University Welcomes Largest Enrollment in Its History

Montclair State University is growing. 

As a new school year begins today, Montclair – already the second-largest university in New Jersey – will welcome another record-breaking incoming class and the largest total enrollment in its history. 

The institution welcomed 4,065 students to campus for the fall 2022 semester as part of the Class of 2026. It is the largest first-year class in Montclair’s 114-year history, a feat accomplished for the second consecutive year under President Jonathan Koppell. It also pushes the total University enrollment to 21,671 students, which is also the largest student body in school history.

Underscoring the University’s mission of providing access to affordable higher education, the Class of 2026 is record-breaking in size, diversity and quality. 

The newest students hail from 39 states and 21 countries – up from 32 states and 11 countries in 2021 – and 42% are the first in their families to attend college. Some 41% of the incoming class identifies as Hispanic, further bolstering Montclair’s status as New Jersey’s largest Hispanic-Serving Institution. The class also boasts a 3.3 cumulative high school GPA for the second consecutive year. 

Montclair’s mix of strong academic support and inclusive student programming, which includes new initiatives like the Office of Student Belonging, creates a holistic experience that is proving to be a model for ensuring students stay on track to earn their degrees. Montclair students out-perform their anticipated graduation rate at one of the highest clips in the nation, allowing students to depart not only with a degree, but with considerably less debt than the national average. 

“Students are becoming increasingly choosy about where they go to college,” says Koppell. “They want to attend a school that is not only going to allow them to learn while doing through hands-on opportunities, but is also going to give them the highest possible return on the investment they’re making in themselves. Montclair’s unique combination of affordability, high-quality education and research productivity is unparalleled in New Jersey. We are delivering for students, and they are taking notice.”

With a growing national reputation for excellence and value, Montclair is becoming a destination for students from across New Jersey and around the world.  

Montclair will administer 55% more institutional financial aid than last year, and the majority of the incoming class will receive assistance. Financial support will only continue to increase as the group progresses through their college careers, with new programs like the Garden State Guarantee offering free or reduced tuition and fees to qualifying juniors and seniors. 

“Now more than ever, people are recognizing that Montclair State University offers incredible value,” says Vice President for Enrollment Management Wendy Lin-Cook. “Students are drawn to us for our excellent academics, vibrant campus life, commitment to public service, dedication to student success and inclusive community.”

For more information on applying to Montclair State University, visit montclair.edu/admissions.