How to get into The College of New Jersey
How to get into TCNJ: ED rounds, the seven-year combined-degree programs, and the November priority deadline
62.3%
Acceptance rate
$19,632
In-state cost
$25,752
Out-of-state cost
What makes The College of New Jersey admissions different
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) in Ewing, NJ, is a public liberal arts college with around 7,100 undergraduates — small for a public university and selective for its tier. Acceptance rate around 62%. TCNJ runs several seven-year combined-degree programs (BA/MD with various medical schools, BS/OD with SUNY College of Optometry, BS/PharmD with Rutgers Pharmacy). These combined programs are dramatically more competitive than the overall TCNJ admit rate. ED1 and ED2 offer a real admit bump.
What an actually competitive application looks like
- 1.
Apply through the Common App by Early Decision I (November 1), Early Decision II (December 15), or Regular Decision (February 1).
- 2.
Submit the TCNJ supplement. The 'why TCNJ' essay reads for fit with specific schools (Business, Engineering, Nursing, Education) within the college.
- 3.
TCNJ is test-optional. Submit SAT/ACT only if they strengthen your application.
- 4.
If applying to a seven-year combined-degree program (BA/MD, BS/OD, BS/PharmD), check the specific program's separate application requirements. These are much more competitive than overall TCNJ admission.
- 5.
Apply to the Honors Program on the application.
- 6.
Apply for the Bonner Community Scholars and other competitive merit awards.
- 7.
New Jersey residents: file the FAFSA and the NJFAMS for state aid (Tuition Aid Grant).
Common mistakes that hurt applicants here
- ✕
Treating TCNJ as a generic state school. It's small, selective, and operates like a public liberal arts college.
- ✕
Combined-degree applicants underestimating selectivity. The BA/MD and BS/PharmD pathways are dramatically more competitive than overall TCNJ admission.
- ✕
Missing the binding ED rounds. ED1 is meaningful for borderline candidates.
- ✕
Out-of-state applicants underestimating cost. TCNJ OOS sticker is much higher than in-state.
The specifics for The College of New Jersey
Application deadlines
- Early Decision INovember 1, 2025Binding
- Early Decision IIDecember 15, 2025Binding
- Regular DecisionFebruary 1, 2026
What makes this admissions process distinctive
Seven-year combined-degree programs
BA/MD with various medical schools, BS/OD with SUNY College of Optometry, BS/PharmD with Rutgers Pharmacy. Dramatically more competitive than overall TCNJ admission.
Public liberal arts model
TCNJ is small for a public university (around 7,100 undergraduates) and operates like a public liberal arts college with small class sizes and a focus on undergraduate teaching.
Notable scholarships at The College of New Jersey
Bonner Community Scholars
Service-focused competitive scholarship.
Tuition Aid Grant (state-administered)
New Jersey residents. Need-based state award via NJFAMS.
What graduates actually do
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a public liberal arts college in Ewing, NJ, known for strong undergraduate teacher preparation, nursing, and business outcomes. Alumni dominate New Jersey K-12 education and nursing, with strong placement into Princeton-area pharmaceutical (J&J, BMS), finance, and NJ state government. The School of Engineering and School of Business also place strongly into the I-95 corridor.
Notable alumni
- John Adler — Former U.S. Congressman
- Tony Romo — Football broadcaster (briefly attended)
- Robert Smith — Mathematician
Transfer pathway
50% transfer acceptance rate
TCNJ has formal articulation agreements with all 18 New Jersey community colleges through the New Jersey Transfer system. The NJ Stars II scholarship covers tuition for top community college graduates transferring to NJ public four-year institutions. Up to 64 credits transfer from two-year colleges. Minimum 3.0 GPA typically required; competitive majors (nursing, engineering) require 3.3+. Transfer admission is highly selective at TCNJ.
Articulation partners
Mercer County Community College · Burlington County College (Rowan College at Burlington) · Brookdale Community College · Ocean County College · Middlesex College
Specifics verified 2026-05-18 from the school's own admissions page + Common App. Always confirm current-year details directly on the school site before applying.
If you're on the bubble
TCNJ is a target for New Jersey residents in the 3.6+ GPA range and a target-reach for out-of-state applicants. ED1 is the highest-leverage move. The combined-degree programs are reach-level admissions even for strong applicants.
Next steps
Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.