Montclair State University vs Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Teterboro: which has better ROI?
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Teterboro has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $99,200 in 3.9 years versus 4.8 years at Montclair State University, on median earnings of $73,971 vs $61,415 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Montclair State University | Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Teterboro |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,566 | $24,800 |
| Total net cost | $62,264 | $99,200 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $61,415 | $73,971 |
| Median debt | $22,000 | $14,279 |
| Payback | 4.8 yrs | 3.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $198,836 | $413,020 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Montclair State University or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Teterboro?
Montclair State University, at $15,566 a year after aid versus $24,800 — a gap of $9,234 a year, or $36,936 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Montclair State University or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Teterboro graduates earn more?
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Teterboro graduates report a median $73,971 ten years after entry, $12,556 more than the $61,415 at Montclair State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Montclair State University or Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Teterboro?
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Teterboro: its completers carry a median $14,279 in federal loans versus $22,000 at Montclair State University, a difference of $7,721. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
70% of students finish at Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Teterboro, against 65% at Montclair State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.