Montclair State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
If you’re looking at Montclair State in New Jersey, you’ll want to know how the costs and scholarships really work. This guide breaks down Montclair’s automatic merit, competitive awards, and hidden gems in plain English — so first-generation families aren’t left guessing. Be sure to also check the New Jersey state aid guide for extra programs that can stack with Montclair’s scholarships.
💰 Cost of Attendance
The following figures assume full-time enrollment (12–18 credits per semester), covering fall and spring of the 2025–2026 academic year.
| Residency | Tuition + Fees | Housing & Meals (On-Campus) | Books/Supplies | Travel | Miscellaneous | Total COA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-State | $15,678 | $10,564 (Housing) + $6,298 (Meals) = $16,862 |
$1,340 | $1,340 | $2,360 | $38,828 |
| Out-of-State | $26,394 | $10,564 (Housing) + $6,298 (Meals) = $16,862 |
$1,340 | $1,340 | $2,360 | $49,544 |
FAQ: Garden State Guarantee & Montclair Tuition Programs
- Who qualifies? In-state full-time undergraduates (12–18 credits) automatically use the in-state flat rate; out-of-state pay the higher flat rate.
- How much? On-campus COA: ~$38.8K (in-state) / ~$49.5K (out-of-state); off-campus or living with family reduces housing/meal estimates slightly.
- Do you apply or is it automatic? COA figures are standardized estimates. Aid through Red Hawk Advantage or Garden State Guarantee is typically automatic upon FAFSA and admission—but confirm each program’s specific eligibility criteria and deadlines on Montclair’s aid site.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Montclair State University considers all admitted students for merit-based scholarships automatically. Awards are tied to GPA, course rigor, and (if submitted) test scores. No extra application is required.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | $5,000–$12,000 per year | High school GPA 3.5+; strong rigor; test scores considered if submitted | No | Yes — must maintain 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment | Students with 3.6–3.9 GPA and top 20% of class; higher awards for 1400+ SAT / 31+ ACT (*estimate based on past profiles) |
| Dean’s Scholarship | $2,000–$6,000 per year | High school GPA 3.2+; test optional | No | Yes — must maintain 2.75 GPA | Admitted students in the 3.3–3.6 GPA range, often with AP/IB or honors courses |
| Founders Award | $1,000–$3,000 per year | GPA 3.0+; broad consideration for admitted freshmen | No | Yes — 2.5 GPA required | Students admitted in the 3.0–3.4 GPA range |
Note: GPA/test bands marked with * are estimates based on prior recipient data and Montclair’s published freshman profile. Actual cutoffs may shift each year depending on the applicant pool and funding.
FAQ: Automatic Merit at Montclair State
- Do I need to apply separately? No — all students admitted to Montclair are automatically reviewed for merit scholarships.
- Do test scores matter? Montclair is test-optional. Strong SAT/ACT scores can raise award levels but are not required for consideration.
- Does Montclair superscore? Yes — if you submit multiple SAT or ACT attempts, Montclair uses your highest section scores to create the best possible composite. This can boost your merit award eligibility.
- Can scholarships stack? Automatic merit cannot be combined with other Montclair institutional awards like Presidential + Dean’s. They can, however, stack with federal/state grants and outside scholarships.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Montclair State University does not offer broad, college-wide competitive scholarships like some flagship public universities. Instead, students are considered for automatic merit at admission, and any selective funding opportunities are tied to specific programs such as music, theatre, dance, or EOF participation.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ❌ Montclair does not have any university-wide competitive scholarships | |||||
FAQ: Competitive Scholarships at Montclair
- Does Montclair have any full-ride competitive awards? No — Montclair does not run a central competitive scholarship program.
- Where should students look instead? Competitive opportunities exist within specific programs (for example, audition-based awards in music, theatre, or dance) and through EOF for eligible NJ residents.
- Can those program awards stack with merit? In most cases, yes — program or donor awards can stack with automatic merit and outside scholarships, but always confirm with the Financial Aid Office.
