College Costs in Montclair, NJ 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Montclair, New Jersey. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$16,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,182
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Montclair Overview
Population
40,379
Student Population
3,536 (8.8%)
Cost of Living Index
119.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Montclair
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$127,116
Total After Financial Aid
$127,116
Annual Cost
$31,779
Annual After Aid
$31,779
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $127,116 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,443 |
| Total Interest | $46,089 |
| Total Loan Cost | $173,205 |
Universities in Montclair
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Montclair State University | Public | $16,311 |
| Montclair Community College | Community | $5,713 |
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) | $16,200 | $10,940 | +$5,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,182 | $1,050 | +$132 |
| Cost of Living Index | 119.9 | 100 | +19.900000000000006 |
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
3,536 students
Montclair has a total population of 40,379, with approximately 3,536 college students (8.8% 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
$44,764
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~13 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Montclair earn a median starting salary of $44,764, which is $9,764 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $127,116 (including room and board), it would take approximately 13 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,558 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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