NJIT Fields Record Number of Applications from First-Year Students for 2nd Straight Year
For the second straight year, New Jersey Institute of Technology has broken its record for first-year student applications with a total of more than 11,250. All five of NJIT’s academic colleges experienced increases, led by a 21% jump from the Martin Tuchman School of Management, which eclipsed 1,000 applicants for the first time.
The application surge is a multi-year trend and comes as NJIT gains national recognition for its programs, research capabilities and student outcomes, including the high-paying jobs and coveted graduate school opportunities alumni realize after graduation.
The recognition earned by NJIT in recent years has helped raise awareness and attract prospective students to the university. NJIT is ranked No. 1 nationally by Forbes for students’ upward socio-economic mobility, third in New Jersey and 74th nationally in the 2020 QS World University Ranking list, and is ranked in the top 2% of colleges and universities nationally for mid-career earnings of graduates by PayScale.com. NJIT also is one of only 131 colleges rated an “R1” research university by the Carnegie Classification — the highest level of research activity. The Princeton Review also has named NJIT one of the “Best Value Colleges,” based on academics, affordability and career prospects after graduation.
At the same time as its reputation has grown, NJIT has continued to expand its curriculum by offering new degrees in innovative fields, including financial technology, data science, forensic science and cyberpsychology, among others.
“These application numbers reflect the continued growth of NJIT, its academic offerings, its reputation and how significant NJIT is to the success of New Jersey and the region. Our students contribute so much economically and otherwise to the region,” said Stephen Eck, executive director of university admissions. “Prospective students are attracted to our technology-focused programs. They see value in the STEM fields as well as our non-STEM fields. We know that NJIT, in every respect, is a desirable place to be.”
Below is a breakdown of applications for admission to each of NJIT’s colleges/schools:
The Martin Tuchman School of Management’s applicant pool is up 21% compared to last year and 61% compared to 2019. The Tuchman School introduced a new undergraduate program in financial technology this year, which can be applied across myriad industries.
Ying Wu College of Computing, up 19% from 2020 and 50% from 2019, has launched a new undergraduate program in data science, which also has widespread applications.
The Hillier College of Architecture and Design, up 16% from 2020 and 39% from 2019, deepened its application of tech across all its programs in line with industry practice and offered certificates in animation, game design and UI/UX design.
The College of Science and Liberal Arts, up 15% from 2020 and 34% from 2019, introduced new programs in forensic science and cyberpsychology, which examines the impact of technology on human behavior.
Newark College of Engineering, up 4% from 2020 and 12% from 2019, strengthened its connections to surrounding communities by applying its expertise to real-world problems, such as fighting the spread of COVID-19.
In sum, NJIT’s applicant pool is expanding as the university diversifies its offering for the 21st century and earns recognition from authorities in higher education. To Provost Fadi P. Deek, it’s a virtuous circle that he expects to continue as students embrace NJIT’s culture of constant improvement.
About New Jersey Institute of Technology
One of only 35 polytechnic universities in the United States, NJIT prepares students to become leaders in the technology-dependent economy of the 21st century. NJIT’s multidisciplinary curriculum and computing-intensive approach to education provide technological proficiency, business acumen and leadership skills. NJIT is one of only 131 universities rated an “R1” research university by the Carnegie Classification®, which indicates the highest level of research activity. NJIT conducts more than $160 million in research activity each year and has a $2.8 billion annual economic impact on the State of New Jersey. NJIT is ranked No. 1 nationally by Forbes for the upward economic mobility of its lowest-income students and is ranked in the top 100 colleges and universities nationally for the mid-career earnings of graduates, according to PayScale.com. NJIT also is ranked third in New Jersey and 74th among colleges and universities nationwide by the QS World University Ranking® 2020.
