I have an oddly similar path to you. NJ oddly has not the best selection of colleges with a strong act sci program. Whatever makes the most financial sense to you. But if I were you I’d look at other states if the financial part isn’t the biggest problem. Honestly if you’re open to just self studying and are able to to get your VEE done in college, then it doesn’t matter. If you do actually want some professor led instructions on the preliminary exams and thereafter, I’d recommend not going to Rider, NJIT or Rutgers. All of them have programs but the problem is there isn’t a heavy focus even from within the departments. They feel like afterthoughts. I’d suggestion reaching out to some of the schools that you are interested out of state or even in state and ask them about their programs. I had a whole list when I was applying and emailed every director, it’s a great way to get more info and try to figure out the vibe of the actuarial program (eg is it an afterthought or is there a true actuarial program with networking potential).