Ramapo College is also in the top 1% in the nation in Niche’s 2026 rankings

September 17, 2025

For the eighth consecutive year, Ramapo College is ranked #1 for the best dorms across all public and private colleges and universities in New Jersey, according to Niche in its announcement of the 2026 Best College Dorms in America ranking. Ramapo also remains in the top 1% of colleges and universities nationwide.

What Sets Ramapo Apart

Mackin Hall is for first-year and Honors Program students. Along with its twin Bischoff Hall, every room features a private bathroom, two beds, two wardrobes, two desks, a micro-fridge, ample dresser capacity, an HVAC unit, and oversized windows.

Several features create cost-saving and comfortable experiences for students. Every room, suite, and apartment includes a refrigerator and microwave, which saves families money from the need to buy or rent their own. Additionally, every room, suite, and apartment include a private bathroom, so students do not need to grab a shower caddy and head down the hallway to a communal bathroom. There are individual heating and cooling units in each room, full cable television access is provided, and students can have a car on campus all four years.

Activities are abundant throughout the week and weekends, thanks to the Office of Residence Life team. These events help strengthen community living, keep students engaged, and provide an environment in which to create friendships. A recent addition-turned-tradition is 90 Days of Programming, with residence halls offering an activity every night for the first three months on campus. Examples include pizza parties, scavenger hunts, trivia, mocktail & mingle nights, and other opportunities to enjoy free food, relax, and have fun. 

In The Village, each apartment contains four single bedrooms, a living room, bathroom, generous closets for storage, full kitchen, and floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining area overlooking the quad.

What Students Say

What makes Niche’s Best College Dorms in America ranking a reliable source for students and families is that it includes student reviews in its data analysis. That user-generated feedback means it is not the college marketing to the masses; it is the students sharing their honest on-campus living experiences.

Marketing major Kyra Thomas ‘26 of East Brunswick, NJ, is living in The Village this year. “My dorm feels more like an apartment. I have a full kitchen, a big living room, and more storage space that I know what to do with. The dorms here feel very luxurious!” Each unit in The Village includes four single bedrooms, a full bathroom, living room, dining room, and full kitchen complete with large storage closets. Each bedroom can be locked by the student’s ID for added security and privacy.

Matthew Gonzales ‘26 of Harrison, NJ, has lived on campus since his first year at Ramapo. The visual communication design major and public policy minor shared the impact living on campus has had on his experience as a student. “From my time as a freshman to my current senior year, I have come to understand how important it is to be part of a welcoming community like Ramapo. Each year, I’ve been more involved with clubs and organizations, which has led me to meet so many amazing people. While it can be overwhelming to step inside a room in which you will eventually call home, it’s another thing to step outside and experience a college campus that welcomes you to express and learn about yourself. It’s a new story arc in your life, so make that experience unforgettable.”

The Overlook name speaks for itself, with a stunning view of Kameron Pond and the campus. Each suite includes two bedrooms connected by a living room, and each bedroom has a private bathroom.

Faith Duncan ‘26 of Parsippany, NJ, who studies graphic design, has lived on campus all four years in The Overlook, College Park Apartments, and The Village. “Where do I begin? I love the free laundry and large private bathrooms,” she shared. 

Right across the street from campus, the Ramapo Mountains provide a stunning view from every residence hall. “Watching the seasons change is a big plus. Anywhere you live on campus, you have a beautiful view.” Duncan also loves the public spaces in the halls, too. “Having access to ping pong and pool tables is a big plus. Not only the rooms, but the public spaces are beautiful and inviting.” 

Lisa Gonsisko, who oversees residence life as director, is thrilled about the honor and the dedicated teamwork of the Office of Residence Life staff. “We are proud to once again be named the top residence halls in the state. This honor reflects our commitment to providing state of the art facilities that promote safe, inclusive and supportive housing options for our residential population.” 

Take virtual tours, watch a video tour of housing options, and view room tours and photos on Instagram to see why Ramapo College is #1 in New Jersey and one of the best in the United States.  

The Overlook residence hall has a number of public spaces for students to enjoy, including access to pool tables.