New Jersey City University (NJCU) vs Montclair State

New Jersey City University (NJCU) and Montclair State University (MSU) are two distinct institutions of higher learning in New Jersey, each offering unique educational experiences. NJCU, located in the vibrant city of Jersey City, boasts a diverse student body and a strong focus on urban studies, while MSU, situated in the charming town of Montclair, is known for its comprehensive academic programs and beautiful campus. With different acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates, these universities cater to diverse student populations and aspirations. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover which university aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences, ensuring you make an informed decision about your higher education journey.
Montclair State University logo

Montclair State University

New Jersey City University logo

New Jersey City University

Overview

Location Montclair, New Jersey Jersey City, New Jersey
Campus setting Suburb: Large City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 79.0% 74.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 90.6% 90.7%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $65

Graduate: $60
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $55
SAT range 1010 - 1210 890 - 1140
ACT range N/A N/A
Students submitting SAT score 13.0% 10.0%
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants 18,691 5,586
Total number of admissions given out 16,936 5,064
Admitted students who chose to enroll 3,491 761
Yield rate 20.6% 15.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $34,486

Out of state: $42,606
In state: $38,608

Out of state: $48,900
Average net price $12,026 $13,756
Tuition
In state: $12,323

Out of state: $20,443
In state: $12,992

Out of state: $23,284
Room & board $16,388
Room/dormitory: $10,665

Meal plan: $4,675
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

65.0%
Average amount $10,846
96.0%
Average amount $11,859
Students receiving federal student loan 45.0%
Average amount $5,261
35.0%
Average amount $6,232
Students taking out private loans 8.0%
Average amount $14,505
1.0%
Average amount $10,930

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 16,093
Men 38.7% Women 61.3%
5,262
Men 41.8% Women 58.2%
Graduate students 4,651
Men 28.8% Women 71.2%
1,656
Men 24.7% Women 75.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students 7.2% N/A
International students 2.1% 1.5%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 4,800 624
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Virginia Maryland N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Education
  • Psychology
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Business
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Psychology
Students to faculty ratio 17:1 14:1
Institutional accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 67.3% 39.0%
Dropout rate 9.4% 37.6%
Transferred out 21.4% 18.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $86,436
  • Year 2: $88,971
  • Year 3: $97,794
Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $82,574
  • Year 2: $73,737
  • Year 3: $80,745
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $66,069
  • Year 3: $76,275
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,430
  • Year 2: $70,456
  • Year 3: $75,288
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $49,437
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $64,578
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,871
  • Year 2: $46,869
  • Year 3: $63,277
Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $62,057
  • Year 2: $61,020
  • Year 3: $58,634
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,012
  • Year 2: $45,715
  • Year 3: $58,616
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,928
  • Year 2: $54,322
  • Year 3: $57,724
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,613
  • Year 2: $54,996
  • Year 3: $56,485
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,186
  • Year 2: $71,015
  • Year 3: $95,473
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $79,771
  • Year 2: $77,087
  • Year 3: $83,056
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,635
  • Year 2: $68,079
  • Year 3: $71,000
Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,333
  • Year 2: $65,320
  • Year 3: $69,477
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,466
  • Year 2: $58,479
  • Year 3: $64,326
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $55,079
  • Year 2: $63,749
  • Year 3: $63,878
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $63,342
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,263
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $63,301
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,330
  • Year 2: $56,776
  • Year 3: $54,807
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $40,555
  • Year 2: $48,139
  • Year 3: $54,292

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between New Jersey City University (NJCU) and Montclair State University (MSU)?

    NJCU is a smaller, more urban-focused university located in Jersey City, known for its strong commitment to social justice and its diverse student body. Montclair State University, located in Montclair, is a larger, more comprehensive university with a wider range of programs and a more suburban campus environment. MSU also has a stronger emphasis on research and graduate studies compared to NJCU.

  • Which university is more affordable: NJCU or Montclair State?

    Generally, NJCU tends to be more affordable than Montclair State University, especially for in-state students. However, tuition and fees can vary depending on your program of study and residency status. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date cost information and to explore available financial aid and scholarship opportunities at each institution.

  • What types of academic programs are NJCU and Montclair State known for?

    NJCU is well-regarded for its programs in education, business, criminal justice, and the arts, particularly music and dance. Montclair State University offers a broader range of programs, with strengths in education, business, communication and media, science and mathematics, and the performing arts. MSU also has a strong fashion studies program.

  • How do the campus environments differ between NJCU and Montclair State?

    NJCU has a more urban campus located in Jersey City, offering students access to the cultural and professional opportunities of a major city. Montclair State University has a larger, more traditional suburban campus with extensive green spaces and a wider range of on-campus housing options. The atmosphere at MSU is generally considered to be more traditional college campus experience.

  • What are the class sizes like at NJCU and Montclair State?

