Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs Montclair State University: which has better ROI?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $97,624 in 3.7 years versus 4.8 years at Montclair State University, on median earnings of $74,479 vs $61,415 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | Montclair State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $24,406 | $15,566 |
| Total net cost | $97,624 | $62,264 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $74,479 | $61,415 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $22,000 |
| Payback | 3.7 yrs | 4.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $424,756 | $198,836 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Montclair State University?
Montclair State University, at $15,566 a year after aid versus $24,406 — a gap of $8,840 a year, or $35,360 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Montclair State University graduates earn more?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates report a median $74,479 ten years after entry, $13,064 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, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Montclair State University?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $22,000 at Montclair State University, a difference of $500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
84% of students finish at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, 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.