Choosing the right graduate school often comes down to one key question: Is it funded? In New Jersey, several universities provide full or substantial funding through assistantships, fellowships, tuition waivers, and stipends. Below are some of the most reliable options for fully funded Master’s and PhD programs in the state.

1) Princeton University
Princeton University guarantees full funding for all PhD students during their regular enrollment. This includes tuition, a generous stipend, and health coverage. Many of its programs in engineering, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences are fully supported for up to five years. Additionally, the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs fully funds all admitted Master’s students, covering tuition and living expenses.

2) Rutgers University
As the largest public university in New Jersey, Rutgers offers strong funding for graduate students across its campuses in New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden. Most full-time PhD students receive full tuition remission, a stipend, and health insurance through teaching or research assistantships. Several Master’s programs also provide partial or full assistantships depending on department needs.

3) New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
NJIT provides graduate assistantships that cover tuition and include stipends for teaching or research work. Most doctoral programs are fully funded, and exceptional Master’s students in engineering, computer science, and mathematics may also receive funding based on academic merit and research engagement.

4) Montclair State University
Montclair State University offers competitive graduate assistantships that include tuition remission for up to 24 credits per year plus a stipend. These assistantships are available for both Master’s and doctoral students in education, the sciences, and the arts.

5) New Jersey City University (NJCU)
NJCU offers graduate assistantships with tuition waivers and monthly stipends. The university also awards graduate scholarships that reduce or eliminate tuition costs for high-performing students in programs such as business, education, and the arts.

6) Rowan University
Rowan University has expanded its research profile and offers guaranteed funding in several programs. The Clinical Psychology PhD program provides four years of full support through teaching assistantships, while Biomedical Sciences PhD students receive stipends, tuition remission, and health insurance. Engineering and education doctoral students often receive similar packages through research funding and departmental assistantships.

7) The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)
TCNJ provides graduate assistantships with significant tuition waivers for students who work in teaching or research roles. The Master of Public Health program, for example, offers tuition support for 15 hours of work per week, making it an affordable choice for public health professionals.

8) Stevens Institute of Technology
Stevens Institute offers numerous funding opportunities for graduate students, especially in STEM programs. PhD students typically receive full tuition coverage and stipends through research or teaching assistantships, while selected Master’s students may qualify for partial tuition waivers and merit-based fellowships.

9) Seton Hall University
Seton Hall supports many of its graduate students through assistantships, fellowships, and tuition scholarships. Doctoral students in psychology, education, and diplomacy frequently receive multi-year funding packages that cover tuition and provide a stipend for teaching or research work.

10) Fairleigh Dickinson University
While not all programs are fully funded, many departments at Fairleigh Dickinson offer graduate assistantships that cover tuition in exchange for 20 hours of work per week. Some PhD programs in clinical psychology and engineering provide full support for top applicants.

11) Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS):
As part of the Rutgers system, RBHS offers fully funded PhD programs in biomedical sciences, neuroscience, and public health. Doctoral students receive tuition waivers, stipends, and health insurance for the duration of their studies.

12) Saint Peter’s University
Saint Peter’s University provides assistantship positions that offer tuition reductions and stipends. Students in business analytics, data science, and education are encouraged to apply early for funding consideration.

13) Drew University
Drew’s Caspersen School of Graduate Studies offers scholarships and teaching assistantships for both Master’s and PhD students in humanities, theology, and the social sciences. Many doctoral students receive multi-year tuition remission and living stipends.

14) Kean University
Kean provides graduate assistantships that include partial or full tuition remission and stipends. Students pursuing advanced degrees in education, public administration, and science fields can secure funding based on academic performance and department needs.

15) Stockton University
Stockton’s growing graduate programs include opportunities for teaching and research assistantships. Many positions cover tuition for graduate students in environmental science, data analytics, and education.

16) Caldwell University
Caldwell University offers graduate assistantships that include tuition waivers and stipends. Students in psychology, business, and counseling often benefit from these positions while gaining professional experience.

17) Ramapo College of New Jersey
Ramapo College provides limited but valuable funding opportunities for graduate students through assistantships and scholarships. Students in nursing, education, and sustainability programs can apply for these awards upon admission.

18) Rider University
Graduate students at Rider can apply for assistantships that cover a significant portion of tuition costs. Several doctoral and Master’s programs in counseling, communication, and business offer research-based funding.

19) Felician University
Felician offers assistantships and tuition discounts for graduate students in nursing, business, and education. Students often receive partial to full tuition coverage based on merit and professional experience.

20) Monmouth University
Monmouth University provides graduate assistantships that include tuition waivers and stipends for 20 hours of work weekly. These opportunities are open to both domestic and international students in programs like communication, computer science, and social work.