Montclair State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit awards and competitive scholarships
- Hidden-gem awards and in-state affordability programs
- Honors College benefits and full-tuition options
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~91%
- Middle 50% ACT: 20–26
- Middle 50% SAT: 1020–1240
- Average HS GPA: 3.5
Source: Montclair State University Common Data Set 2024–25 and College Board BigFuture. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Montclair State University at a Glance
Last verified: October 18, 2025
Montclair State University offers strong value for New Jersey families through automatic merit aid, need-based state support, and selective full-tuition awards. The Red Hawk Excellence Awards reward strong GPAs, while the Presidential Scholarship recognizes top applicants with full or partial tuition coverage.
Combined with the Garden State Guarantee, which makes tuition free for many in-state families, and a vibrant Honors College experience, Montclair remains one of the most affordable and accessible public universities near New York City.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Montclair State is test-optional and uses GPA, class rank, and coursework rigor for merit consideration.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 20–26; SAT: 1020–1240 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $13,107/year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? No formal reciprocity, but generous out-of-state merit scholarships can significantly reduce costs.
University Admissions (Deadlines, Test Policy): https://www.montclair.edu/admissions/
Merit Scholarships page (Red Hawk & Presidential): https://www.montclair.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
Honors College: https://www.montclair.edu/honors/
Garden State Guarantee Program: https://www.montclair.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/garden-state-guarantee/
Common Data Set 2024–25: https://www.montclair.edu/institutional-research/common-data-set/
College Scorecard (Average Net Price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?185590-Montclair-State-University
💰 Cost of Attendance at Montclair State University
The following figures reflect estimated costs for full-time undergraduate students (12–18 credits per semester) for the 2025–2026 academic year.
| Residency | Tuition & Fees | Housing & Meals | Total (before aid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-State | $15,678 | $16,862 | $32,540 |
| Out-of-State | $26,394 | $16,862 | $43,256 |
*Books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses (typically $4,000–$5,000 per year) are not included in the table because they are not paid directly to Montclair State University.
• Garden State Guarantee (GSG): Covers full in-state tuition and fees for families with incomes up to $65,000, and partial coverage for those up to $150,000.
• Red Hawk Advantage: Need-based aid for Pell-eligible first-year NJ students that helps bridge remaining tuition gaps.
Many in-state students combine GSG, Red Hawk, and institutional scholarships to pay under $10,000/year total.
FAQ: Garden State Guarantee & Montclair Tuition Programs
- Who qualifies? In-state undergraduates enrolled full-time (12–18 credits) and who meet NJ residency and income requirements.
- How much can families save? Eligible students under GSG often see full in-state tuition and fees covered—saving about $15,600 per year.
- Is it automatic? Yes. Students are automatically considered when they file the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Aid Application by the priority deadline.
University Cost of Attendance (2025–26): https://www.montclair.edu/financial-aid/estimated-cost-of-attendance/
Tuition & Fee Rates (2025–26): https://www.montclair.edu/student-accounts/tuition-and-fees/
Housing & Meal Rates (2025–26): https://www.montclair.edu/residential-education/rates/
Garden State Guarantee Program: https://www.montclair.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/garden-state-guarantee/
Red Hawk Advantage: https://www.montclair.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/red-hawk-advantage/
College Scorecard (Average Net Price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?185590-Montclair-State-University
✅ 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? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | $5,000–$12,000/yr | HS GPA 3.5+, strong rigor, SAT/ACT considered | No | Yes—3.0 GPA, full-time | 3.6–3.9 GPA, top 20% class, top awards for 1400+ SAT/31+ ACT* | Rolling (admission) |
| Dean’s Scholarship | $2,000–$6,000/yr | HS GPA 3.2+, test optional | No | Yes—2.75 GPA | 3.3–3.6 GPA, often AP/IB/honors courses | Rolling (admission) |
| Founders Award | $1,000–$3,000/yr | GPA 3.0+, broad consideration | No | Yes—2.5 GPA | 3.0–3.4 GPA, solid college prep | Rolling (admission) |
*GPA/test bands are estimates from prior student profiles and Montclair’s published freshman class profile. Actual cutoffs may change annually.
FAQ: Automatic Merit at Montclair State
- Do I need to apply separately? No—all admits are automatically reviewed.
- Do test scores matter? Test-optional, but strong SAT/ACT can boost merit.
- Does Montclair superscore? Yes—for SAT/ACT, highest section scores are used.
- Can scholarships stack? No mixing of automatic scholarships (e.g., Presidential + Dean’s), but can stack with federal/state grants or outside awards.
montclair.edu/admissions/
montclair.edu/financial-aid/types/scholarships/
montclair.edu/honors/
nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
🏆 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? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ❌ 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.
montclair.edu/financial-aid/types/scholarships/
montclair.edu/admissions/
montclair.edu/honors/
nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
🎖️ 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: A–A range in a rigorous schedule (AP/IB/Honors)*
- Signals: leadership, community impact, creative or research projects
- Writing: reflective essays; a thoughtful interview (if requested)
- Priority registration for courses
- Small seminars (core + electives), with a required capstone
- $60 book credit for every Honors course
- Up to $2,000 in funding for experiential learning (research, internships, study away)
- Honors housing options
Honors-Specific Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John & Irma Sheffman Scholarship Fund | $250–$3,500 (one-year) | First-year, declared College of Science & Math | Yes—Honors EDGE app | One year; may reapply annually junior year | STEM-focused Honors first-years with strong academics | March 1 (priority) |
| 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 | High-achieving, middle-income Honors with no Pell | March 1 (priority) |
| Louis Eckstein Memorial Scholarship Fund | $250–$3,500 (one-year) | New first-year in Honors EDGE | Yes—Honors EDGE app | One year; may reapply | Newly admitted Honors students with leadership/service | March 1 (priority) |
| Mulford Scholarship Fund | $250–$3,500 (one-year) | First-year, from a Montclair-area high school | Yes—Honors EDGE app | One year; may reapply | Local Honors students, strong GPA/community | March 1 (priority) |
| Experiential Learning Mini-Grants | Up to $2,000 | Honors EDGE students in research, internships, study away | Yes—proposal | No (project-based) | Secures mentor/site, outlines impact | Rolling/app ahead |
FAQ — Honors at Montclair
- Is admission automatic? No—apply to Honors EDGE after or alongside your MSU app; seats are limited.
- Does Honors add time to degree? No—Honors courses meet GenEd/SEEDS requirements; capstone included.
- Deadlines? Priority dates each year, e.g., early spring. Late apps accepted if space remains.
- Any extra $$? Yes—one-year scholarships ($250–$3,500), book credits, and experiential funding for research, internships, and study away.
montclair.edu/honors/
montclair.edu/financial-aid/types/scholarships/
montclair.edu/honors/scholarships/
⭐ 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.