Educating the Next Generation of Leaders
Throughout the University’s 110-year history, some characteristics of Montclair State students have remained constant: they are hardworking, ambitious, and in many cases, the first in their families to attend college. And while Montclair State students still have as much grit as ever, no amount of hard work can overcome the formidable obstacle of paying for college that many of our students face.
Today, receiving a donor-funded scholarship can be the deciding factor for a bright student to attend or remain in college. One generous gift can change the trajectory of a student’s life by putting a rigorous, challenging education within reach, regardless of financial circumstances.
That is why we have made scholarships a central priority of Soar, The Campaign for Montclair State University. Join us to increase access to higher education by supporting thousands of students – now and well into the future – with more than $30 million in new scholarship funds.
The Need for Aid
80 percent of the entire Montclair State undergraduate class received some form of aid in 2016-2017
State Support for Higher Education has Declined
Over the past 21 years, state support has shrunk from 56% to 19%
As State Support Has Plummeted, Student Debt Has Increased
1995
A typical student held little to no debt upon graduation with only 28% of the student body taking out loans.
2000
The typical student had debt of $15,000 upon graduation with nearly 50% of the class taking out loans to pay for college.
2016
Over 70% of the graduating class borrowed and averaged over $30,000 in debt.
Zackary, ’18
Zackary is on a mission. He completed his undergraduate degree at Montclair State University in three years, majoring in information technology and maintaining a high GPA. Even for a high performer, his achievement would be unreachable without scholarship support. Zackary grew up in foster care and, without his scholarship, he would have needed substantial loans to attend college. Many students with similar backgrounds graduate with more than $50,000 of debt, putting them at a significant disadvantage compared with their counterparts at other schools.
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