Montclair State University: 91.3% Acceptance Rate

91.3%Acceptance

$14,766Tuition

17,677Students

64%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$61,415Earnings

#17 in New JerseyPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Montclair State University

Montclair State has built its reputation as New Jersey's top destination for future teachers and performers. The university serves 17,677 students on a large suburban campus that draws heavily from the Garden State's diverse population. Notable graduates include baseball legend Yogi Berra and actor Bruce Willis, reflecting the school's strong connections to both athletics and the arts. With a 91% acceptance rate, Montclair opens its doors wide to students seeking quality programs without top-level admission pressure.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for middle-class families. Students pay an average net price of $14,159 after aid, less than the sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $61,415 ten years after leaving school, while carrying typical debt loads of $22,000. Monthly loan payments average just $233, making this education surprisingly affordable given the career outcomes.

The student body reflects New Jersey's demographics, with 39% Hispanic students and 13% Black students creating a diverse learning environment. About 94% of students come from in-state, fostering a tight-knit community feel. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio ensures reasonable access to professors, though the 65% graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish their degrees on time.

Academics & Faculty

Montclair State built its reputation as New Jersey's top teacher preparation institution, though it has expanded into a full research university. The College of Education remains flagship, producing more teachers than any other New Jersey institution. The performing arts programs attract students statewide, with strong theater, music, and dance departments housed in modern facilities. Business and communications also draw significant enrollment. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students get reasonable access to professors despite the large size. The 64% graduation rate reflects the university's mission serving first-generation college students and working adults who often attend part-time. Faculty blend academic credentials with real-world experience across disciplines.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 34.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 64.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 64.3%
Retention Rate: 79.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $61,415
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$88,971
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Certificate	$73,737
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$70,456
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$66,069
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.	Certificate	$61,020
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services.	Master	$57,318
Special Education and Teaching.	Master	$56,157
Education, General.	Master	$54,996
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Master	$54,322
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$52,107

View all 174 programs →

Campus Life

Montclair sits just 20 miles west of Manhattan, giving students easy access to New York City internships and entertainment. The 252-acre campus houses about 29% of the student body in residence halls, while most of the 93.6% in-state enrollment commutes from across New Jersey. You'll definitely need a winter coat for snowy January mornings and light layers for humid September afternoons.

The diverse student body reflects New Jersey's demographics, with 38.6% Hispanic students and 13.1% Black students creating a multicultural atmosphere. With 17,677 total students, you'll recognize faces around campus but still meet new people regularly. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name in upper-level classes. Weekends bring a mix of commuter departures and campus activities, though many students stick around for Red Hawks Division III games or head into NYC for concerts and museums. The performing arts programs draw crowds to campus productions, while education majors often spend weekends at local schools for field experiences.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 5,093 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1908

Campus Safety (2023)

90 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Domestic Violence	20	16
Dating Violence	14	11
Burglary	7	4
Rape	4	3
Stalking	5	1
Aggravated Assault	2	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–39°F
July Avg: 65°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 52.4"
Annual Snowfall: 28.2"

Student Demographics

Nearly 94% of students call New Jersey home, reflecting Montclair State's role as a regional cornerstone for Garden State families. Women make up about 60% of enrollment, drawn largely to the university's well-known teacher preparation and performing arts programs. Hispanic students represent the largest demographic group at 39%, followed by white students at 33%. The high Pell Grant rate of 44% shows Montclair serves as an accessible pathway to higher education for working-class families throughout northern New Jersey's diverse communities.

Men: 40.6%
Women: 59.4%
White: 33.3%
Black: 13.1%
Hispanic: 38.6%
Asian: 6.3%
In-State Students: 93.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 44.4%

Location

Montclair sits 12 miles west of New York City in northern New Jersey's suburban landscape. The 17,677 students attend classes in a densely populated area that offers easy access to Manhattan via public transportation. The town blends residential neighborhoods with college facilities, creating a suburban campus environment rather than a traditional college town atmosphere. Students can reach Times Square in under an hour by train. The region provides internship and job opportunities in media, finance, and education across the greater New York metropolitan area. With 93.62% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with the area's proximity to both urban opportunities and suburban comfort. Students considering colleges in New Jersey may also compare Montclair State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Montclair, New Jersey 07043-1624

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $61,415
Median Earnings (5 years): $58,895
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $38,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 65.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $233/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $22,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Montclair State University?

Montclair State accepts 91% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1075. The university welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds while maintaining solid standards for its teacher preparation and performing arts programs.

How much does Montclair State University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $14,159 annually, with 44% receiving financial aid. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,482 after aid, making this New Jersey public university particularly affordable for state residents.

What is Montclair State University known for academically?

The university built its reputation on teacher preparation programs and performing arts education across northern New Jersey. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio among its 17,677 students, Montclair State maintains strong connections to education and creative industries.

How much do Montclair State University graduates earn?

Alumni earn a median salary of $61,415 ten years after graduation with typical student debt of $22,000. The university's 93.6% employment rate reflects strong job placement, particularly in education and arts fields where many graduates build careers.

Where is Montclair State University located and what is campus life like?

The suburban campus in Montclair houses 5,093 students with a diverse student body that is 39% Hispanic and 13% Black. With 20 varsity sports in NCAA Division III and a 60% female enrollment, the campus serves primarily New Jersey residents who make up 94% of students.

Does Montclair State University have notable alumni?

The university claims Baseball Hall of Famer Yogi Berra, actor Bruce Willis, and Academy Award winner Olympia Dukakis among its graduates. Founded in 1908, Montclair State has built a network of successful alumni across entertainment, sports, and education over more than a century.