As students seek affordable education with strong career outcomes, Montclair State University is highlighting its combination of accessible tuition and opportunities for hands-on experience. Located 12 miles from New York City, the university provides students with proximity to a major job market while maintaining lower tuition than many comparable institutions.
Senior Emma Haskell, who majors in Social Media and Public Relations with a Business minor, commutes twice a week to Manhattan for her entertainment public relations internship. She says, “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.” Haskell adds, “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.”
The university has received national attention for its graduate outcomes. The WSJ/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges rankings report that Montclair graduates receive an average salary boost of $34,013 above what they could expect from attending another college. The typical graduate repays the cost of their education in one year and seven months, placing Montclair among the fastest public universities in the U.S. for payback period.
Chantelle Wright, assistant vice provost for Experiential Education and Career Connections at Montclair State University, notes the significance of these rankings: “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.
Students point to value as a key factor in choosing Montclair. Maura Mayfield, a junior Illustration major from Maryland, says she was impressed by both the price and quality of arts programs at Montclair. Through involvement in campus radio WMSC 90.3 FM and participation in events like the Society of Illustrators’ MoCCA Arts Festival, Mayfield has found opportunities to apply her creative skills.
Experiential learning is central at Montclair State University. Wright explains: “It means being able to experience your future career. It’s about taking what you learn in the classroom and applying it to your aspirations.” Political Science and Child Advocacy double major JoseCarlos Aguilar describes using internships and research experiences to pursue his interest in public service: “I know for sure I want to commit to public service,” Aguilar says.
Montclair offers students access to internships and co-ops with over 7,000 approved employers nationwide. Support services include mentorship from faculty and alumni as well as individualized help with resume development and interview training.
Freshman Jhonny Moncada says he has benefited from these resources as a Fashion Design and Merchandising major: “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.
The university encourages prospective students to explore its nationally ranked programs or connect with advisors for more information about admissions.
