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Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ·Public·17,677 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 17,677 students.

87%
Accept
17,677
Students
$14,159
Net Price
64%
Grad Rate
$52,400
Earnings
10 yr
$17,500
Debt

About This School

Montclair State University is a public institution located in Montclair, New Jersey with approximately 17,677 undergraduate students enrolled. Montclair State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 87%. The average net price after financial aid is $14,159 per year. The graduation rate is 64%, and the typical graduate earns $52,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Montclair State University (Montclair) is a public research university in Montclair, New Jersey, United States. Parts of the campus extend into Clifton and into Little Falls. As of June 2024, there were 22,570 total enrolled students: 18,062 undergraduate students and 4,508 graduate students. It is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity". The campus covers approximately 252 acres (1.02 km2). The university offers more than 300 majors, minors, and concentrations.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at $14,159/year average net price and only $17,500 median debt at graduation, this is one of the more affordable paths to a degree in the New Jersey area, and the 300+ programs give students real options. That said, the 64% graduation rate is worth a hard look — nearly 1 in 3 students doesn't finish, which raises fair questions about academic support and student fit. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious, drawn to a large public university environment near New York City, and have a clear sense of what you want to study.

Founded
1908
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing21%
Psychology12%
Visual & Performing Arts10%
Communications9%
Health Professions5%
Social Sciences5%
Biological Sciences5%
Computer Science4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Bruce WillisAllen GinsbergTobin BellJason BiggsDania RamirezWarren FarrellRena SoferNel NoddingsScott GarrettRobert M. PriceLorene ScafariaMa Anand Sheela

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1080
Reading 75th %ile620
Math 75th %ile605

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$14,766
Out-of-State Tuition
$24,126
Avg Net Price
$14,159
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants44%
Median debt at graduation$17,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
64%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
80%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$52,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$17,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$17,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$38,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$52,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.0x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White33%
Black13%
Hispanic/Latino39%
Asian6%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (17,677 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Montclair State University

1 Normal Avenue

Montclair, NJ 07043-1624

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in New Jersey

Browse all New Jersey schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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