After moving to New Jersey, I started thinking seriously about going back to school. Naturally, the first name that popped up was Monroe College — it seems like the go-to option for many international students around here.
But I didn’t want to just follow the crowd. Personally, I’m not a fan of commuting into Manhattan every day — it’s exhausting, expensive, and the fast pace isn’t really for me. So that got me wondering:
Besides Monroe, what other schools are students in New Jersey actually going for? Are there better local options that I’ve overlooked?
Totally hear you—commuting into Manhattan daily is basically a part-time job (minus the paycheck). Monroe gets a lot of attention, but it’s not the only game in town.
In New Jersey, I’ve seen students look into schools like Harrisburg University in nearby PA (not NJ, but close enough and has a good rep). Some also explore Westcliff or Sofia, though those are remote with in-person check-ins—depends how flexible you want your setup.
Key tip: Look for schools with clear CPT policies, regional accreditation, and a solid SEVP record. Don’t just chase what’s popular—chase what works for you.
— Jill