Montclair State University vs The College of New Jersey: which has better ROI?
The College of New Jersey has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $110,584 in 4.4 years versus 4.8 years at Montclair State University, on median earnings of $73,323 vs $61,415 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Montclair State University | The College of New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,566 | $27,646 |
| Total net cost | $62,264 | $110,584 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $61,415 | $73,323 |
| Median debt | $22,000 | $23,250 |
| Payback | 4.8 yrs | 4.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $198,836 | $388,676 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Montclair State University or The College of New Jersey?
Montclair State University, at $15,566 a year after aid versus $27,646 — a gap of $12,080 a year, or $48,320 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Montclair State University or The College of New Jersey graduates earn more?
The College of New Jersey graduates report a median $73,323 ten years after entry, $11,908 more than the $61,415 at Montclair State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Montclair State University or The College of New Jersey?
Montclair State University: its completers carry a median $22,000 in federal loans versus $23,250 at The College of New Jersey, a difference of $1,250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
86% of students finish at The College of New Jersey, against 65% at Montclair State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.