Photo: Quintin Soloviev · CC BY 4.0
Colleges in and near Elizabeth
Kean University is 2.2 miles from Elizabeth
No college sits inside Elizabeth’s boundary, but Kean University’s campus in Union, with 11,988 students on campus, is 2.2 miles from the center of town, and Essex County College is 5 miles away in Newark. About 5% of Elizabeth’s residents are enrolled in college, below New Jersey (6%).
From the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard, June 2026; IPEDS fall 2023 enrollment) and the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, 2020–24. Straight-line distances from the center of Elizabeth. Colleges are described, not graded.
Within 15 miles
97
388,268 students on campus
Nearest college
2.2 mi
Kean University
Residents in college
5%
Below NJ (6%)
Nearest community college
5 mi
Essex County College · $5,415 tuition
Nearest public university
2.2 mi
Kean University · $14,299 in-state
Median household income
$67K
prices below start here
What stands out about college from Elizabeth
Facts about the town and its distance to campus; each college’s own figures follow.
Three colleges within 5 milesKean University admits 76% of applicants; College of Staten Island CUNY admits 92%. Together they have 27,593 students on campus.In-state price at Kean UniversityLiving in New Jersey, Kean University charges $14,299 in tuition and fees; from out of state, $22,446. State residency rules decide which a new arrival pays.A community college 5 miles awayEssex County College in Newark: tuition and fees $5,415 a year for New Jersey residents.Students are 5% of residentsBelow New Jersey (6%). The Census counts anyone enrolled, including part-time and online students.
Every college
Colleges within 15 miles of Elizabeth
71 private colleges within 14.8 miles, 18 public colleges within 14.2 miles, and 13 community colleges.
University or collegeCommunity college
Kean UniversityUniversity or college · Public · 11,988 on campus · 2.2 mi · Union76%admitted$12knet price47%graduate$57kearningsSt Paul's School of Nursing-Staten IslandUniversity or college · For-profit · 661 on campus · 4.3 mi · Staten Island, NY$36knet price46%graduate$87kearningsCollege of Staten Island CUNYUniversity or college · Public · 9,715 on campus · 5 mi · Staten Island, NY92%admitted$6knet price34%graduate$54kearningsEssex County CollegeCommunity college · Public · 5,890 on campus · 5 mi · Newark$4knet price20%graduate$37kearningsTuition and fees: $5,415 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.Rutgers University-NewarkUniversity or college · Public · 9,695 on campus · 5.1 mi · Newark71%admitted$20knet price64%graduate$74kearningsEarnings are reported for all 3 campuses that file with it.Pillar CollegeUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 549 on campus · 5.1 mi · Newark$8knet price38%graduate$46kearningsNew Jersey Institute of TechnologyUniversity or college · Public · 12,314 on campus · 5.3 mi · Newark65%admitted$17knet price73%graduate$84kearningsSeton Hall UniversityUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 8,564 on campus · 5.9 mi · South Orange73%admitted$31knet price69%graduate$70kearningsNew Jersey City UniversityUniversity or college · Public · 4,151 on campus · 6.3 mi · Jersey City98%admitted$16knet price34%graduate$53kearningsWagner CollegeUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 1,932 on campus · 6.3 mi · Staten Island, NY88%admitted$28knet price65%graduate$74kearningsUCNJ Union College of Union County, New JerseyCommunity college · Public · 6,539 on campus · 6.6 mi · Cranford$8knet price35%graduate$42kearningsTuition and fees: $5,280 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.Saint Peter's UniversityUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 2,905 on campus · 7.6 mi · Jersey City90%admitted$12knet price58%graduate$58kearningsHudson County Community CollegeCommunity college · Public · 5,008 on campus · 8.1 mi · Jersey City$7knet price26%graduate$34kearningsTuition and fees: $5,384 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.Eastern International College-Jersey CityUniversity or college · For-profit · 474 on campus · 8.4 mi · Jersey City70%admitted$21knet price34%graduate$35kearningsBloomfield College of Montclair State UniversityUniversity or college · Public · 851 on campus · 8.9 mi · Bloomfield70%admitted$28knet price38%graduate$61kearningsEarnings are reported for all 2 campuses that file with it.Mildred Elley-New York CampusUniversity or college · For-profit · 1,004 on campus · 9.8 mi · New York, NY$25knet price32%graduate$39kearningsEarnings are reported for all 3 campuses that file with it.Metropolitan College of New YorkUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 161 on campus · 9.8 mi · New York, NY · mostly online90%admitted$29knet price40%graduate$46kearnings76% of its students