ISU vs. Montclair State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois State University in Normal, IL with Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Montclair State University is larger than ISU based on total student enrollment (23,375 students vs. 21,546 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Montclair State University is in Montclair, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Montclair State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Montclair State University 18:1.

ISU vs. Montclair State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Montclair State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Montclair State University than ISU ($17,669 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 29.7% lower than at Montclair State University ($11,754 vs. $16,730).
• Illinois State University is 1.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Montclair State University (about $232 more per year; $16,144.00 vs. $15,912.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.4% higher at ISU than at Montclair State University (about $2,188 more per year; $28,210.00 vs. $26,022.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois State University than at Montclair State University (96% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois State University students is 5.1% larger than aid received by Montclair State University students ($12,974 vs. $12,341).

ISU vs. Montclair State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or Montclair State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Montclair State University and ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 40 points higher than at Montclair State University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Montclair State University 910/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Montclair State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Montclair State University (3.3).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Montclair State University (87.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 18.2% at Montclair State University.

ISU vs. Montclair State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Montclair State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Montclair State University's (62%).
• Graduates from Montclair State University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than ISU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $999 lower median loan debt than Montclair State University graduates ($22,000 vs. $22,999).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Montclair State University graduates ($227 vs. $237).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Montclair State University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 67%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.