New Jersey's Commitment to a Quality Education & Workforce
Diversity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords in New Jersey. They’re values the State and its higher education institutions are guided by and protect. New Jersey’s universities stand out by offering students hands-on learning in world-class research facilities. Major companies based in New Jersey — from Merck to Hackensack Meridian Health — have active collaborations with universities that expand their research and development capacities while preparing the next generation for impactful careers. And in a time when human rights are being stripped away and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are being suppressed, New Jersey stands as a reminder that students flourish in an environment where they know they are safe and celebrated for their diversity.
Diversity & Inclusion
as Core Values
No matter who you are or where you come from, everyone will feel at home in New Jersey. New Jersey is ranked the #4 most diverse state in the country (WalletHub) and has the second-highest number of foreign-born residents (U.S. Census). Safety is a top priority for lawmakers, and as a result, New Jersey was ranked the #1 safest state to live in (Consumer Affairs) and the #2 state for gun safety strength (Giffords Law Center). Women’s rights are protected through the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act, which was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy in 2022 and codifies the constitutional right to freedom of reproductive choice. New Jersey is also the first state to require students to learn about the societal and historical contributions of LGBTQ+ figures and people with disabilities in all subject areas.
Why They're Here
THE SMARTEST WORKFORCE IN THE NATION
44% of New Jersey residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to the national average of 34%.
A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
Princeton University was ranked the #1 university in the United States by U.S News & World Report for the 13th consecutive year in 2023.
TOP-TIER PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS
New Jersey Institute of Technology was ranked the #2 public university in the United States by the Wall Street Journal and College Pulse.
Innovative Schools, Well-Trained Workforce
From Pre-K to graduate school, New Jersey is a national leader in public education. Here, students learn the skills they need to excel in the workplace in an inclusive environment. Professors thrive in a state that protects educational freedoms. And employers benefit from research collaborations with universities and a healthy workforce made up of New Jersey’s innovative graduates.
Educating the Next Generation
New Jersey has the #1 public school system in America and the #1 STEM high school in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News & World Report also ranked New Jersey as the state with the fourth-highest high school graduation rate (92%) and the third-highest Pre-K enrollment. New Jersey’s high-quality public schools are one of the many reasons families choose to raise their children here.
Higher Education Research Collaborations
Our universities are valuable partners for industry research. Collaborations between academia and industry in New Jersey are accelerating discovery, specifically at R1 universities such as Princeton University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, and New Jersey Institute of Technology. New Jersey has a well-earned reputation for responding quickly to the rapidly changing needs of employers by helping businesses find and train employees.