Why Montclair State University Is a Top Choice for Affordable Tuition, Fastest Payback and Real Student Success

As the 7:17 a.m. train pulls into the Montclair State University Station, senior Emma Haskell steps aboard, headed for her day in Manhattan. Twice a week, she travels into the city for her entertainment public relations internship – gaining hands-on experience that’s already shaping her career.

“I decided to come to Montclair because it’s close to the city, and my career goals are focused on working there while I’m still young,” says Haskell, a Social Media and Public Relations major with a Business minor. 

“Compared to other schools, Montclair is much more affordable and I know I’ll be able to pay off debt and make use of the connections I formed.”

At Montclair, affordability and opportunity go hand in hand. With tuition lower than many comparable institutions and a location just 12 miles from New York City, the University offers students a powerful combination of accessible education, real-world experience and long-term value.

Montclair’s national recognition highlights its strong outcomes for graduates. According to the WSJ/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges rankings – which emphasize how well institutions prepare students for financial success – Montclair graduates receive an average salary boost of $34,013 above what they could expect from attending another college. The typical graduate recoups the cost of their education in just one year and seven months, placing Montclair among the fastest for payback period among all U.S. public universities.

As Chantelle Wright, assistant vice provost for Experiential Education and Career Connections, explains, Montclair’s rankings tell a deeper story.

“We were particularly excited because for us, it means that when people talk about the University being mission-driven, we actually see that trickle down,” she says.

What Students Say About Montclair’s Value

Haskell gives campus tours to high school students, who most often ask about campus life and academics. She wishes more would ask about rankings and financial considerations to better prepare for the long run.

Not enough students ask about cost and value, but it’s a good question. It’s important to know what you’re signing up for.” – Emma Haskell

For students like Maura Mayfield, a junior Illustration major, those questions about value made all the difference.

“I’m from Maryland, so not too far away,” Mayfield says. “I considered several schools, but Montclair had the best program for the best price, and I was really impressed by the arts here.”

Through her work at the campus radio station WMSC 90.3 FM – where she co-hosts and co-created the program More Animation – her role as a student worker in Calcia Hall, and her active participation in the John Martinson Honors EDGE Program, Mayfield has discovered both creativity and opportunity.

Mayfield’s academic load reflects her passion through both digital and traditional illustration, and her classes allow her to apply her interests in different ways. For example, in “Products and Zines,” students are preparing their own art and custom products to sell at the Society of Illustrators’ MoCCA Arts Festival in the spring.

“I’m really happy to be taking such varied classes because it allows me to explore different ways to apply both my skills and major,” she says.

Hands-On Learning That Drives Success

Experiential learning stands at the heart of the Montclair experience.

“It means being able to experience your future career,” says Wright. “It’s about taking what you learn in the classroom and applying it to your aspirations.”

For Jose Carlos Aguilar, a double major in Political Science and Child Advocacy and Policy, that philosophy has shaped his time at Montclair. Through internships, policy research, fellowships and campus leadership roles, he has turned academics into action – tackling real issues in government, child welfare and advocacy.

“I know for sure I want to commit to public service,” Aguilar says.

Inside the Montclair Edge

Students can access:

• Internships and co-ops, micro-interships, campus jobs and community partnerships that apply classroom learning to real-world contexts
• A national network of more than 7,000 approved employers – including global companies and local organizations
• Career guidance and mentorship from faculty, advisors and alumni invested in student success
• Individualized support through interview training and resume development, job fairs and employer connections

“Students need to practice and experience a ‘day in the life’ of the profession they aspire to,” Wright adds. “That’s what experiential learning is – testing out your career goal.”

Freshman Jhonny Moncada is making the most of Montclair’s resources and opportunities. Majoring in Fashion Design and Merchandising, he’s applied for a mentorship program—an opportunity he learned about from his academic adviser in the College of the Arts.

“Montclair has a very supportive environment that wants to see you succeed and advocates for you, that genuinely invites me to invest more of myself,” Moncada says.

Story by Marilyn Joyce Lehren, University Communications and Marketing

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