Colleges Near Morristown, NJ: Your 2026 Guide to Universities in & Around Morris County

Discover the Best Colleges, Nearby Communities, and Why So Many Students, Faculty, and Young Professionals Choose to Call Morris County Home

By Jennifer Pickett, REALTOR® | Compass Real Estate

When most people think about Morris County, New Jersey, they picture charming downtowns, top-rated schools, beautiful parks, and an easy commute to New York City. What many don't realize is that Morris County is also home to several outstanding colleges and universities, making it one of Northern New Jersey's premier destinations for higher education.

Whether you're a prospective student, parent, professor, healthcare professional, or someone relocating for a new career opportunity, Morris County offers an exceptional blend of academic excellence and quality of life. From nationally recognized private universities to one of New Jersey's top community colleges, the area provides educational opportunities for students at every stage of their journey.

As a REALTOR® specializing in Morristown and the surrounding Morris County communities, I regularly help families relocating for college, faculty members accepting new positions, graduate students, and young professionals purchasing their first homes after graduation. Choosing the right college is only part of the decision—finding the right community to call home is just as important.

This guide will introduce you to the colleges and universities in and around Morris County while highlighting the communities that make this area such a desirable place to live, learn, and build a career.

My Personal Connection to New Jersey Higher Education

Helping clients relocate near Morris County's colleges is especially meaningful to me because I experienced New Jersey college life firsthand.

I attended Montclair State University from 2004 through 2009, earning my Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in Pre-Law. My years at Montclair taught me that a college education extends far beyond the classroom. Your commute, the community you live in, the people you meet, and the experiences you have outside of campus all become part of your education.

After graduating, I eventually made Morristown my home, and in January 2016 I became a licensed REALTOR®. Today, helping people discover everything Morris County has to offer has become one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Whether you're relocating to attend college, accepting a faculty position, beginning your first job after graduation, or purchasing your first home, I enjoy helping clients find the community that best fits their lifestyle and long-term goals.

Why So Many Students Choose Morris County

Unlike many college towns, Morris County offers the perfect balance between suburban living and urban accessibility.

Students benefit from:

• Beautiful, safe communities
• Easy access to New York City via NJ Transit
• Walkable downtowns filled with restaurants and coffee shops
• Hundreds of miles of parks, hiking trails, and outdoor recreation
• Strong internship opportunities
• Excellent healthcare systems
• Fortune 500 employers
• Diverse housing options for students, faculty, and young professionals

Many graduates who initially come here for college decide to remain in Morris County because of its strong job market, outstanding quality of life, and welcoming communities.

Compare Major Universities Within an Easy Commute of Morris County, NJ

Whether you're looking for a large public university, a private liberal arts college, or an affordable community college, Morris County offers convenient access to many of New Jersey's top higher education institutions.

The chart below compares some of the most popular colleges and universities within approximately a 45-minute drive of Morristown.

Why Morris County is an Ideal Home Base for College Students

One of Morris County's biggest advantages is its central location. Rather than limiting yourself to a single college town, living in Morristown or one of the surrounding communities puts you within commuting distance of 10 major colleges and universities.

Colleges Located In Morris County

Drew University – Madison, NJ

Drew University is one of Northern New Jersey's most recognizable private liberal arts universities. Often referred to as "The University in the Forest," Drew sits on a beautiful wooded campus in the heart of Madison, just minutes from downtown Morristown.

The university is known for its small class sizes, personalized education, and close relationships between students and faculty. Drew offers undergraduate and graduate programs across a wide variety of disciplines, with particularly strong programs in:

• Business
• Psychology
• Political Science
• Environmental Studies
• Communications
• International Relations
• Pre-Law

Students enjoy the ability to walk into downtown Madison for coffee or dinner, hop on NJ Transit for a day in New York City, or explore nearby Morristown's restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions.

Nearby Communities:

• Madison
• Morristown
• Morris Township
• Florham Park
• Chatham

Saint Elizabeth University – Morristown (Convent Station)

Located just outside downtown Morristown in Convent Station, Saint Elizabeth University has been educating students for more than a century. Originally founded by the Sisters of Charity, the university continues to emphasize leadership, service, and academic excellence.

