The College of New Jersey has so much going for it, recognized by USNWR as #1 overall in Northeast regional publics (2025) for its great retention and graduation rates and its focus on undergraduate teaching. But only 6% of its undergraduates come from outside New Jersey, even though they’ve lowered out-of-state tuition to within $6000 of in-state tuition. C’mon, Maryland, New York, Connecticut, Virginia! This is like a private school!

Faculty notice if you miss class

At TCNJ’s Counselor Day on November 15, 2024, admissions showcased some of the school’s strengths. I was struck most by the university’s commitment to making sure no one gets lost. Faculty notice if you miss classes. There’s extensive support for mental health, especially for students in recovery from substance abuse or from families with a history of abuse. Three times a week, these students can meet with peers and a certified recovery specialist. “Pain shared is lessened; joy shared is amplified,” said the specialist.

Many colleges have recovery programs, but these are rarely mentioned beyond a flier announcing it exists. At TCNJ, it’s a fully staffed and vibrant program.

14 residence halls

When you move into TCNJ, the football team unloads your car and carries your stuff to your room! It’s a symbol of the level of support you get from Day 1.

One residence hall is designated for substance-free living. The website does a good job of explaining the various options for freshmen: Freshman Year Experience | Residential Education and Housing. 

How does TCNJ read applications?

First, they read your transcript, looking at it in the context of the high school. They do not recalculate GPAs but rather consider your grades and the rigor of your coursework.

Second, they look at your activities both inside and outside of school; leadership and service make a good impression.

Third, they track demonstrated interest, or engagement with TCNJ, closely.

Fourth, they read your two or three letters of recommendation. If submitting a third recommendation, make it from a boss, coach, or adviser. The first should be from a teacher, the second from your counselor. The teacher doesn’t have to be one who gave you all A’s. If you worked hard and the teacher can talk about how you stretched yourself and took on challenges, that can be useful.

Fifth, they consider the personal statement you write for the Common App of Coalition App. But even more important to TCNJ is how you answer the Why TCNJ? short answer question.

Finally, the admissions readers consider your fit to the primary major you listed and if necessary, the secondary major.