Montclair State University vs. VCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ with Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia Commonwealth University is larger than Montclair State University based on total student enrollment (28,464 students vs. 23,375 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Montclair State University is located in Montclair, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Virginia Commonwealth University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Montclair State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Montclair State University 18:1; Virginia Commonwealth University 17:1.

Montclair State University vs. VCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Montclair State University or VCU? 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 VCU ($17,669 vs. $26,836).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Montclair State University are 8.3% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($16,730 vs. $18,254).
• Virginia Commonwealth University is 6.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Montclair State University (about $1,033 more per year; $16,945.00 vs. $15,912.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.1% higher at VCU than at Montclair State University (about $14,087 more per year; $40,109.00 vs. $26,022.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia Commonwealth University than at Montclair State University (88% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students is 15% larger than aid received by Montclair State University students ($14,186 vs. $12,341).

Montclair State University vs. VCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia Commonwealth University (1140) is 80 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; Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsVirginia Commonwealth University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Montclair State University - Test optional; VCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCU Jan 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VCU students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Montclair State University (3.3).
• VCU has a higher acceptance rate (92.6%) than Montclair State University (87.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at Montclair State University vs. 21.6% at VCU.

Montclair State University vs. VCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Montclair State University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Virginia Commonwealth University's (53%).
• Graduates from Montclair State University earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than VCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Montclair State University graduates have a $251 lower median loan debt than VCU graduates ($22,999 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Montclair State University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCU graduates ($237 vs. $240).
• More Montclair State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCU students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 56%)

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.