The College of New Jersey

The College of New Jersey, abbreviated TCNJ, is a public, coeducational university located in Ewing Township, New Jersey, a suburb of Trenton. TCNJ was established in 1855 by an act of the New Jersey Legislature. The institution was the first normal school in the state of New Jersey and the fifth in the United States. Originally located in Trenton proper, the college was moved to its present location in adjacent Ewing Township during the early to mid-1930s. Since its inception, TCNJ has undergone several name changes, the most recent being the 1996 change to its current name from Trenton State College. Much of TCNJ is built in Georgian colonial architecture style on 289 tree-lined acres.

TCNJ is a highly selective institution, with a mission to keep New Jersey's most talented students in-state for higher education; only the most exceptional students from out-of state are admitted. The College is recognized as one of the best public institutions in the United States, and is consistently ranked as the #1 public institution in New Jersey; known for its programs in business, education, engineering, humanities, nursing and science. TCNJ aims to combine the best practices of private institutions with a public mission, resulting in an innovative and unique model for undergraduate education. The College encourages free inquiry and open exchange, with small class size and intimate individual attention from exceptional staff. TCNJ is organized into seven schools, all of which offer four-year bachelor's degree programs, and several of which offer targeted master's degree programs. A great deal of emphasis is placed on liberal arts education via the college's general education requirements.