Saint Elizabeth University is especially respected for programs in:

• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy
• Education
• Psychology
• Business
• Health Sciences

Its campus combines historic architecture with modern academic facilities while offering students convenient access to Morristown's vibrant downtown, hospitals, restaurants, and transportation.

Healthcare professionals are particularly drawn to the university because of its proximity to Atlantic Health System and other regional medical facilities.

Nearby Communities:

• Morristown
• Morris Township
• Madison
• Chatham
• Florham Park

Fairleigh Dickinson University – Florham Campus

Located in Madison on the historic Vanderbilt estate, Fairleigh Dickinson University's Florham Campus is one of the most beautiful college campuses in New Jersey.

Students attend classes surrounded by magnificent architecture, expansive lawns, and tree-lined pathways while benefiting from a comprehensive private university education.

Popular academic programs include:

• Business Administration
• Hospitality
• Communications
• Psychology
• Criminal Justice
• Education
• International Business

Its location provides easy access to Madison, Florham Park, Morristown, and New York City, making it an attractive choice for students seeking both campus life and career opportunities.

Nearby Communities:

• Madison
• Florham Park
• Morristown
• Morris Township
• Chatham

County College of Morris – Randolph, NJ

County College of Morris (CCM) is widely recognized as one of New Jersey's premier community colleges. Serving thousands of students annually, CCM offers an affordable pathway toward bachelor's degrees, workforce training, and career advancement.

Many students complete their first two years at CCM before transferring to four-year institutions such as Rutgers University, Montclair State University, NJIT, and many other colleges throughout New Jersey and beyond.

Highly regarded academic programs include:

• Nursing
• Engineering
• Business Administration
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Allied Health
• Liberal Arts
• Education

For local residents and adult learners, CCM also provides continuing education, professional certifications, and workforce development programs that support career growth throughout Morris County.

Nearby Communities:

• Randolph
• Morris Township
• Denville
• Rockaway
• Dover
• Roxbury

Outstanding Universities Near Morris County

One of Morris County's greatest advantages is its central location. Within approximately 30 to 45 minutes, students also have convenient access to several outstanding universities throughout Northern New Jersey.

Montclair State University

As a proud Montclair State graduate myself, this university will always hold a special place in my heart. Located approximately 30 minutes from Morristown, Montclair State is one of New Jersey's largest public universities and offers more than 300 academic programs.

Its strengths include:

• Business
• Criminal Justice
• Education
• Communications
• Performing Arts
• Computer Science
• Psychology
• Nursing

The vibrant campus, active student life, and proximity to New York City continue to make Montclair State a popular choice for students across the region.

Additional Nearby Universities

Students living in Morris County also enjoy convenient access to:

• Rutgers University
• Seton Hall University
• Ramapo College of New Jersey
• William Paterson University
• Caldwell University
• New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)

This central location allows students to choose from some of the state's most respected institutions while enjoying Morris County's exceptional quality of life.

More Than a College Decision, It's a Lifestyle Decision

Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions a student or family will make, but choosing where you'll live during those years—and perhaps long after graduation—is just as important.

One of the things I love most about Morris County is that people come here for all different reasons. Some arrive as first-year college students. Others relocate to teach at one of our universities, begin a healthcare career, or accept a new job with a local employer. Many eventually fall in love with the community and decide to make Morris County their permanent home.

I understand that journey personally.

As a graduate of Montclair State University, I know how much your surroundings shape your college experience. After earning my degree, I chose to build my own future here in Morris County, and in January 2016 I became a licensed REALTOR®. Since then, I've had the privilege of helping hundreds of buyers and sellers navigate one of life's biggest transitions—finding a place to call home.

Whether you're relocating for Drew University, Saint Elizabeth University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, County College of Morris, Seton Hall University, Montclair State University, Rutgers, NJIT, or another nearby institution, I hope this guide has given you a better understanding of why so many people choose to live in and around Morristown.

If you're planning a move and would like local insight on neighborhoods, commuting, schools, or the housing market, I'd be happy to help. My goal isn't simply to help you buy or sell a home—it's to help you find the community where you'll thrive.

I look forward to welcoming you to Morris County.

Warmly,

Jennifer Pickett
REALTOR® | Compass Real Estate
Serving Morristown and Communities Throughout Morris County

Continue Exploring Morris County

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