    NJCU generally has smaller class sizes compared to Montclair State University. This can lead to more personalized attention from professors. Montclair State, being a larger university, may have some larger introductory courses, but also offers smaller, more specialized classes as you progress in your studies.

  • Which university is better for students interested in research opportunities?

    Montclair State University offers more extensive research opportunities, particularly at the graduate level. While NJCU also provides research opportunities, MSU has a greater emphasis on research across various disciplines and more resources dedicated to supporting student and faculty research projects.

  • How do the student demographics compare between NJCU and Montclair State?

    Both NJCU and Montclair State University have diverse student populations. NJCU is known for its high percentage of students from underrepresented backgrounds and its commitment to serving first-generation college students. Montclair State also has a diverse student body, drawing students from a wider geographic area and a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds.

  • What kind of extracurricular activities and student life are available at each university?

    Both NJCU and Montclair State offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, sports teams, and cultural events. Montclair State, being a larger university, generally has a wider range of options and a more active campus life. NJCU offers a more intimate and community-focused student experience, with opportunities to get involved in campus initiatives and local community service projects.

  • How do NJCU and Montclair State support career development and job placement?

    Both universities offer career services, including resume workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. Montclair State University, with its larger alumni network and stronger industry connections, may offer more extensive career resources and internship opportunities in certain fields. NJCU focuses on connecting students with opportunities in the local Jersey City and New York City areas.

  • What are the admission requirements like for NJCU and Montclair State?

    Admission requirements vary depending on the program and your academic background. Generally, Montclair State University may have slightly more competitive admission standards than NJCU. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for specific requirements, including GPA, standardized test scores (if required), and application deadlines.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.
Montclair State University Montclair State vs California State University-Northridge California State University-Northridge
Montclair State University Montclair State vs University of California-Berkeley University of California-Berkeley
Montclair State University Montclair State vs University of Colorado Colorado Springs University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Montclair State University Montclair State vs University of Northern Colorado University of Northern Colorado
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Southern Connecticut State University Southern Connecticut State University
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Georgia Southern University Georgia Southern University
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Governors State University Governors State University
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Towson University Towson University
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Assumption University Assumption University
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Harvard University Harvard University
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Eastern Michigan University Eastern Michigan University
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Grand Valley State University Grand Valley State University
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud State University
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Dartmouth College Dartmouth College
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Berkeley College-Woodland Park Berkeley College-Woodland Park
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Felician University Felician University
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Rowan University Rowan University
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Kean University Kean University
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Stevens Institute of Technology Stevens Institute of Technology
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Berkeley College-New York Berkeley College-New York
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Cornell University Cornell University
Montclair State University Montclair State vs College of Staten Island CUNY College of Staten Island CUNY
Montclair State University Montclair State vs CUNY Queens College CUNY Queens College
Montclair State University Montclair State vs The New School The New School
Montclair State University Montclair State vs SUNY College at Oswego SUNY College at Oswego
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Duke University Duke University
Montclair State University Montclair State vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Montclair State University Montclair State vs West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Brown University Brown University
Montclair State University Montclair State vs University of Virginia-Main Campus University of Virginia-Main Campus
Montclair State University Montclair State vs University of Wisconsin-La Crosse University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Montclair State University Montclair State vs Stanford University Stanford University
New Jersey City University NJCU vs California State University-Los Angeles California State University-Los Angeles
New Jersey City University NJCU vs Columbus State University Columbus State University
New Jersey City University NJCU vs Northeastern Illinois University Northeastern Illinois University
New Jersey City University NJCU vs University of Baltimore University of Baltimore
New Jersey City University NJCU vs Bowie State University Bowie State University
New Jersey City University NJCU vs Berkeley College-Woodland Park Berkeley College-Woodland Park
New Jersey City University NJCU vs Caldwell University Caldwell University
New Jersey City University NJCU vs Drew University Drew University
New Jersey City University NJCU vs Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus
New Jersey City University NJCU vs Felician University Felician University
New Jersey City University NJCU vs Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus
New Jersey City University NJCU vs Rowan University Rowan University
New Jersey City University NJCU vs Montclair State University Montclair State University
New Jersey City University NJCU vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Jersey City University NJCU vs Saint Peter's University Saint Peter's University
New Jersey City University NJCU vs Seton Hall University Seton Hall University
New Jersey City University NJCU vs Stevens Institute of Technology Stevens Institute of Technology
New Jersey City University NJCU vs Berkeley College-New York Berkeley College-New York
New Jersey City University NJCU vs Fayetteville State University Fayetteville State University
New Jersey City University NJCU vs North Carolina Central University North Carolina Central University
New Jersey City University NJCU vs Angelo State University Angelo State University
New Jersey City University NJCU vs University of Houston-Downtown University of Houston-Downtown
New Jersey City University NJCU vs The University of Texas Permian Basin The University of Texas Permian Basin