Belltower on campus at night.

Affordability

Discover Montclair State University’s Value

We believe that education should be accessible to everyone. Montclair State offers the quality, variety and academic environment you expect from a top-tier University – at a highly competitive cost. With more than 72% of our students receiving some form of financial aid, our commitment to affordability will make it easier for you and your family to make a smart and practical financial investment.

A Montclair State education affords you the very best return on your investment. So much so that Money Magazine included us on its “Best Colleges for Your Money” list. We offer many options that can help make college affordable, including payment plans, loans, merit scholarships, grants and work-study programs.

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Merit Scholarships

Montclair State offers merit based Presidential Scholarships for high achieving incoming first-year students. Presidential Scholarships are highly competitive and awarded based on your academic academic achievement in high school. If you are awarded a scholarship, notification will be sent along with your notification of admission. No separate application is required. Need-based grants and loans are available for students who qualify by filing the FAFSA.

Learn more about our Merit Scholarships.

Garden State Guarantee

The Garden State Guarantee (GSG) is a financial aid program that will provide up to four semesters of free tuition at four-year New Jersey public institutions of higher education for New Jersey students enrolled in their third and fourth years of study whose family’s Adjusted Gross Income is between $0 and $65,000 annually. New Jersey students in their third and fourth years with adjusted gross incomes between $65,001 to $80,000 will be able to receive assistance such that their net cost for tuition and fees is no more than $7,500.

Learn more about the Garden State Guarantee.

Get Ahead and Save Money

Montclair State also offers unique opportunities that allow students to save time and money, including our Red Hawk Advantage Summer Program, Five-Year Bachelor’s/Master’s Programs and Early College Programs.

Five-Year Bachelor's/Master's Programs
 At Montclair State, we have 70+ combined degree programs, including our 4+1 MBA programs – more than any other institution in the state. These combined degree programs allow up to 12 credits to be applied toward an undergraduate and graduate degree, all at undergraduate tuition rates. Offered in everything from Accounting and Art to Spanish and Sustainability Science, these programs are an attractive, efficient and affordable option for students seeking a competitive edge when they enter the job market. 
Early College Programs
 Academically ambitious high school students have an exciting opportunity to complement high school study with Montclair State University coursework. Through our Early College Programs, rising juniors and seniors earn transferable college credits, experience the rigors and expectations of college-level classes, learn alongside Montclair State University students and engage in courses taught by University professors on campus or online. These programs save students up to 30% in tuition compared to normal semester rates. 

 

Cost and Financial Aid

New Jersey residents pay $13,761 per year for full-time tuition and fees and out-of-state residents pay approximately $22,471 per year. Average room and board charges for the school year are $16,372, depending on which residence hall, type of (residence hall) room and meal plan are selected.

Our Financial Aid Department is unwavering in its commitment to secure financial assistance for all who need it. Students and families have several options to help finance their Montclair education including federal and state financial aid, student loans and payment plans. 

To ensure students and parents are well prepared for any and all additional costs that come with attending a university, we’ve put together a list to guide you through.

 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the single most important thing you can do to get money for college. Complete the FAFSA online at fafsa.ed.gov no later than February 1st.