Montclair State's published cost of attendance is $25,926 per year, including $14,766 in-state tuition, $16,822 for room and board, and $1,240 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students pay $24,126 in tuition.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $28,305 |
| Tuition and Fees | $26,022 |
| Room and Board | $16,730 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$12,739 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $15,566 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,880 |
| $30–48k | $11,532 |
| $48–75k | $16,388 |
| $75–110k | $22,058 |
| $110k+ | $25,573 |
Montclair State's published cost of attendance is $25,926 per year, including $14,766 in-state tuition, $16,822 for room and board, and $1,240 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students pay $24,126 in tuition. However, the average student pays just $14,159 after financial aid, representing $11,767 in average aid savings from the sticker price.
This net price of $14,159 compares favorably to similar institutions, sitting $1,431 above the peer median of $15,590. The university's financial aid approach creates a progressive pricing structure where lower-income students pay significantly less than higher-income families. Net prices vary dramatically by family income, ranging from $9,482 for families earning under $30,000 to $23,607 for those earning over $110,000.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Montclair State graduates carry median debt of $22,000, slightly above the peer median of $20,000 but within manageable ranges relative to post-graduation earnings. Student debt ranges from $8,750 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, showing controlled borrowing patterns across the student body.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 indicates that typical graduates can manage loan payments comfortably, with annual debt service representing roughly one-third of first-year earnings. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $22,000 with monthly payments of $290, indicating moderate family borrowing to supplement student aid packages.
The university's debt profile ranks at the 56th percentile nationally, representing above-average but not excessive borrowing levels. Compared to peer institutions, Montclair State graduates carry $2,000 more in debt, but this difference is offset by slightly higher earnings outcomes.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Montclair State represents a solid educational investment that balances cost, debt, and earnings outcomes effectively. Graduates earn $6,731 beyond expectations compared to similar students, ranking at the 78.8th percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
This performance indicates strong return on educational investment despite moderate debt levels. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 supports manageable loan repayment, with graduates typically able to service debt while building long-term wealth.
Median earnings of $61,415 exceed peer institution outcomes by $872 annually, helping offset the slightly higher debt burden over time. The university's combination of accessibility, controlled costs, and strong outcomes creates favorable investment conditions for students from diverse backgrounds.
Montclair State's financial aid strategy effectively targets support toward students with the greatest need. The $11,767 average aid package reduces the published cost by 45%, making the university significantly more affordable than sticker prices suggest.
The progressive pricing structure directly supports the university's diverse student composition, with 44.4% Pell-eligible students benefiting from the lowest net price tiers. Aid targeting creates affordability for students from families earning under $75,000, who represent the majority of aid recipients.
The university's approach enables access for first-generation students (41.2% of enrollment) who often face financial constraints that could prevent college attendance. Net price competitiveness with peer institutions, despite slightly higher costs, indicates effective aid leveraging.