study only online; price, graduation and earnings count them too.Yeshiva of KashoUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 174 on campus · 10.1 mi · Brooklyn, NY$9knet price11%graduateCUNY Borough of Manhattan Community CollegeCommunity college · Public · 14,993 on campus · 10.2 mi · New York, NY$5knet price25%graduate$42kearningsTuition and fees: $5,170 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.Pacific College of Health and ScienceUniversity or college · For-profit · 481 on campus · 10.2 mi · New York, NY$57knet price56%graduate$26kearningsEarnings are reported for all 3 campuses that file with it.Stevens Institute of TechnologyUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 7,939 on campus · 10.3 mi · Hoboken48%admitted$41knet price87%graduate$109kearningsEastwick College-NutleyUniversity or college · For-profit · 456 on campus · 10.3 mi · Nutley$17knet price57%graduate$43kearningsPace UniversityUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 12,977 on campus · 10.4 mi · New York, NY76%admitted$31knet price60%graduate$70kearningsNew York Law SchoolUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 1,055 on campus · 10.4 mi · New York, NYGraduate students only; the Scorecard reports no undergraduate figures.New York Academy of ArtUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 116 on campus · 10.5 mi · New York, NYGraduate students only; the Scorecard reports no undergraduate figures.Talmudical Seminary of BobovUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 515 on campus · 10.6 mi · Brooklyn, NY98%admitted$3knet price39%graduate$22kearningsYeshiva Kollel Tifereth ElizerUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 373 on campus · 10.7 mi · Brooklyn, NY74%admitted80%graduateBrooklyn Law SchoolUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 1,174 on campus · 10.8 mi · Brooklyn, NYGraduate students only; the Scorecard reports no undergraduate figures.Yeshiva of Machzikai HadasUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 461 on campus · 10.8 mi · Brooklyn, NY70%admitted$23knet price74%graduateCongregation Talmidei Mesivta Tiferes Shmiel AleksanderUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 169 on campus · 10.8 mi · Brooklyn, NY$13knet price26%graduateBnos Zion Of Bobov SeminaryCommunity college · Private nonprofit · 142 on campus · 10.8 mi · Brooklyn, NY88%admitted$15knet price79%graduateTuition and fees: $10,250 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.Yeshiva Gedolah Imrei Yosef D'spinkaUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 232 on campus · 10.9 mi · Brooklyn, NY$6knet price22%graduate$37kearningsYeshivas Sanz KlauzenburgUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 107 on campus · 10.9 mi · Brooklyn, NY$10knet price31%graduateCUNY New York City College of TechnologyUniversity or college · Public · 12,661 on campus · 11 mi · Brooklyn, NY80%admitted$5knet price21%graduate$49kearningsSt. Francis CollegeUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 1,304 on campus · 11 mi · Brooklyn, NY · mostly online$18knet price55%graduate$58kearnings63% of its students study only online; price, graduation and earnings count them too.Seminar L'moros Bais YaakovCommunity college · Private nonprofit · 371 on campus · 11.1 mi · Brooklyn, NY84%admitted$24knet price54%graduate$24kearningsTuition and fees: $12,500 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.Yeshivas NovominskUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 163 on campus · 11.1 mi · Brooklyn, NY90%admitted$7knet price81%graduateMachzikei Hadath Rabbinical CollegeUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 129 on campus · 11.1 mi · Brooklyn, NY100%admitted$17knet price33%graduate$42kearningsNew York UniversityUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 53,873 on campus · 11.2 mi · New York, NY9%admitted$37knet price88%graduate$83kearningsAMG School of NursingUniversity or college · For-profit · 570 on campus · 11.2 mi · Brooklyn, NY$35knet price79%graduateRabbinical College Bobover Yeshiva Bnei ZionUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 511 on campus · 11.2 mi · Brooklyn, NY$9knet price83%graduate$21kearningsThe New SchoolUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 9,218 on campus · 11.3 mi · New York, NY63%admitted$59knet price69%graduate$53kearningsHebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of ReligionUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 191 on campus · 11.3 mi · New York, NYGraduate students only; the Scorecard reports no undergraduate figures.The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and ArtUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 983 on campus · 11.4 mi · New York, NY21%admitted$13knet price81%graduate$84kearningsYeshiva Karlin StolinUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 