Caldwell University

Private · Moderately Selective · NJ

Photo: Lancaster Bible College (CC BY-SA 4.0)

School data & stats

TypePrivate

LocationNJ · Northeast

SettingSuburban

Undergrads1,575

Student:faculty12:1

Outcomes

4-yr grad rate44.3%

6-yr grad rate57.5%

Drop-out rate22.7%

Study abroad—

Cost

In-state tuition$41k

Out-of-state tuition$41k

Application fee—

Community

Racial diversity79.4%

Gender diversity57.7%

International22.5%

IdentityRoman Catholic

Overview

Caldwell University is a small Catholic university in suburban Caldwell, New Jersey, about twenty minutes from Newark and within reach of Manhattan by train. Founded by the Dominican Sisters of Caldwell, it retains a values-based mission built around small classes and personal attention on a compact, tree-lined campus.

Academics

Nursing and business are the most visible undergraduate strengths, drawing students toward direct paths into regional healthcare systems and corporate offices. Caldwell has built a specific reputation in applied behavior analysis, offering coursework aligned with board certification that attracts students aiming at careers in autism services and special education. Class sizes stay small enough that faculty know students by name, and the Dominican emphasis on truth and service threads through general education.

Campus & student life

The campus is quiet and residential, more suburban than urban despite its closeness to New York City, and many students commute or go home on weekends. Athletics compete at the Division II level, and the school's small scale makes clubs and campus events fairly intimate.

Getting in

Caldwell reviews applications holistically rather than by formula, with attention to fit for a values-driven, service-oriented community. It has historically served a good number of first-generation and regional students, and demonstrated interest in the nursing or ABA programs specifically can matter.

After graduation

Graduates in nursing and applied behavior analysis fields find steady regional placement in New Jersey hospitals, schools, and behavioral health agencies; the alumni network is modest in size but tightly tied to the local area.

Worth knowing

The applied behavior analysis programs, including graduate-level offerings, are a genuine niche strength that punches above the university's size and name recognition.

caldwell.edu ↗

Admissions

Acceptance rate71.3%

Enrolled mid-50%SAT 1130–1370

Test policyoptional

Rec letters1

Deadlines (2026–27 cycle)

AdmissionRolling

Applying