By Rose Padovano
Correspondant
For the 34th year in a row, the College was ranked as the top public institution in the Regional Universities North category in the U.S. News & World Report in the 2026 Best Colleges rankings.
“We're right there as one of the best institutions in the region, one of the best in the country,” the College’s President Michael Bernstein told The Signal.
The College has an 86% six-year graduation, the highest in the region. It was also named the no. 1 college in the region for veterans, providing a versatile environment along with proving their strong academics. Not only was the College ranked no. 1 in New Jersey, but also no. 6 overall in the North for Most Innovative Schools.
Sophia Scalera, a freshman health science and kinesiology major said she confidently agrees with this ranking.
“TCNJ is an amazing school. Between our great academics, inclusive community and our fun extracurricular activities, you easily find more opportunities at TCNJ than any other college.”
Scalera has only attended the College for a month, but she has already gotten involved in two extracurriculars and participated in multiple events. She said she is happily enjoying the environment the College has to offer.
Other freshmen at the College have shared similar sentiments as Scalera.
“I can tell TCNJ deserves a number one ranking after only being here for a month. All of my professors are so supportive and I’m excited to see what the next four years have in store for me,” said AJ Miller, a freshman management major.
Bernstein is proud to mention that the College is mentioned in a book that outlines 75 “dream schools” in the United States. The College is one of 75 schools in the country, and one of only four in New Jersey, to be included in the book.
