Montclair State University's published cost of attendance is $28,305, but need-based aid reshapes what families actually pay across income levels. Low-income families see a net price of approximately $10,880, while middle-income families pay around $16,388, and higher-income families pay approximately $25,573.
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
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 University's published cost of attendance is $28,305, but need-based aid reshapes what families actually pay across income levels. Low-income families see a net price of approximately $10,880, while middle-income families pay around $16,388, and higher-income families pay approximately $25,573. Azimuth ranks Montclair State University #439 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Montclair State participates in federal, state, and institutional aid programs, including Pell Grants, New Jersey state aid, and institutional scholarships. As a public university in New Jersey, it benefits from the state's robust need-based aid infrastructure, which helps close the gap between sticker price and what lower- and middle-income families actually pay. Families seeking to understand the full pricing picture — including how net price and sticker price can differ substantially — should compare the income-band figures above against any aid award letter they receive. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $22,000, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $24,693; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $61,351, median federal debt of $22,000 projects to a monthly payment of about $249 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Montclair State University earn median 4-year earnings of $61,351, placing Montclair State University in the 51.5 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $4,162 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 73.7 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Montclair State University #676 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Program outcomes vary by major. Business Administration, Management and Operations reports 571 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $68,235, ranked #120 nationally in its major. Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services reports 271 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $53,575, ranked #16 nationally in its major. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other reports 182 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $58,236, ranked #33 nationally in its major. Communication and Media Studies reports 170 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $59,247, ranked #87 nationally in its major.
