2025 admissions data

Montclair State University Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 87.9% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 88 actually get in. No guessing. Montclair State University is a UNIV institution located in Montclair, NJ — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

Montclair State University may appeal to students looking for a diverse range of academic programs in a collaborative environment. However, those seeking a hyper-competitive atmosphere with extensive resources per student might find it lacking. The university offers a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, which fosters a more personalized learning experience. Yet, the average class size of 23-24 may still feel larger than at some private institutions. The trade-off here is between a wide array of academic options and the level of personalized attention, as larger courses can dilute some of the intimate engagement students often seek. If you thrive in environments where collaboration and engagement are prioritized, Montclair may be an ideal choice. But if you want the quiet, focused space of small classes consistently, then it may not satisfy that need.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

85.7%

Acceptance Rate

Women

89.3%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

26,257

Admitted

23,076

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose Montclair State University. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

Math430–590

Reading480–620

ACT Score Range

EnglishN/A

MathN/A

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

What Students Miss When Looking at the Montclair State University Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Montclair State University is one of the most searched admissions metrics, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many students treat it as a pass-or-fail indicator, when it’s really just a summary of past outcomes.

An acceptance rate of 87.9% blends together thousands of decisions made across different programs and applicant profiles. That makes it informative at a high level, but unreliable for predicting individual chances.

Acceptance Rates Reflect Applicant Behavior

Acceptance rates rise or fall largely based on who applies. When a university attracts more applicants who are still exploring options, acceptance rates tend to increase—even if academic standards stay consistent.

At Montclair State University, demand varies across departments, meaning selectivity isn’t evenly distributed. This is why some applicants experience a more competitive process than others.

How to Read Acceptance Rates More Accurately

Instead of focusing on whether the acceptance rate is “high” or “low,” applicants should ask how it applies to them. Academic background, intended major, and preparation level all shape admissions outcomes.

Viewed this way, the acceptance rate at Montclair State University becomes a planning reference—not a judgment.

Admissions Insight

When considering Montclair State University, the balance between its extensive offerings and class sizes is an important factor that impacts student outcomes significantly. With over 300 majors and a balanced program strength across various disciplines, students can explore and shift between interests without being confined to a single path. However, the average class size of 23-24 and the fact that 57% of classes host 20-39 students means that while students can benefit from exposure to diverse opinions and collaborative projects, they also face challenges with personalized attention and direct faculty engagement. This scenario can impact one's academic performance and confidence, especially for students who thrive in smaller class settings where they can directly interact with instructors and peers. Moreover, the accessibility of professors is crucial for academic success and individual growth. Classes with fewer students often allow for more significant interaction with faculty, leading to better mentorship opportunities. In larger classes, students may find it challenging to seek help or get the individual attention necessary to navigate complex topics or pursue deeper inquiries. Therefore, if you are someone who prefers close mentorship and intensive interaction with professors, you might find the dynamics at Montclair to be a double-edged sword. Awareness of this structure allows prospective students to gauge their fit and adequately prepare for the learning environment they will encounter.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: $65

Fee Waiver Available: Yes

Application Portal: https://apply.montclair.edu/portal/admissions

Your Chances of Getting Into Montclair State University

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at Montclair State University based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

So, How Selective Is Montclair State University Really?

By the time students reach this point in their research, most are no longer just curious about numbers. They want clarity. They want to know whether applying to Montclair State University makes sense for them, not just how the university looks on paper.

Acceptance data helps frame that question, but selectivity is ultimately contextual. Some applicants encounter a relatively smooth admissions process, while others face more competition depending on academic background, intended major, and preparation level.

What This Means for Your Application Decisions

If your academic record aligns well with what Montclair State University typically looks for, the admissions process may feel more approachable than the overall data suggests. On the other hand, students aiming for high-demand programs or applying with less preparation should expect more competition—even if the university’s overall admit rate seems favorable.

This is why students sometimes feel surprised by outcomes. Admissions decisions are not random; they are shaped by how closely an applicant’s profile matches institutional priorities.

Instead of asking whether Montclair State University is “easy” or “hard” to get into, a more useful question is whether it fits your academic goals and current profile. When viewed this way, acceptance data becomes a planning tool rather than a source of stress, helping students build balanced application lists and realistic expectations.

Should You Apply to Montclair State University?

If 87.9% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore Montclair State University

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About Montclair State University Acceptance Rate

What is the acceptance rate at Montclair State University?

The acceptance rate at Montclair State University varies each year, but it is generally considered moderately selective, allowing a diverse range of students to apply and enroll.

Is Montclair State University test-optional?

Yes, Montclair State University has a test-optional policy, allowing students to decide whether or not to submit standardized test scores with their application.

What is the average class size at Montclair State?

The average class size at Montclair State University ranges from 23 to 24 students, promoting a more engaged learning environment while still presenting a moderate level of interaction.

What are the most popular majors at Montclair State University?

Montclair State University offers a variety of popular majors across different fields, particularly in business, communication, and health sciences, attracting a diverse student body.

How much is tuition at Montclair State University?

Tuition rates at Montclair State University vary based on residency status, with different rates for in-state and out-of-state students, so it’s essential to check the latest tuition updates.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

Montclair State University isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

Next step

Move ahead in your future

Start your journey with Orbit AI

✨ ORBIT TOOLS

Unlock Your Best Shot with Orbit

Everything you need to maximize your college application success

AI Essay Coach

Stronger story = higher admission odds

Solvi: Your AI College Counselor

Talk to an AI built with real college counseling data