College Costs in Montclair, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Montclair, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,500
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,914
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Montclair Overview
Population
40,083
Student Population
3,675 (9.2%)
Cost of Living Index
143.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for Montclair
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$120,432
Total After Financial Aid
$120,432
Annual Cost
$30,108
Annual After Aid
$30,108
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $120,432 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,367 |
| Total Interest | $43,666 |
| Total Loan Cost | $164,098 |
Universities in Montclair
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Montclair State University | Public | $15,834 |
| Montclair Community College | Community | $6,264 |
Montclair has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Montclair vs. National Average
| Category | Montclair | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,500 | $10,940 | +$3,560 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,914 | $1,050 | +$864 |
| Cost of Living Index | 143.9 | 100 | +43.900000000000006 |
Montclair's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Montclair
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,675 students
Montclair has a total population of 40,083, with approximately 3,675 college students (9.2% of the population). Montclair has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Montclair
$49,003
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Montclair earn a median starting salary of $49,003, which is $14,003 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $120,432 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,890 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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