Ramapo College of New Jersey

Ramapo offers 40+ undergraduate majors, with business, health professions, and communication arts dominating student preferences. The curriculum leans practical but interdisciplinary—psych majors share campus with future nurses and musicians, all benefiting from small class sizes (the Reddit crowd calls the academics 'fine, not cutthroat'). Pre-med students should note the Medical Early Acceptance Program, which demands a 3.5 GPA and 1340 SAT for consideration, though some alumni caution that Ramapo's name doesn't 'wow' med schools. Graduate programs exist but play second fiddle to the undergrad experience.

Life here balances mountain views (the Princeton Review gushes about the scenery) with commuter-school pragmatism—only 38% live on campus. The 80+ clubs range from the expected (Cultural Club’s annual exhibit) to the niche, fostering a community where involvement trakes prestige. Instagram posts (#WeAreRCNJ) showcase a DIII sports culture and events like 'Roadrunner Days,' though the vibe skews more 'chill hangout' than 'raucous party school.' Proximity to NYC means internships and weekend trips are common, but the campus itself feels insulated—a 'quite beautiful' bubble in Mahwah.

Ramapo’s 70% six-year graduation rate (per University HQ) trounces national averages, and Forbes highlights its 87% first-year retention rate—8-10 points above peers. Early-career earnings hover around $43,000-$45,619 (Niche/College Factual), though this varies widely by major. The college touts these metrics in its Forbes 'Top Colleges' pitch, framing itself as a high-value public option where students actually graduate on time. Alumni networks aren’t Ivy-strong, but the ROI appeals to Jersey families seeking affordability with outcomes.

The average net price after aid is $17,348/year, with 70% of first-years receiving grants or scholarships (averaging $12,580). Institutional aid is common (64% get $6,546), but the college transparently notes its NPC estimates aren’t binding. Out-of-pocket costs depend heavily on aid packages—some score the $12,936 average aid package BigFuture cites, while others face the sticker price of a mid-tier public. Veterans and FAFSA filers find robust support, aligning with Ramapo’s access-minded mission.

Ramapo is the anti-commuter cliché—a public college with private-college vibes, where 70% graduation rates and mountain views defy expectations. Its strength lies in doing the basics well: keeping students engaged (hence the 87% retention), offering pragmatic majors, and fostering community without pretension. Not a cutthroat pre-med factory or a party school, it’s a high-value play for Jersey students who want small classes, NYC access, and a diploma that doesn’t drown them in debt.