NJIT Tops List of Safest College Campuses

NJIT was again recognized as one of the safest places to study. The college topped the list of safest schools in New Jersey, according to the 2021 Safest College Campuses in America ranking by Yourlocalsecurity.com. The ranking was compiled using the U.S. Department of Education’s Campus Safety and Security Survey and the FBI Uniform Crime Report.

Last year, Safe Campus ranked the Department of Public Safety at NJIT sixth nationwide for its campus safety initiatives such as the volunteer first aid squad and the adoption of next-generation body cameras. It marked the third consecutive year that NJIT placed among the Top 25 of eligible U.S.-accredited higher-education institutions. 

“The Department of Public Safety is honored by our recognition as the safest college campus in New Jersey,” said Deputy Chief Kevin Kesselman. “Our department personnel, led by Chief Marswillo, work tirelessly around the clock to develop community partnerships both at NJIT and with the surrounding Newark community to make NJIT the safest place to learn and work.”

"We have been able to reduce crime on and around campus by nearly 89% since 2011.

Improvements in safety initiatives have been bolstered by community outreach efforts by NJIT’s Department of Public Safety. Most recently, the department partnered with Newark organizations to conduct a backpack giveaway for students from elementary thru high school.

“These partnerships have accounted for more than 30,000 community relations contacts and over 400 community police events annually. It’s with these efforts by our public safety team and community that we have been able to reduce crime on and around campus by nearly 89% since 2011,” Kesselman added.

Academic and professional development require a safe campus, so it’s no surprise that NJIT consistently improves its position in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best National University Rankings. This year, the college rose 15 spots and is ranked 103 out of nearly 400 schools on this list. NJIT also is ranked among the Top 50 Public Universities, coming in at No. 46. U.S. News & World Report also ranks NJIT among the “Best Global Universities.”