Updated November 7, 2026
The best college dorms in New Jersey for 2027 offer a mix of hall types, strong amenities, and a clear path from first-year housing to apartments. This list includes 25 schools, from small residential colleges like Drew and Saint Elizabeth to large universities like Rutgers, Rowan, and Montclair State.
This guide follows the University Magazine ranking list for New Jersey and uses the published University Magazine rankings methodology for institution-level context. Each section summarizes housing details from the school’s own pages so you can compare halls, room types, and requirements before you apply. For more state guides, browse our best dorm rankings and broader university rankings.
The Best College Dorms in New Jersey 2027
1. Ramapo College of New Jersey
Ramapo College of New Jersey in Mahwah offers a mix of halls and apartments. The Ramapo residences page lists Bischoff Hall, College Park Apartments, Laurel Hall, Mackin Hall, The Overlook, Pine Hall, and The Village, plus specialty housing options. Residents get air conditioning, high-speed internet, free laundry, cable television, lounges, a mailroom, and 24-hour Public Safety. A shuttle connects campus to local businesses, the train station, and malls, and residence halls are smoke-free with sprinkler systems.
2. Princeton University
Princeton University in Princeton houses undergraduates in a residential college system. Per the Princeton residential colleges page, the seven colleges are Butler, Forbes, Huo, Mathey, Rockefeller, Whitman, and Yeh, and first-years and sophomores must live and dine in a residential college. Each college has its own dining hall, a faculty head, a dean, an assistant dean, and a director of student life. Advising is based in the colleges, with faculty advisers, junior and senior college advisers, peer academic advisers, and resident graduate students.
3. Kean University
Kean University in Union operates seven residence halls for about 2,000 full-time students, according to the Kean residential life catalog entry. The Office of Residence Life, part of Student Affairs, runs on-campus housing. The catalog lists an academic center, a cardio room, wireless internet, in-hall security, and recreational and social spaces. Transfer students are directed to the New Upperclass Residence Hall, Bartlett, Burch, Sozio, and Rogers Halls, where most apartments are two-bedroom double-occupancy units.
4. William Paterson University of New Jersey
William Paterson University in Wayne has some of the clearest published housing categories in the state. The William Paterson residence life page lists High Mountain East and West as first-year suite-style halls, Skyline Hall as the newest hall for sophomores through seniors, and Hillside and Century Halls with singles and doubles.
Pioneer and Heritage Hall Apartments add furnished bedrooms, a living room, a dining area, and a full kitchen. Special options include Honors College housing, a substance-free wing in Century Hall, and gender-inclusive housing. All halls have 24/7 staffed security desks and free laundry.
5. Stockton University
Stockton University in Galloway guarantees housing for four years, according to its housing options page. Galloway options include The Courts two-bedroom apartments, Oak and Pine Halls (first-year halls around a courtyard), North Village Apartments, and the LEED-certified Talon Heights four-bedroom suites.
Transfer and upperclass students can live in Atlantic City at Parkview and Kesselman Halls, which are beachfront buildings with studios through six-bedroom suites, full kitchens, and ocean or park views. Free parking and laundry are listed.
6. Stevens Institute of Technology
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken has seven undergraduate residence halls with Hudson River and Manhattan views. The Stevens residence halls page lists the UCC University Towers, which house about 900 students in 19- and 21-floor towers, plus Castle Point, Davis, Humphreys, Jonas, and Palmer Halls.
Jonas is a first-year hall with traditional doubles and a few quads; River Terrace Suites house 2 to 7 residents with an in-suite living room; and 1036 Park Avenue offers shared kitchens and bathrooms with singles and triples.
7. Montclair State University
Montclair State University in Montclair offers ten halls on its main campus. The Montclair State residence halls page lists traditional, suite-style, and apartment-style living, with Bohn and Stone Halls for first-year students and Hawk Crossings and The Village Apartments for upperclass students.
Standard amenities include furnished rooms, Wi-Fi, laundry in or near the building, community lounges or study areas, student staff, and 24-hour front desk or on-call support. Bohn and Freeman are not air-conditioned, so check the hall before you rank it.
8. Fairleigh Dickinson University – Florham Campus
Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Florham Campus in Madison offers traditional, suite, and apartment-style housing. The Florham residence halls page lists the Twombly Halls with double rooms, The Village with nine suite-style buildings, Rutherford Hall with private bathrooms, and Park Avenue apartments for sophomores and above.
All halls have free in-building laundry, air conditioning, and floor programs. Twombly Lounge includes a 24-hour cardio room, and Park Avenue has a game room with a pool table. All buildings are smoke-free with card access and security cameras.
9. Bloomfield College of Montclair State University
Bloomfield College of Montclair State University in Bloomfield now lists its housing with Montclair State. The Montclair State residence halls page lists seven Bloomfield options: Clee Hall and Schweitzer Hall for first-year students; Franklin Street Residence Hall; 225 Liberty; and house-style options at 19 and 23 Austin Place. Franklin Street has full kitchens, a fitness center, and rooftop space, and Clee Hall has individual climate units.
