Montclair State University
Montclair, New Jersey · Public · 87.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 71/100 · Fair Value
Montclair State University
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $15,912/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $26,022/yr |
| Average net price | $15,566/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $62,264 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,415 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $38,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $233 |
| Estimated payback period | 7.7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 64.7% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 18,376 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,880 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,532 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,388 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,058 |
| $110,001+ | $25,573 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Montclair State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $68,235 | C+ |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $53,575 | D |
| Communication and Media Studies | $59,247 | D |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $58,236 | D |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $79,692 | C+ |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $58,308 | D |
| Biology | $67,541 | C |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $62,999 | D |
| English Language and Literature | $45,337 | D |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $50,790 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Montclair State University is $15,912/year ($26,022/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $15,566/year, or roughly $62,264 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $10,880/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $25,573/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $233 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $61,415 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.58 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 66.6% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 72.5% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 71.7% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 74.4% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 87.9% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 430-590 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 480-620 |
| Enrollment | 18,376 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 47.0% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $12,540 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montclair State University (this school) | 71 | $15,566 | $61,415 |
| Illinois State University | 74 | $19,398 | $62,117 |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | 68 | $17,747 | $56,887 |
| University of Oregon | 68 | $22,182 | $61,324 |
| Rowan University | 66 | $22,408 | $59,988 |
| Bloomfield College of Montclair State University | 50 | $28,014 | $61,415 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Montclair State University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $15,566 per year leads to $62,264 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $61,415 a decade out. The payback period of 7.7 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates.
Median debt of $22,000 against $61,415 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.