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U.S. News & World Report unveiled the 2025 Best Graduate Schools rankings April 8, with several New Jersey institutions making the grade. 

The lists evaluated multiple disciplines, such as MBA programs as well as law, medical, engineering and nursing schools, among others. 

This year, the publication also included three new law school rankings that focus on different career outcomes for graduates, including employment in full-time, long-term jobs at big law firms (greater than 500 attorneys), in federal clerkships and at public interest organizations, U.S. News noted. 

In recent years, the methodology for these higher education rankings has faced criticism. In 2023, several law schools and some medical schools boycotted the rankings, with Yale saying they “disincentivize programs that support public interest careers, champion need-based aid, and welcome working-class students into the profession.”  

U.S. News later announced it would update its methodology. 

In 2024, for example, the publication changed from ranking the medical schools to listing honorees in four tiers and alphabetically.  

“Our comprehensive graduate school rankings provide students with essential data to make one of the most consequential decisions of their lives,” LaMont Jones, senior editor of education at U.S. News, said in the introduction of the rankings. “U.S. News remains committed to delivering transparent and data-driven assessments that empower students to find their perfect academic match.” 

The publication noted that the methodologies, which can be found linked to each list, varied by discipline as well as graduate degree level, since every area of study is different. The complete list of disciplines is available here.

NJ institutions named to U.S. News 2025 Best Graduate Schools: 

Best Business Schools (full-time MBA) 

• No. 53: Rutgers University, Newark and New Brunswick 
• No. 68 (tie): Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken 
• No. 115 (tie): New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark 
• No. 122-133 (listed in ranking range with other schools alphabetically): Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck 
• 7 others unranked 

Best Law Schools 

• No. 71 (tie): Seton Hall University, Newark 
• No. 104 (tie): Rutgers University, Newark and Camden 

Best Medical Schools: Research 

• Tier 2: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School–New Brunswick
• Four others named to tier 3

Best Medical Schools: Primary Care 

• Tier 2: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden 
• Four others listed in tier 3, tier 4 and unranked

Best Engineering Schools 

• No. 25: Princeton University, Princeton
• No. 72 (tie): Rutgers University–New Brunswick, Piscataway  
• No. 74 (tie): Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken 
• No. 85 (tie): New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark 
• No. 136 (tie): Rowan University, Glassboro 

Best Nursing Schools: Master’s 

• No. 17 (tie): Rutgers University–Newark 
• No. 50 (tie): Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck 
• No. 124 (tie): Monmouth University, West Long Branch

Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice 

• No. 4 (tie): Rutgers University–Newark 
• No. 52 (tie): Rutgers University–Camden 

Best Education Schools 

• No. 49 (tie): Rutgers University–New Brunswick 
• No. 108: Montclair State University, Upper Montclair 
• No. 109 (tie): Rowan University, Glassboro 
• No. 183 (tie): Kean University, Union 
• No. 193 (tie): Seton Hall University, South Orange 
• No. 217 (tie): Monmouth University, West Long Branch 
• No. 234-258 (listed in ranking range with other schools alphabetically): Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck
• 6 others unranked

Head of the class

NJIT released a statement highlighting its rankings in engineering, business and computer science. The university also noted that this is the 10th consecutive year its College of Engineering has made the top 100; its Ying Wu College of Computing rose six places over last year; and its graduate business programs have entered the rankings.

Seton Hall also shared its rankings with the university community, noting that ranks among the Top 10 law schools in the tri-state area.

Stevens Institute of Technology said its “national rankings continue to climb.”

“These impressive rankings are a reflection of Stevens’ commitment to preparing our students for an era of rapid technological change,” Stevens President Nariman Farvardin said in a statement. “Through a combination of leading-edge research, coursework based on practical industry experience and exposure to the most current and future technologies, Stevens’ graduates are adaptable and resilient, and ready to further their careers in any industry.”

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University also announced its placement in a statement.

“I’m proud to announce that, once again, CMSRU has been recognized with a Tier 2 rating in Primary Care and Tier 3 in Research – the highest Primary Care ranking of any medical school in New Jersey and the New York Metropolitan area,” said Dr. Annette Reboli, dean of CMSRU. “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to excellence in education, research, and service, and highlights our role in addressing the critical need for primary care physicians in New Jersey and across the nation.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 12:35 p.m. EST April 10, 2025, to include a statement from Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.