With numerous students populating college campuses, many of whom are experiencing independent living for the first time and navigating their way through early adulthood, mishaps can occur. While the majority of students successfully navigate their college journey, instances of crime are not uncommon on college campuses.
Are you curious about how your institution compares to others concerning crime statistics?
NorthJersey.com provides a searchable tool that enables you to monitor your school’s crime rates over different years and benchmark them against other educational institutions in New Jersey and nationwide, utilizing data sourced from the Department of Education.
Rankings of Crime Incidents in New Jersey Colleges and Universities
In both 2019 and 2020, the most recent reporting years, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Princeton University, and Rowan University emerged as the institutions with the highest number of reported crimes in New Jersey.
In 2019, Rutgers claimed the top spot in the state with 92 total reported crimes, ranking 31st nationally. The most frequently reported crimes in and around the Rutgers campus were burglaries, totaling 31 incidents, followed by 28 reported cases of rape.
Princeton University secured the second position in New Jersey and 56th nationally in 2019, with 75 reported crimes. The most prevalent crime reported was motor vehicle theft, accounting for 39 incidents.
Rowan University occupied the third rank in New Jersey and 125th nationally in 2019, with 46 total reported crimes. The primary reported crime at Rowan that year was rape, with 19 incidents.
The remaining top 10 schools with the highest reported crimes in New Jersey in 2019 were as follows:
- William Paterson University of New Jersey: Ranked 4th in NJ, 213 nationally; 32 total reported crimes
- The College of New Jersey: 5th in NJ, 239 nationally; 29 total reported crimes
- Mercer County Community College: 6th in NJ, 284 nationally; 26 total reported crimes
- Rutgers University-Camden: 7th in NJ, 346 nationally; 22 total reported crimes
- Montclair State University: 8th in NJ, 391 nationally; 20 total reported crimes
- New Jersey Institute of Technology: 8th in NJ, 391 nationally; 20 total reported crimes
- Rutgers University-Newark: 10th in NJ, 460 nationally; 17 total reported crimes
New Jersey News
Thirteen schools reported the least number of crimes in the state, all tied at number 33 in New Jersey and 1971 nationally, with only one reported crime each in 2019. These schools include:
- Atlantic Cape Community College
- Bergen Community College
- Berkeley College Woodland Park
- Beth Medrash Govoha
- Camden County College
- Centenary University
- County College of Morris
- Cumberland County College
- Passaic County Community College
- Princeton Theological Seminary
- Union County College
- Garden State Science and Technology Institute
- Yeshiva Gedolah Keren Hatorah
In 2020, although the reported numbers were lower due to the reduced presence of students on campuses during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Rutgers University-New Brunswick maintained its lead in reported crimes with 51 incidents.
Princeton University retained its second position with 34 reported crimes, and Rowan University held the third spot with 24 reported crimes in 2020.
The rest of the top 10 included:
- Bloomfield College: 24 total reported crimes
- Pro Beauty Academy: 14
- Rutgers University-Camden: 11
- Rutgers University-Newark: 11
- Stevens Institute of Technology: 11
- William Paterson University of New Jersey: 9
- Seton Hall University: 8
For further insights, including crime data for other colleges and universities in New Jersey, a breakdown of each crime type, and national rankings, refer to our database.
Ensuring Safety on College Campuses
Now that you have an understanding of your school’s crime ranking, here are some safety tips and reminders for the spring semester compiled from campus safety authorities:
- Keep your residence hall, apartment, or house windows and doors securely locked and avoid allowing unfamiliar individuals into your premises.
- Stay vigilant of your surroundings. Opt for well-lit and frequently traveled paths on campus. Refrain from getting excessively engrossed in your phone or earbuds while moving around campus.
- Share your class schedule with a trusted friend or family member.
- If you or someone else is under the influence of substances, stick together as a group and never leave anyone behind. When attending a party as a group, ensure you depart together.
- Never leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from a stranger.
Familiarize yourself with your school’s campus or public safety website. Save the campus security contact number and other essential numbers in your phone for quick access during emergencies. Enroll in campus alerts to stay informed about campus events. Lastly, if your school employs a Blue Light System or a similar alarm system, acquaint yourself with the system’s locations on campus so you are prepared in case of necessity.
Wishing you a secure and successful spring semester!