time: 100%

9Pennco Tech – Blackwood
99 Erial Road, Blackwood, New Jersey 08012

Pennco Tech, a career school, provides both day and evening classes encompassing diverse programs from allied health/medical assisting to technical trainings such as the Mazda Automotive program and plumbing.

Recognized as military-friendly, Pennco Tech extends veteran financial aid packages for their trade school programs. Additionally, the Bristol campus actively participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $14,862
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 48
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 86%
Part Time: 100%

10 Berkeley College-Woodland Park
44 Rifle Camp Rd | Woodland Park, NJ 07424

Berkeley College has a long tradition of commitment to veterans and military students. The school is listed as a Principles of Excellence institution with the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs. And, the college is home to the Office of Military and Veteran Affairs. This helps students adjust to civilian and professional life.

Another potential benefit? The College may offer credit for military training and experience. Retention rates for those with military education benefits are 83% for full time students and 100% for part time students.

Berkeley offers the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship to all eligible recipients. This covers 100% of undergrad tuition and fees not covered by federal and state grants.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $16,630
Grad: $11,821

# of Students

Undergrad: 44
Grad: 5

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 83%
Part Time: 100%

11 New Jersey Institute of Technology
University Heights | Newark, NJ 07102

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers 7 students per year an unlimited tuition benefit. And, the Institute may offer credit for military training and experience. NJIT has a 100% retention rate for full time students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $5,926
Grad: $17,422

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 109
Grad: 23

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 88%
Part Time: 55%

12 Rowan College at Burlington County
900 College Circle, Mount Laurel, New Jersey 08054-1599

RCBC offers a variety of program paths that may allow you to easily transfer to continue your education or prepare you for to pursue a career right after graduation. Graduates also refer to the school’s inclusive atmosphere.

The RCBC Military Education & Veteran Services was set up in 1973 to provide assistance to the veteran population. While they emphasize education benefits, the office provides information and help to student veterans and community residents for any benefits available from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $2,295
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 382
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 65%
Part Time: 40%

13 William Paterson University of New Jersey
300 Pompton Rd | Wayne, NJ 07470

William Paterson is a military friendly college in New Jersey. The University’s Office of Veterans Affairs helps to provide a strong sense of community for veteran and military students. Veterans may qualify for credit for military training and experience. The retention rate for full time students is 72%.

The University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers 10 undergrad and 10 grad students an unlimited school contribution each year.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $9,887
Grad: $11,339

# of Students

Undergrad: 69
Grad: 6

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 69%
Part Time: 33%

14 Kean University
1000 Morris Ave | Union, NJ 07083

Kean University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Each year, the school offers 25 students a max school contribution per year of $4,000.

The Office of Veterans’ Student Services has transition services for veterans, service members, and dependents. And, Kean may offer credit for military training and experience. Retention rates for students receiving military education benefits are 80% for full time and 100% for part time attendees.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,298
Grad: $8,757

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 102
Grad: 6

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 74%
Part Time: 24%

15 Lincoln Technical Institute – Mahwah
70 McKee Dr, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430

Lincoln Tech’s Mahwah campus is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Here, you could pursue studies in automotive tech, HVAC, welding, machining and manufacturing.

The school has a history of welcoming veteran students since first doing so with returning WWII military personnel. You could expect dedicated military student support teams as well as potential scholarships for veterans. The school staff is also there to help you understand and use education benefits.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $9,956
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 64
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 78%
Part Time: 69%