Montclair State University vs. Wilkes

Comparable Facts

Compare Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ with Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Montclair State University is larger than Wilkes based on total student enrollment (23,375 students vs. 5,381 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Montclair State University is located in Montclair, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Wilkes University is in Wilkes-Barre, PA (Small City setting).
• Montclair State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wilkes University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Montclair State University 18:1; Wilkes University 13:1.

Montclair State University vs. Wilkes Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Montclair State University or Wilkes? 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 Wilkes ($17,669 vs. $28,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wilkes University are 3.4% lower than at Montclair State University ($16,166 vs. $16,730).
• Wilkes University is 173.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Montclair State University (about $27,584 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $15,912.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 67.2% higher at Wilkes than at Montclair State University (about $17,474 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $26,022.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wilkes University than at Montclair State University (100% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wilkes University students is 129.5% larger than aid received by Montclair State University students ($28,324 vs. $12,341).

Montclair State University vs. Wilkes Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wilkes 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; Wilkes University 1020/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWilkes University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Montclair State University - Test optional; Wilkes - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Wilkes students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Montclair State University (3.3).
• Wilkes has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Montclair State University (87.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at Montclair State University vs. 9.3% at Wilkes.

Montclair State University vs. Wilkes Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Montclair State University and Wilkes? 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 Wilkes University's (58%).
• Graduates from Wilkes University earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than Montclair State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $51,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Montclair State University graduates have a $3,001 lower median loan debt than Wilkes graduates ($22,999 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Montclair State University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wilkes graduates ($237 vs. $268).
• More Wilkes graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Montclair State University students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.