Montclair State University vs. Rider University

Comparable Facts

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

Montclair State University is larger than Rider University based on total student enrollment (23,375 students vs. 4,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Montclair State University is located in Montclair, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Rider University is in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Montclair State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Montclair State University 18:1; Rider University 14:1.

Montclair State University vs. Rider University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Montclair State University or Rider 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 Rider University ($17,669 vs. $26,506).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Montclair State University are 2.9% lower than at Rider University ($16,730 vs. $17,230).
• Rider University is 158.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Montclair State University (about $25,208 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $15,912.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58% higher at Rider University than at Montclair State University (about $15,098 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $26,022.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at Montclair State University (100% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rider University students is 137.4% larger than aid received by Montclair State University students ($29,294 vs. $12,341).

Montclair State University vs. Rider University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Montclair State University or Rider 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 Rider University and Montclair State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rider University (1210) is 150 points higher than at Montclair State University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montclair State University 910/1210; Rider University 1100/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRider University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Montclair State University - Test optional; Rider University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Rider University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Montclair State University (3.3).
• Montclair State University has a higher acceptance rate (87.9%) than Rider University (78.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at Montclair State University vs. 9.1% at Rider University.

Montclair State University vs. Rider University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Montclair State University and Rider 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).

• Rider University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Montclair State University's (62%).
• Graduates from Rider University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than Montclair State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,000 vs. $51,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Montclair State University graduates have a $2,751 lower median loan debt than Rider University graduates ($22,999 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Montclair State University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rider University graduates ($237 vs. $266).
• More Rider University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Montclair State University students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.