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Montclair State University vs Saint Peter's University: which has better ROI?

Public, Montclair NJ · vs · Private nonprofit, Jersey City NJ

The verdict

Montclair State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $62,264 in 4.8 years versus 5.2 years at Saint Peter's University, on median earnings of $61,415 vs $57,815 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMontclair State UniversitySaint Peter's University
Net price / yr$15,566$12,199
Total net cost$62,264$48,796
Median earnings, 10 yrs$61,415$57,815
Median debt$22,000$20,500
Payback4.8 yrs5.2 yrs
20-year net return$198,836$140,304

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Montclair State University or Saint Peter's University?

Saint Peter's University, at $12,199 a year after aid versus $15,566 — a gap of $3,367 a year, or $13,468 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 Saint Peter's University graduates earn more?

Montclair State University graduates report a median $61,415 ten years after entry, $3,600 more than the $57,815 at Saint Peter's 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 Saint Peter's University?

Saint Peter's University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $22,000 at Montclair State University, a difference of $1,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

65% of students finish at Montclair State University, against 58% at Saint Peter's 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.

Montclair State University vs Saint Peter's University: frequently asked questions

Is Montclair State University or Saint Peter's University a better value?
Montclair State University. It clears its $62,264 net cost in about 4.8 years versus 5.2 years at Saint Peter's University, on median earnings of $61,415 vs $57,815 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Montclair State University or Saint Peter's University?
Saint Peter's University: $12,199/yr net price after aid versus $15,566/yr at Montclair State University — a difference of $3,367 a year, or about $13,468 over four years.
Do Montclair State University or Saint Peter's University graduates earn more?
Montclair State University graduates earn a median $61,415 ten years after entry, versus $57,815 at Saint Peter's University — a $3,600 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.