Montclair State University vs. TCNJ

Comparable Facts

Compare Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ with The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Montclair State University is larger than TCNJ based on total student enrollment (23,375 students vs. 8,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Montclair State University is located in Montclair, NJ (Large Suburban setting); The College of New Jersey is in Ewing, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Montclair State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The College of New Jersey is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Montclair State University 18:1; The College of New Jersey 14:1.

Montclair State University vs. TCNJ Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Montclair State University or TCNJ? 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 TCNJ ($17,669 vs. $25,580).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The College of New Jersey are 10.5% lower than at Montclair State University ($14,976 vs. $16,730).
• The College of New Jersey is 23.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Montclair State University (about $3,720 more per year; $19,632.00 vs. $15,912.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1% higher at Montclair State University than at The College of New Jersey (about $270 more per year; $26,022.00 vs. $25,752.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Montclair State University than at The College of New Jersey (84% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The College of New Jersey students is 8.3% larger than aid received by Montclair State University students ($13,360 vs. $12,341).

Montclair State University vs. TCNJ Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The College of New Jersey (1240) is 180 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; The College of New Jersey 1140/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsThe College of New Jersey 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Montclair State University - Test optional; TCNJ - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: TCNJ Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Montclair State University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at TCNJ (3.29).
• Montclair State University has a higher acceptance rate (87.9%) than TCNJ (62.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at Montclair State University vs. 19.7% at TCNJ.

Montclair State University vs. TCNJ Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Montclair State University and TCNJ? 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).

• The College of New Jersey's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Montclair State University's (62%).
• Graduates from The College of New Jersey earn a median of about $11,000 more per year than Montclair State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,100 vs. $51,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Montclair State University graduates have a $251 lower median loan debt than TCNJ graduates ($22,999 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Montclair State University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than TCNJ graduates ($237 vs. $240).
• More TCNJ graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Montclair State University students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.