⭐ What Montclair State University Is Known For
At Montclair, the heart of the Garden State’s public education system, students get access to high-impact programs that lead to real-world success. As an R2 research university, Montclair blends strong graduate education, public health, and creative arts offerings with a commitment to advancing social mobility and state service.
Research Activity: R2 — Doctoral University with High Research Activity.
- Overall U.S. News Ranking: No. 152 among national universities; No. 12 in social mobility in 2025—Montclair’s highest showing yet.
- Graduate Education: Overall graduate education ranked No. 107 in the U.S., second in New Jersey.
- Specializations: Elementary Teacher Education No. 21; Speech-Language Pathology No. 105; Doctor of Audiology No. 61 (second in NJ).
- Online MBA & Business Analytics: Online MBA ranked No. 100; MS in Business Analytics No. 61 nationally.
- Public Impact: Ranked No. 12 nationally in social mobility by U.S. News.
🎖️ Honors College (John Martinson Honors EDGE)
Montclair’s Honors EDGE is designed for ambitious students who want a smaller academic community within a large public university. Admission is by application (not automatic), with priority dates each year and limited cohort sizes. Students benefit from close mentoring, seminar-style courses, and funding opportunities that go beyond what’s offered to the general student body.
- GPA: strong A/A- range in a rigorous schedule (AP/IB/Honors)*
- Signals: leadership, community impact, creative or research projects
- Writing: reflective, specific essays; thoughtful interview (if requested)
- Priority registration for courses
- Small seminars (honors core + electives) with a capstone
- $60 book credit for each Honors course taken
- Up to $2,000 in funding for experiential learning (research, internships, study away)
- Honors housing community options
Honors-Specific Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John & Irma Sheffman Scholarship Fund | $250–$3,500 (one-year) | Entering first-year; declared major in College of Science & Mathematics | Yes — Honors EDGE app | One-year; may reapply annually through junior year | STEM-focused Honors frosh with strong GPA and coursework |
| Mary A. Whaley Memorial Scholarship Fund | $250–$3,500 (one-year) | Exceptional first-year; may not qualify for need-based aid | Yes — Honors EDGE app | One-year; may reapply annually | High-achieving, middle-income Honors students without need-based aid |
| Louis Eckstein Memorial Scholarship Fund | $250–$3,500 (one-year) | New first-year in Honors EDGE | Yes — Honors EDGE app | One-year; may reapply annually | Strong incoming Honors students with leadership/service |
| Mulford Scholarship Fund | $250–$3,500 (one-year) | First-year entering from a Montclair-area high school | Yes — Honors EDGE app | One-year; may reapply annually | Local Honors frosh with high academics and community connection |
| Experiential Learning Mini-Grants | Up to $2,000 | Honors EDGE students pursuing research, internships, study away | Yes — proposal required | No (project-based) | Students who secure mentor/site and outline concrete plan & impact |
FAQ — Honors at Montclair
- Is admission automatic? No. You must apply to Honors EDGE after (or alongside) your MSU application; seats are limited.
- Does Honors add time to degree? No. Honors courses are designed to meet GenEd/SEEDS categories, with a senior capstone embedded — plan well with advising.
- Deadlines? Priority dates are set each cycle (e.g., early spring for fall entry). Apply early; late apps are space-available only.
- Any extra $$? Yes — Honors EDGE has one-year scholarships ($250–$3,500), a $60 book credit for each Honors class, and up to $2,000 in experiential funding.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Montclair State doesn’t have the giant merit packages you’ll see at some flagships, but for New Jersey families it can still be a smart, affordable option — especially once you factor in programs like the Garden State Guarantee, Red Hawk Advantage, and Honors EDGE scholarships. If your student is strong in the arts, STEM, or leadership, there are hidden awards here that can add up quickly. Pair that with Montclair’s growing national profile and social mobility ranking, and it’s a school worth a serious look.
✅ Last updated: August 31, 2025