The College of New Jersey, abbreviated TCNJ, is a public, coeducational university[5] located in the Trenton suburb of Ewing Township, New Jersey, United States. 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.[6] 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.[7]
TCNJ is a highly selective institution, with a stated mission to keep New Jersey’s most talented students in-state for higher education.[8] 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 in its category; known for its programs in business, education, engineering, humanities, nursing and science.[9] 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,[8] offering a wide range of learning opportunities in its classrooms, laboratories, and studios, and throughout the campus, as well as at various off-campus locations.
The institution is organized into seven schools, all of which offer four-year bachelor’s degree programs, and several of which offer targeted master’s degreeprograms.[10] Emphasis is placed on liberal arts education via the college’s general education requirements.[11]
(much of TCNJ is built in Georgian colonial architecture style on 289 tree-lined acres)