10. New Jersey Institute of Technology
New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark houses about 2,000 students on campus. The NJIT residence halls page lists Redwood Hall, Cypress Hall with two-bedroom suites, Oak Hall, Laurel Hall, and Maple Hall, which has 548 upperclass residents in 176 apartments. Maple Hall has an outdoor terrace, outdoor kitchen, fire pits, and an esports lounge. All rooms come furnished, residents use electronic key cards, desk attendants are on duty 24 hours a day, and Public Safety patrols around the clock.
11. Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University in South Orange gives first-year students a single large home base. The Seton Hall residence halls page lists Boland Hall, which houses 702 students split between suite-style North Boland and single-gender South Boland, plus a basement lounge called The Pirate’s Cellar. Upperclass options include Aquinas Hall, The Complex (Serra, Neumann, and Cabrini), and Xavier Hall, the tallest building on campus. Turrell Manor is a living-learning community with a 3.0 GPA requirement, and Ora Manor is about two miles away with a free shuttle.
12. Rowan University
Rowan University in Glassboro spreads housing across central, south, and north campus. The Rowan residence halls page lists Mimosa, Evergreen, Mullica, Chestnut, Magnolia, Willow, and Holly Pointe Commons. Holly Pointe Commons has 1,415 beds and is next to Glassworks Eatery, an all-you-care-to-eat dining hall. Mimosa has a computer lab and sits near the Student Center and Recreation Center. Check Rowan housing for room types and live-on rules.
13. Fairleigh Dickinson University – Metropolitan Campus
Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Metropolitan Campus in Teaneck lists three residence areas in its residence life manual. University Court has townhouse-style buildings, The Lindens houses all new freshmen in suites of three double rooms, and Northpointe offers doubles with private bathrooms for about 300 residents. Special living options include Global Scholars Hall, Honors House, and a substance-free L.I.F.E. House. All residents need a meal plan. The manual is from 2020 to 2021, so confirm current details.
14. Rutgers University – Newark
Rutgers University-Newark houses students in downtown buildings. The Rutgers-Newark residence halls page lists Woodward Hall for first-year students in suites with three double bedrooms, and University Square Apartments with nearly 600 students in two-bedroom units with full kitchens. Talbott Apartments serve returning undergraduates, 48 New Street is home to the Honors Living Learning Community, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hall houses graduate students. Most buildings have seasonal central air conditioning and 24-hour laundry.
15. Monmouth University
Monmouth University in West Long Branch groups its traditional housing into Mullaney, Elmwood, Pinewood, and Hesse Halls. The Monmouth traditional halls page says they serve mainly first- and second-year students, with rooms opening onto a central hallway and a shared bathroom. Rooms are about 14 feet by 11 feet and include air conditioning, tiled floors, blinds, cable, and a shared microwave. Elmwood offers singles and doubles, while Hesse and Mullaney have doubles and triples. The page does not describe the apartments.
16. Felician University
Felician University in Rutherford, New Jersey, offers on-campus housing for more than 600 domestic and international students. Its student residences provide a safe, welcoming, and close-knit living environment that encourages academic success, personal growth, and community engagement. Located just 10 miles from New York City, the university gives students convenient access to shopping, dining, entertainment, and career opportunities. With a strong focus on student well-being, campus safety, and residential support, Felician University is a notable option for students exploring the best college dorms in New Jersey.
17. The College of New Jersey
The College of New Jersey in Ewing has 15 residential facilities for about 4,000 students. The TCNJ residential facilities page lists Allen, Brewster, Ely, Centennial, Cromwell, Norsworthy, Travers, and Wolfe Halls for first-year students. Rising students can choose Decker, Eickhoff, Hausdoerffer, Phelps, the New Residence Halls, or the East, South, and West Townhouses. The list also includes gender-inclusive housing and Lions House, a substance-free recovery option. First-year students must meet the first-year housing requirement.
18. New Jersey City University
Kean Jersey City, formerly New Jersey City University, offers students a comfortable and convenient on-campus living experience just 20 minutes from New York City. Students can choose between Vodra Hall, with traditional single and double rooms, study lounges, and shared residential spaces, and West Campus Village, with modern suite-style accommodations and private and shared bedroom options. Amenities include fitness facilities, community lounges, laundry services, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour security. With flexible housing options and easy access to campus activities, Kean Jersey City is a strong choice for students exploring the best college dorms in New Jersey.
19. Caldwell University
Caldwell University in Caldwell has three residence halls for about 600 students. The Caldwell residence halls page lists Mother Joseph Hall for about 350 students, Dominican Hall for about 200 with suites and four apartments, and Rosary Hall for about 80 with a service wing. Mother Joseph has a community kitchen on each floor, and two of its four bathrooms per floor are all-gender. Rosary Hall is quieter, with swipe access and two lounges per floor. Wi-Fi is available throughout, and residential fees include laundry.