166 on campus · 11.4 mi · Brooklyn, NY$6knet price23%graduateYeshiva Derech ChaimUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 152 on campus · 11.4 mi · Brooklyn, NY88%admitted$12knet price80%graduateNew York SeminaryCommunity college · Private nonprofit · 120 on campus · 11.6 mi · Brooklyn, NY76%admitted$15knet price94%graduateTuition and fees: $12,750 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.Swedish Institute a College of Health SciencesUniversity or college · For-profit · 1,160 on campus · 11.7 mi · New York, NY$30knet price57%graduate$30kearningsHackensack Meridian School of MedicineUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 567 on campus · 11.7 mi · NutleyGraduate students only; the Scorecard reports no undergraduate figures.New York Conservatory for Dramatic ArtsUniversity or college · For-profit · 286 on campus · 11.7 mi · New York, NYFashion Institute of TechnologyUniversity or college · Public · 7,796 on campus · 11.8 mi · New York, NY60%admitted$19knet price81%graduate$63kearningsYeshiva Sholom ShachnaUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 118 on campus · 11.8 mi · Brooklyn, NY100%admitted$12knet price30%graduateSt. Joseph's University-New YorkUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 3,531 on campus · 11.9 mi · Brooklyn, NY72%admitted$19knet price69%graduate$64kearningsMesivta Torah Vodaath Rabbinical SeminaryUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 538 on campus · 11.9 mi · Brooklyn, NY80%admitted$5knet price50%graduateCUNY Bernard M Baruch CollegeUniversity or college · Public · 18,808 on campus · 12.1 mi · New York, NY48%admitted$3knet price72%graduate$76kearningsPratt Institute-MainUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 5,182 on campus · 12.1 mi · Brooklyn, NY73%admitted$53knet price74%graduate$54kearningsSchool of Visual ArtsUniversity or college · For-profit · 4,016 on campus · 12.1 mi · New York, NY93%admitted$58knet price76%graduate$46kearningsCaldwell UniversityUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 1,822 on campus · 12.2 mi · Caldwell71%admitted$25knet price57%graduate$54kearningsAmerican Academy of Dramatic Arts-New YorkCommunity college · Private nonprofit · 225 on campus · 12.2 mi · New York, NY92%admitted$56knet price96%graduate$27kearningsTuition and fees: $40,650 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.Earnings are reported for all 2 campuses that file with it.CUNY Graduate School and University CenterUniversity or college · Public · 4,811 on campus · 12.4 mi · New York, NY68%admitted$66kearningsCUNY Medgar Evers CollegeUniversity or college · Public · 3,260 on campus · 12.4 mi · Brooklyn, NY86%admitted$6knet price20%graduate$46kearningsBet Medrash Gadol Ateret TorahUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 108 on campus · 12.4 mi · Brooklyn, NY89%admitted$10knet price58%graduateTouro UniversityUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 8,219 on campus · 12.5 mi · New York, NY61%admitted$30knet price72%graduate$53kearningsCUNY Stella and Charles Guttman Community CollegeCommunity college · Public · 1,093 on campus · 12.5 mi · New York, NY$6knet price23%graduateTuition and fees: $5,194 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.Rabbinical Academy Mesivta Rabbi Chaim BerlinUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 276 on campus · 12.5 mi · Brooklyn, NY94%admitted$6knet price46%graduateYeshiva Yesoda Hatorah Vetz ChaimUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 205 on campus · 12.5 mi · Brooklyn, NY$12knet price43%graduateUnited Talmudical SeminaryUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 2,006 on campus · 12.6 mi · Brooklyn, NY$7knet price58%graduate$25kearningsSUNY College of OptometryUniversity or college · Public · 394 on campus · 12.6 mi · New York, NYGraduate students only; the Scorecard reports no undergraduate figures.Berkeley College-New YorkUniversity or college · For-profit · 691 on campus · 12.7 mi · New York, NY · mostly online$34knet price44%graduate$46kearnings64% of its students study only online; price, graduation and earnings count them too.Rabbinical College of Ohr Shimon YisroelUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 233 on campus · 12.7 mi · Brooklyn, NY$33knet price41%graduateMirrer Yeshiva Cent InstituteUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 121 on campus · 12.7 mi · Brooklyn, NY89%admitted$11knet price73%graduate$41kearningsLIM CollegeUniversity or college · For-profit · 929 on campus · 12.8 mi · New York, NY96%admitted$39knet price51%graduate$59kearningsAssociated Beth Rivkah SchoolsCommunity college · Private nonprofit · 289 on campus · 12.8 mi · Brooklyn, NY84%admitted$23knet price77%graduate$18kearningsTuition and fees: $11,200 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.CUNY