New Jersey Institute of Technology, in the heart of Newark, is known as a launchpad for future engineers and architects. The roughly 9,500 undergrads who make up the diverse student body at NJIT primarily attend for the stellar technical education rather than the social scene or campus atmosphere.
Most classes are small (particularly for a public university) and academics are focused on skills training for future careers. The most popular of its roughly 50 undergraduate degrees are engineering, computer and information sciences, and business, and NJIT’s architecture program is a standout. Students post early-career earnings of about $84,500, which Money finds is higher than schools that enroll similar students.
Many students commute, but those who choose to live on campus in one of six residence halls are able to join a tight-knit community of Highlanders. NJIT offers many opportunities to get involved on campus with its approximately 140 clubs, 19 NCAA Division I sports teams, and about 30 sororities and fraternities. Students can also take advantage of all Newark has to offer or make the relatively short trek into Manhattan for the ultimate urban adventure.