20. Rutgers University – New Brunswick
Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers housing across four campuses. The Rutgers New Brunswick housing page describes Busch with first-year halls, suites, and apartments; College Avenue next to downtown and the NJ Transit station; Cook/Douglass with wooded grounds; and Livingston with a large first-year population. Douglass Residential College offers single-gender halls and apartments for women, and the newly opened Honors College Building is on College Avenue. Estimated on-campus room and board is $15,000 to $16,000.
21. Rutgers University – Camden
Rutgers University-Camden offers three furnished buildings. The Rutgers-Camden residence halls page lists 330 Cooper, a 12-story building with three- and four-bedroom apartments; Camden Apartments, with four-bedroom apartments; and Camden Tower, a ten-story building with three-bedroom suites. Camden Tower has views of the Delaware River, the Ben Franklin Bridge, and the Philadelphia skyline, and a lounge with a pool table and game room. 330 Cooper has individual climate controls in each bedroom and kitchens with dishwashers.
22. Centenary University
Centenary University in Hackettstown has eight residence halls that house more than 700 students. The Centenary housing page lists Anderson, Lotte, Reeves, Smith, Van Winkle, and Washabaugh Halls, plus apartment-style Bennett-Smith and Founders Halls for upperclass students. Washabaugh has walk-in closets, built-in desks, and a central garden atrium. Reeves and Smith use single-use bathroom pods. Several halls have no air conditioning, so check each hall before ranking it. Laundry is free, and all halls are smoke-free.
23. Georgian Court University
Georgian Court University in Lakewood has four residence halls. The Georgian Court housing page lists Maria Hall for first-year students (capacity: 219), St. Joseph Hall with doubles and communal bathrooms, St. Catherine Hall, the newest hall, with singles and suites, and Mercy Hall for the Honors Program. All beds are twin XL. Residents may bring a mini-fridge under 4.4 cubic feet, and common kitchens have microwaves. All resident students need a meal plan, and Hall Directors are on call 24/7.
24. Saint Elizabeth University
Saint Elizabeth University in Morristown has two residence halls for full-time undergraduates. The Saint Elizabeth residence halls page lists Founders Hall, built in 1966 and housing about 160 students, and O’Connor Hall, built in 1926 and housing about 210 students. Both have wireless internet, parking, and free laundry, with kitchens on each floor. O’Connor has a 24-hour quiet study lounge and a formal parlor with a baby grand piano. The public pages do not describe room types.
25. Drew University
Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, offers a variety of on-campus housing options designed to provide students with a comfortable and engaging residential experience. Popular residence halls include Hoyt-Bowne, Asbury, McLendon, McClintock, Foster, Hurst, Holloway, and Tolley Hall. Students can also explore special interest housing, including themed communities and specialized residential floors. With a welcoming campus atmosphere, diverse housing choices, and opportunities to build lasting friendships, Drew University is an appealing option for students searching for the best college dorms in New Jersey. Drew residence halls page
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best college dorms in New Jersey for 2027?
Ramapo College, Princeton University, and Kean University lead this University Magazine list for 2027, followed by William Paterson, Stockton, and Stevens. The list ranks all 25 schools below, with housing details from official sources.
Which New Jersey colleges require students to live on campus?
Princeton requires first-years and sophomores to live and dine in a residential college. The College of New Jersey requires first-year students to live in a residential college, and Georgian Court and Fairleigh Dickinson Metropolitan require resident students to have a meal plan.
Which New Jersey school guarantees four years of housing?
Stockton University guarantees four years of housing, with options in Galloway and Atlantic City.
Which New Jersey dorms have the best views?
Stevens lists Hudson River and Manhattan skyline views from its University Towers, and Rutgers-Camden lists Delaware River and Philadelphia skyline views from Camden Tower.
What changed at New Jersey City University?
New Jersey City University merged with Kean University, and a July 2026 report said the merger was finalized, creating the Kean Jersey City campus. Confirm current housing details before applying.
Top 25 Best College Dorms in New Jersey 2027
- Ramapo College of New Jersey
- Princeton University
- Kean University
- William Paterson University of New Jersey
- Stockton University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- Montclair State University
- Fairleigh Dickinson University – Florham Campus
- Bloomfield College of Montclair State University
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Seton Hall University
- Rowan University
- Fairleigh Dickinson University – Metropolitan Campus
- Rutgers University – Newark
- Monmouth University
- Felician University
- The College of New Jersey
- New Jersey City University
- Caldwell University
- Rutgers University – New Brunswick
- Rutgers University – Camden
- Centenary University
- Georgian Court University
- Saint Elizabeth University
- Drew University
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