John Jay College of Criminal JusticeUniversity or college · Public · 10,648 on campus · 12.9 mi · New York, NY57%admitted$3knet price56%graduate$56kearningsMandl School-The College of Allied HealthUniversity or college · For-profit · 465 on campus · 12.9 mi · New York, NY$36knet price48%graduate$39kearningsCUNY Brooklyn CollegeUniversity or college · Public · 12,285 on campus · 13 mi · Brooklyn, NY58%admitted$3knet price54%graduate$61kearningsSUNY Downstate Health Sciences UniversityUniversity or college · Public · 1,907 on campus · 13 mi · Brooklyn, NY$110kearningsAmerican Musical and Dramatic AcademyUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 1,500 on campus · 13 mi · New York, NY24%admitted$41knet price72%graduate$27kearningsTalmudical Seminary Oholei TorahUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 353 on campus · 13 mi · Brooklyn, NY77%admitted$11knet price22%graduate$39kearningsSotheby's Institute of Art-NYUniversity or college · For-profit · 168 on campus · 13.2 mi · New York, NYGraduate students only; the Scorecard reports no undergraduate figures.The Juilliard SchoolUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 914 on campus · 13.3 mi · New York, NY9%admitted$44knet price93%graduate$38kearningsMontclair State UniversityUniversity or college · Public · 20,428 on campus · 13.4 mi · Montclair88%admitted$16knet price65%graduate$61kearningsEarnings are reported for all 2 campuses that file with it.Central Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim LubavitzUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 918 on campus · 13.4 mi · Brooklyn, NY87%admitted$21knet price5%graduate$35kearningsDrew UniversityUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 2,160 on campus · 13.8 mi · Madison68%admitted$24knet price70%graduate$64kearningsCUNY Hunter CollegeUniversity or college · Public · 22,220 on campus · 13.9 mi · New York, NY54%admitted$3knet price57%graduate$63kearningsNew York School of Interior DesignUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 341 on campus · 14 mi · New York, NY63%admitted$45knet price69%graduate$48kearningsMarymount Manhattan CollegeUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 1,646 on campus · 14.1 mi · New York, NY83%admitted$37knet price49%graduate$49kearningsThe Rockefeller UniversityUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 286 on campus · 14.1 mi · New York, NYGraduate students only; the Scorecard reports no undergraduate figures.Weill Medical College of Cornell UniversityUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 1,386 on campus · 14.2 mi · New York, NY$104kearningsEarnings are reported for all 2 campuses that file with it.Graduate students only; the Scorecard reports no undergraduate figures.CUNY School of LawUniversity or college · Public · 677 on campus · 14.2 mi · Long Island City, NYGraduate students only; the Scorecard reports no undergraduate figures.Middlesex CollegeCommunity college · Public · 9,857 on campus · 14.4 mi · Edison$2knet price33%graduate$47kearningsTuition and fees: $4,764 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.CUNY LaGuardia Community CollegeCommunity college · Public · 12,931 on campus · 14.6 mi · Long Island City, NY$6knet price24%graduate$42kearningsTuition and fees: $5,218 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham CampusUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 2,671 on campus · 14.6 mi · Madison95%admitted$23knet price67%graduate$57kearningsEarnings are reported for all 2 campuses that file with it.American Institute of Medical Sciences & EducationUniversity or college · For-profit · 397 on campus · 14.7 mi · Piscataway88%graduate$40kearningsNew York School for Medical and Dental AssistantsUniversity or college · For-profit · 281 on campus · 14.7 mi · Long Island City, NY$20knet price65%graduate$39kearningsFelician UniversityUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · 2,040 on campus · 14.8 mi · Lodi$40knet price47%graduate$58kearningsCUNY Kingsborough Community CollegeCommunity college · Public · 10,928 on campus · 14.9 mi · Brooklyn, NY$6knet price28%graduate$43kearningsTuition and fees: $5,252 a year. The net price counts housing and food at full cost.
Degree-granting colleges with 100 or more students on campus (fall 2023 enrollment, minus students who study only online). Admitted: share of applicants offered a place. Net price: the average a year after grants, for students on federal aid. Graduate: within 6 years (4-year colleges) or 3 (2-year). Earnings: median, 10 years after starting.
What it costs
What would your family pay?
The average a year after grants, for families on federal aid, at the colleges within 15 miles. Pick your family’s income.
Family income
Starts at $48–75k, where Elizabeth’s median household income ($66,555) falls.
