[5] In the late 19th century, the Ramapo Valley was developed for large estates by many wealthy families.

Havemeyer, a founder of the American Sugar Company, purchased and renovated a home on the road that would become Route 202 and developed more than 1,000 acres (400 ha) surrounding the mansion into a farm.

That mansion and about 700 acres (280 ha) of the original 1,000 were later purchased by Stephen Birch, president of the Kennecott Copper Company.

[6] In 1968, the New Jersey Department of Higher Education authorized establishing a new state college in Bergen County, due to its increasing population and suburbanization.

The criteria for the new college's location were sufficient land for the construction of current needs and future expansion, and proximity to at least one major highway.

[6] The college was planned to serve economically deprived students from urban and rural areas, in addition to a full range of middle-class families.

George Potter, an administrator at Grand Valley State University in Michigan, was appointed the first President of the college before a location had been determined.

Although the land was farther north than originally intended for the campus, its proximity to Route 17 and mountainous surroundings made it an attractive site.

U.S. News & World Report ranks Ramapo 37th among 196 "Regional Universities in the North" in its 2018 list.

[15] The 300-acre (120 ha) campus includes dozens of modern academic buildings, offices, eating facilities, and athletic playing fields and gyms.

Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country running, soccer, swimming, track and field, and volleyball.

The men's basketball team won the 2017 New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) championship and advanced to the NCAA Division III playoffs.