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Ramapo College of New Jersey

Mahwah, NJ

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

1969
Founded
Public liberal arts college
Type
4,664
Total Students
5,145
Undergrad
587
Graduate
$27M
Endowment
(2024)
$16K
Tuition (In-State)
$26K
Tuition (Out-State)
$20K
Avg Net Price
73%
Acceptance Rate
72%
Graduation Rate
6-year
87%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Cindy Jebb

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Ramapo College of New Jersey

Ramapo College: A dynamic public liberal arts college built on historic estates.

Ramapo College of New Jersey stands as a vibrant public liberal arts institution, renowned for its picturesque setting in Mahwah and its commitment to providing an excellent education for a diverse student body. Located in Bergen County, the college plays a crucial role in serving the educational needs of the region's expanding population, attracting students from various backgrounds including urban, rural, and middle-class families.

The college's captivating history dates back to its founding in 1969, an initiative spurred by the New Jersey Department of Higher Education to address Bergen County's increasing suburbanization. Ramapo found its unique home on what were once magnificent estates owned by prominent families like the Havemeyers and Birches. This rich heritage is still visible today, with historical mansions such as the former Havemeyer and Birch estates thoughtfully repurposed to serve as the President's house and the administration building, respectively.

As a public liberal arts college, Ramapo is dedicated to offering a broad and comprehensive academic experience. Its foundational architectural design notably allowed for the rapid construction and expansion of academic departments and divisions, suggesting a forward-thinking approach to education that prioritizes growth and adaptability. Prospective students can anticipate a supportive and evolving academic environment, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Ramapo Valley, ensuring a college experience that is both academically rigorous and uniquely charming.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1969 as a public liberal arts college, serving diverse student needs.
  • Enrollment of 5,732 students, fostering a close-knit and engaged academic community.
  • Uniquely situated on the former grand estates of the Havemeyer and Birch families in Mahwah, New Jersey.
  • Offers a comprehensive liberal arts education designed for flexibility and future academic expansion.
  • Led by President Cindy Jebb, guiding the institution's continued growth and success.

Timeline

Late 19th Century
Ramapo Valley developed for large estates by wealthy families, including Theodore Havemeyer.
1870s
Theodore Havemeyer purchases and renovates a home, developing over 1,000 acres into a farm.
1889
Havemeyer builds a second mansion on his property for one of his daughters.
1968
New Jersey Department of Higher Education authorizes establishing a new state college in Bergen County.
1969
Ramapo College of New Jersey officially founded.
Post-1968
The former Birch Estate in Mahwah is selected as the location for the new college.
Post-1968
Architects design an L-shaped, glass-walled campus with five academic buildings for rapid expansion.
Post-1968
The former Havemeyer mansion is adapted as the president's house, and the Birch Mansion becomes the administration building.
🏛️
57 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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