Pillar College5.1 mi · Newark · sticker $38,047$3,181a year
CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College10.2 mi · New York, NY · sticker $12,866 · tuition $5,170$7,460a year
CUNY Stella and Charles Guttman Community College12.5 mi · New York, NY · sticker $13,179 · tuition $5,194$8,220a year
CUNY Kingsborough Community College14.9 mi · Brooklyn, NY · sticker $13,580 · tuition $5,252$8,270a year
CUNY LaGuardia Community College14.6 mi · Long Island City, NY · sticker $13,648 · tuition $5,218$8,282a year
UCNJ Union College of Union County, New Jersey6.6 mi · Cranford · sticker $13,569 · tuition $5,280$9,362a year
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art11.4 mi · New York, NY · sticker $64,190$10,457a year
Kean University2.2 mi · Union · sticker $26,949$12,136a year
Congregation Talmidei Mesivta Tiferes Shmiel Aleksander10.8 mi · Brooklyn, NY · sticker $25,625$14,356a year
New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants14.7 mi · Long Island City, NY · sticker $27,963$20,097a year
Drew University13.8 mi · Madison · sticker $65,301$20,916a year
Associated Beth Rivkah Schools12.8 mi · Brooklyn, NY · sticker $32,924 · tuition $11,200$23,387a year
LIM College12.8 mi · New York, NY · sticker $53,064$39,565a year
Felician University14.8 mi · Lodi · sticker $50,316$41,909a year
The average a year after grants and scholarships, for first-time, full-time students on federal aid, from the College Scorecard. Your own price depends on your aid package; every college has a net price calculator. For community colleges the net price counts housing and food at full cost, so tuition is shown beside it. “—”: not reported for that income.
Outcomes
Do students finish, and does it pay?
Each dot is a college within 15 miles of Elizabeth: across is the share who graduate, up is what they earn ten years after starting.
New York University88% graduate$83k earnings$20k typical debt
CUNY Hunter College57% graduate$63k earnings$11k typical debt
Montclair State University65% graduate$61k earnings*$22k typical debt
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College72% graduate$76k earnings$12k typical debt
CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College25% graduate$42k earnings$8k typical debt
Pace University60% graduate$70k earnings$23k typical debt
CUNY LaGuardia Community College24% graduate$42k earnings$7k typical debt
CUNY New York City College of Technology21% graduate$49k earnings$11k typical debt
New Jersey Institute of Technology73% graduate$84k earnings$21k typical debt
CUNY Brooklyn College54% graduate$61k earnings$11k typical debt
Kean University47% graduate$57k earnings$23k typical debt
CUNY Kingsborough Community College28% graduate$43k earnings$7k typical debt
Graduation: first-time, full-time students within 6 years (4-year colleges) or 3 years (2-year). Earnings: median, 10 years after starting, for students who got federal aid. *Reported for all the campuses that file together: Rutgers University-Newark (3); Bloomfield College of Montclair State (2); Mildred Elley-New York Campus (3); Pacific College of Health and Science (3); American Academy of Dramatic Arts-New York (2); Montclair State (2); Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus (2).
Questions about college near Elizabeth
Is Elizabeth a college town?
No. About 5 of every 100 Elizabeth residents are enrolled in college (Census, 2020–24), below New Jersey (6). The nearest campus, Kean University, is 2.2 miles away in Union.
What colleges are near Elizabeth?
97 colleges are within 15 miles. The largest: New York University (11.2 miles, 53,873 students on campus), CUNY Hunter College (13.9 miles, 22,220) and Montclair State University (13.4 miles, 20,428).
What is the closest community college to Elizabeth, and what does it cost?
Essex County College in Newark, 5 miles away. Tuition and fees are $5,415 a year for New Jersey residents; the federal net price, $4,436, counts housing and food at full cost.
How much does Kean University cost if we live in New Jersey?
Tuition and fees are $14,299 a year in-state and $22,446 from out of state. After grants, families on federal aid paid an average of $7,374 (under $30,000 income) to $20,110 (over $110,000), housing and food included.
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Colleges: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and IPEDS (Scorecard 06/10/2026 · IPEDS 2024 · fall 2023 enrollment). “On campus” is fall enrollment minus students who study only online. Distances are straight-line from the center of Elizabeth. Residents in college, age, rent and poverty (including poverty without college students, table B14006): U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–24. Colleges are described, not graded; the College town label marks towns where 15% or more of residents are enrolled. How TownRatings describes colleges →