Closter is located in the New York metro area, with several prestigious universities within an hour's drive, representing some of the best in the United States.

The abundance of options for commuting or choosing universities nearby is a significant advantage for families living in this area. Here, we introduce the top 3 universities, particularly focusing on major institutions in the metropolitan area that spans New Jersey and New York.

The first is Columbia University. Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, this Ivy League institution is about a 30 to 45-minute drive from Closter, depending on traffic, across the George Washington Bridge.

Public transportation is accessible via a combination of buses and subways. Columbia is consistently ranked among the world's top universities in various fields, including law, medicine, journalism, and social sciences, maintaining a high position in the US News national university rankings.

Undergraduate programs (Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, etc.) are highly competitive, and there is a significant percentage of Korean students. While some students commute from Closter to Columbia, many also live on campus.

The annual tuition (tuition + room and board) exceeds $80,000, making it essential to actively seek scholarships.

The second is Rutgers University–Newark. The Newark campus of this prestigious public university in New Jersey is about a 30 to 40-minute drive from Closter or accessible via NJ Transit buses and trains.

Rutgers University is the most prestigious public university in New Jersey, and the Newark campus is highly regarded for its business (Rutgers Business School), law, and criminal justice programs. Notably, the Rutgers Business School in Newark is known for its strong accounting and finance programs.

Residents of New Jersey benefit from in-state tuition, which is approximately $15,000 to $18,000 annually, making it more affordable compared to Ivy League schools. Many Korean families in Closter consider Rutgers for their children who wish to attend a prestigious public university in New Jersey.

The third is Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU).

This private university has campuses in Bergen County, New Jersey, particularly the Teaneck campus, which is about a 15 to 20-minute drive from Closter.

FDU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in business, engineering, nursing, and education, and is frequently utilized by working professionals in the New Jersey and New York metropolitan area for part-time or graduate studies.

With a high percentage of international and multicultural students, it provides a diverse learning environment.

The standard undergraduate flat-fee tuition at Fairleigh Dickinson University is $37,364 per year. Various scholarship and financial aid programs are available. For Closter residents balancing work and studies or considering graduate programs, the FDU Teaneck campus can be a convenient choice.

Additionally, other universities accessible for commuting near Closter include New York University (NYU), Fordham University, Montclair State University, and William Paterson University.

For universities in New York City, access is via the George Washington Bridge or Lincoln Tunnel, necessitating a realistic commuting plan considering travel times. Bergen County, where Closter is located, is a region with a high concentration of high-income, highly educated families, reflecting a strong interest and investment in higher education.

If you are planning your child's college education, it is recommended to check the official information and latest admission status of each university directly.