Universities / Compare / Montclair State University vs Princeton University

Montclair State University vs Princeton University

Side-by-side comparison of tuition, graduate earnings, acceptance rate, graduation rate, student debt and more. Data automatically aggregated from public sources — errors may occur. Always verify with institutions.

Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ · Public · 18,376 students
$61k
Earnings 10yr
65%
Grad Rate
87.9%
Accept Rate
$16k
Net Price/yr
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Princeton University
Princeton, NJ · Private Nonprofit · 5,709 students
$110k
Earnings 10yr
98%
Grad Rate
4.6%
Accept Rate
$6k
Net Price/yr
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Montclair State University vs Princeton University — Full Comparison

MetricMontclair State UniversityPrinceton University
Median Earnings (10yr)$61,415$110,066
Median Earnings (6yr)$47,944$87,815
Median Earnings (8yr)$56,215$112,152
% Earning >$25k (6yr)69.0%82.6%
Graduation Rate64.7%97.6%
Retention Rate77.9%98.4%
Acceptance Rate87.9%4.6%
SAT Average1,0701,553
In-State Tuition$15,912$62,688
Out-of-State Tuition$26,022$62,688
Avg Net Price (after aid)$15,566$6,128
Median Student Debt$22,000$10,320
Pell Grant Recipients47.0%19.2%
First-Gen Students41.2%27.7%
Total Students18,3765,709
Avg Faculty Salary$12,540$25,354
Spend per Student$9,193$73,220
Endowment$0.1B$33.4B
⚠️ This comparison does not imply overall superiority. Green/red indicators reflect individual metrics only. Many critical factors are NOT captured: teaching quality, research output, campus safety, mental health resources, career placement rates, alumni networks, class sizes, and individual program strength.
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Estimated Return on Investment

⚠️ This is a rough, simplified estimate only — we may have made errors in this calculation. Actual ROI depends on your major, career path, scholarships, loan interest, and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before any financial decision.
Montclair State University
99%
Estimated ROI ratio
$61,415 earnings ÷ $62,264 est. cost
Princeton University
449%
Estimated ROI ratio
$110,066 earnings ÷ $24,512 est. cost
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Most Popular Programs

Montclair State University
Business & Marketing21%
Psychology12%
Communications8%
Health Sciences5%
Princeton University
Social Sciences19%
Engineering17%
Computer Science16%
Biological Sciences10%

Top Earning Programs

Montclair State University
Law$104k
Princeton University
Program earnings data not available
⚠️ Figures marked "small sample" are based on fewer than 30 graduates and may not be statistically representative. Interpret with caution and verify directly with the institution.

Montclair State University vs Princeton University — Overview

Montclair State University is a Public located in Montclair, New Jersey. It enrolls approximately 18,376 students with a graduation rate of 64.7%. Graduates earn a median salary of $61,415 ten years after starting college. The acceptance rate is 87.9%.

Princeton University is a Private Nonprofit located in Princeton, New Jersey. It enrolls approximately 5,709 students with a graduation rate of 97.6%. Graduates earn a median salary of $110,066 ten years after starting college. The acceptance rate is 4.6%.

🎓 This comparison reflects publicly available data points only and may contain errors. Choosing a university involves many personal factors no dataset can capture. We strongly encourage you to visit both campuses in person, speak with current students and recent alumni, consult qualified academic advisors and financial aid officers, and seek independent professional advice before making any enrollment or financial decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Montclair State University or Princeton University harder to get into?+

Based on available data, Montclair State University has an acceptance rate of 87.9% while Princeton University has an acceptance rate of 4.6%. Princeton University is slightly more selective based on this metric alone. Acceptance rates vary by program, year, and applicant profile. Always verify directly with each institution.

Which university has better graduate earnings?+

According to available data, Montclair State University graduates earn a median salary of $61,415 ten years after starting college, while Princeton University graduates earn $110,066. Earnings vary significantly by major, career path, and individual circumstances. These are median estimates from public sources and may contain errors.

Which is more affordable — Montclair State University or Princeton University?+

After financial aid, the average net price at Montclair State University is $15,566 per year compared to $6,128 at Princeton University. Net price varies significantly based on family income and financial aid eligibility. These are averages — your actual cost may differ substantially. Contact each university's financial aid office for personalized estimates.

Which offers better return on investment?+

Using a simplified ROI estimate (10yr median earnings ÷ estimated 4-year cost), Montclair State University shows approximately 99% and Princeton University shows approximately 449%. This is a rough calculation that may contain errors — we make mistakes. Actual ROI depends on your major, career path, scholarships, loan interest, and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions.

What factors should I consider beyond this comparison?+

Data comparisons capture only a fraction of what makes a university the right fit. Critical factors not reflected here include campus culture, social life, research opportunities, internship networks, geographic location, specific program quality within departments, faculty mentorship, alumni connections, mental health resources, campus safety, and your personal career goals. We strongly encourage campus visits, conversations with current students, and consultation with academic and financial advisors.

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Important Disclaimer
Data displayed on this page is automatically aggregated from publicly available sources through large-scale automation. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur and we make mistakes — data may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. UniOutcomes is an independent data aggregation platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with any educational institution. This information is for informational purposes only and should not be the sole basis for enrollment, financial, or career decisions. Many factors that define a university experience — campus culture, faculty quality, research opportunities, location, alumni networks, and personal fit — are not captured here. Always verify data directly with the institution. Always consult a qualified professional before making any major academic or financial decision.
Data is automatically aggregated from public government sources and may be inaccurate. For informational purposes only. Always verify from official sources before making any decision. Terms of Use