At $14,159/yr net price, Montclair State University graduates earn $61,415/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,415/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,159 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $56,636 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,415/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,415/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,482/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,729/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,990/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,259/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,607/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $88,971 | $37,409 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $73,737 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $70,456 | $27,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $66,069 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Certificate | $61,020 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $57,318 | $44,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $56,157 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $54,996 | $28,660 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $54,322 | $25,784 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $21,500 |
The Risk Factor
64.3% of students at Montclair State University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Montclair State gives you a solid financial return for a public school. With a net price near $14,000 a year and median debt of $22,000, you can pay down what you borrow on a median salary of $61,415 ten years out. That debt-to-earnings ratio works in your favor.
The bachelor's programs listed tell a mixed story. Computer and Information Sciences leads early earnings, and Accounting follows close behind, both landing you steady work in the North Jersey and New York metro job market. Business Administration and Mathematics sit lower to start. History pays the least of the group at $37,208 while carrying nearly the same $21,500 debt load as computer science, so you take on similar risk for weaker early pay. Note that these are early-career figures. the school-wide median of $61,415 shows earnings climb over time.
The main risk here is picking a low-earning major and borrowing the same amount you would for a high-earning one. Debt barely moves across programs, but starting salaries swing by roughly $15,000. Your major choice, not the price tag, drives your outcome. A 64% grad rate and 80% retention also mean a real share of students leave, sometimes with debt and no degree.
Net price scales sharply with income. Under $30,000, you pay about $9,500. above $110,000, you pay over $23,000. The middle tiers jump hard once you cross $48,000, so a family earning $75,000 to $110,000 pays nearly double what a low-income family pays.
This school fits you if you are a New Jersey resident targeting computing, accounting, or business and want in-state cost without a long commute. If you plan to major in history or another lower-earning field and borrow the full amount, weigh a cheaper option first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montclair State University worth the cost?
Montclair State offers reasonable value with a low net price of $14,159 per year and median debt of $22,000. The 10-year earnings average of $61,415 provides a decent return, though the 64% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees.
What are the highest paying majors at Montclair State University?
Business Administration leads with nearly $89,000 in median earnings, followed by Educational Administration at $73,737. These programs significantly outperform the school average and justify the investment.
How much debt do Montclair State University graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt load of $22,000, which is manageable given the relatively low cost of attendance. This debt level is reasonable compared to national averages for public universities.
Does Montclair State University have good job prospects after graduation?
Job outcomes vary widely by major, with business and education programs showing strong earning potential above $60,000. However, the 91% acceptance rate and 1075 average SAT suggest less selective admissions, which can impact post-graduation opportunities in competitive fields.