15 Military Friendly Colleges in New Jersey

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

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $3.31M

Rutgers University offers many resourced for veterans. There’s a veterans’ center for socializing. The Rutgers Veterans House is a place for veterans from across the university to connect. And, there’s an office to help process military education benefits. Military training can be used for credit. But, this option may not be available in some of the Rutgers professional schools.

Rutgers University – New Brunswick is part of the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers up to 105 undergrad students per year a max school annual contribution of $7,022. Up to 15 grad students could get up to $7,555.

The retention rate for full time students who got military benefits is 87%. And, the rate for part time students in 100%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,359
Grad: $6,644

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 398
Grad: 118

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 93%
Part Time: 100%

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

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $2M

Rowan University is home to a Military Services office. This helps military affiliated students transition to campus life. The Veteran Student Organization (VSO) is a student social group for military veterans. It promotes communication between student civilians and veterans.

At Rowan, retention rates for full time students in 89% and 40% for part time students.

Plus, Rowan offers a scholarship for veteran students and their dependents. This reduces tuition by 20%. The school may provide credit for military training.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $10,592
Grad: $7,721

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 176
Grad: 18

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 83%
Part Time: 55%

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

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $1.82M

Rutgers University Camden has a dedicated Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services. The OVMPS also provides Green Zone Military Cultural Competency Training across the University for faculty, staff and students as well as custom trainings for outside organizations.

Another welcoming feature is that the university set up a Veterans Council, has a Director of the Office of Veterans Affairs and three VA work study student veterans plus staff on campus who are aware of and ready to service veteran students throughout the campus. 

Apart from using benefits, there may be other financial aid in the form of scholarships specifically for veteran students. There is also a Veterans House which is a place to connect with peers.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $11,134
Grad: $16,378

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 98
Grad: 45

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 85%
Part Time: 75%

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

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $1.79M

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: $6,165
Grad: $8,524

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 165
Grad: 91

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 83%
Part Time: 25%

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

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $1.65M

Montclair University is home to an office of Veteran and Military Resources. This helps military affiliated students with the resources they need to succeed. And, the school has a Veteran to Veteran (V2V) Peer Mentorship Program. This helps new veterans adapt to the University.

Full time students at Montclair have an 81% retention rate. And, part time students have a 25% retention rate.

Montclair University may offer credit for military training. The University offers up to 8 undergrad and 2 grad students each year with an unlimited annual school contribution

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $11,492
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 144
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 80%
Part Time: 42%

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

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $1.13M

Farleigh Dickinson University offers on campus and online learning for undergraduates and graduate students. The school has long been supportive of military students since rallying around returning WWII veterans with relevant academic programs.

Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill^®, FDU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which ensures that a 100% GI Bill-eligible veteran can attend FDU at no charge (unlike many other schools, FDU has no cap on Yellow Ribbon awards). 

FDU also has veterans organizations, special events, fundraisers, and many other resources for military members and their families. The school tries to simplify VA benefits and assesses your military transcripts for college credit. Beyond these features, you could find counseling services, and staff that could serve as a resource for referrals for things like housing and other non-educational areas.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $12,809
Grad: $8,819

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 56
Grad: 47

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 73%
Part Time: 38%

7 Rider University
2083 Lawrenceville Rd | Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $1.02M

Rider University opened its doors to veterans and military service members in 1865. Civil War veterans formed most of Rider’s first class of students. The Veteran Affairs Office at Rider will help you apply for benefits. And, the Rider University Veterans Association may be a great way to build a network of fellow veterans.

Rider participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers awards to unlimited undergrad and grad students. Rider will contribute the full amount of the remaining 50% of all tuition and fees after the VA benefit is applied.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $25,593
Grad: $13,877

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 38
Grad: 4

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 77%
Part Time: 25%

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

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.99M

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: $11,350
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 88
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 72%
Part Time: 88%

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

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.97M

Pennco Tech is a career school that offers day and evening classes. Their programs are diverse, ranging from allied health/ medical assisting to a Mazda Automotive program, plumbing and other technical trainings.

As a military friendly school, Pennco Tech offers veteran financial aid packages for their trade school programs.The Bristol campus takes part in the Yellow Ribbon program as well.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $15,715
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 62
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 77%
Part Time: 59%

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

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.96M

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. The school also offers a stipend of up to $1,000 per year for books and supplies.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $18,110
Grad: $6,705

# of Students

Undergrad: 51
Grad: 6

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 60%
Part Time: 100%

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

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.96M

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: $7,352
Grad: $8,058

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 98
Grad: 30

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

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.87M

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

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.75M

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

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.69M

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

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.63M

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%