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Montclair State University vs Seton Hall University: which has better ROI?

Public, Montclair NJ · vs · Private nonprofit, South Orange 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 5.8 years at Seton Hall University, on median earnings of $61,415 vs $70,196 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMontclair State UniversitySeton Hall University
Net price / yr$15,566$31,446
Total net cost$62,264$125,784
Median earnings, 10 yrs$61,415$70,196
Median debt$22,000$22,750
Payback4.8 yrs5.8 yrs
20-year net return$198,836$310,936

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

Which is cheaper, Montclair State University or Seton Hall University?

Montclair State University, at $15,566 a year after aid versus $31,446 — a gap of $15,880 a year, or $63,520 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 Seton Hall University graduates earn more?

Seton Hall University graduates report a median $70,196 ten years after entry, $8,781 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 Seton Hall University?

Montclair State University: its completers carry a median $22,000 in federal loans versus $22,750 at Seton Hall University, a difference of $750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

69% of students finish at Seton Hall University, 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.

Montclair State University vs Seton Hall University: frequently asked questions

Is Montclair State University or Seton Hall University a better value?
Montclair State University. It clears its $62,264 net cost in about 4.8 years versus 5.8 years at Seton Hall University, on median earnings of $61,415 vs $70,196 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Montclair State University or Seton Hall University?
Montclair State University: $15,566/yr net price after aid versus $31,446/yr at Seton Hall University — a difference of $15,880 a year, or about $63,520 over four years.
Do Montclair State University or Seton Hall University graduates earn more?
Seton Hall University graduates earn a median $70,196 ten years after entry, versus $61,415 at Montclair State University — a $8,781 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.