Rowan University vs Montclair State University

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Rowan University is a public institution in Glassboro, New Jersey. Admissions are comparatively moderately competitive, with Rowan's acceptance rate approximately 77-78%. It is a medium-sized university with approximately 14,900-15,200 undergraduate students. Business, Education, Engineering, Health Professions, and Psychology are some of the most coveted programs at Rowan. The six-year graduation percentage is approximately 68-71%, and alumni provide median early-career salaries of around USD 56,100 (INR ~44,50,000) ten years after matriculation.

Montclair State University is a public university in Montclair, New Jersey. Admissions are highly available, with Montclair's acceptance rate approximately 87%. It is a large university with approximately 17,600-18,000 undergraduates. Among the most common programs at Montclair are Business, Psychology, Human Development & Family Studies, Communication & Media, and Visual & Performing Arts. The six-year graduation rate is around 70-72%, and the alumni have median early-career salaries of around USD 57,000 (INR ~45,20,000) ten years after enrollment.

Overview Comparison
Rowan UniversityMontclair State University
Collegedunia Score4.2 Out of 104.3 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 1200 Times Higher Education 2026
# 1001 Times Higher Education 2025
# 1384 Center for World University Rankings 2025
# 1578 Center for World University Rankings 2025
# 163 US News 2024
# 1478 US News 2024
ProgramsUG Programs -53
PG Programs -26
UG Programs -130
PG Programs -49
Acceptance Rate77.8 %87.0 %
Exam ScoreIELTS-6
SAT-1050
TOEFL-70
IELTS-6.5
SAT-990
TOEFL-83
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   21367
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  21000
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 27942 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   20758
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  18920
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 28910 Per Year
placement (average package)

Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows:

Bachelor of Science: $60,000

Bachelor of Arts: $56,000 


Some of the program and average salary are as follows:

MBA: $91,000

Bachelor of Science: $85,000

Bachelor of Arts: $66,000 


application requirements

Submit official transcripts and copy of degree

Submit English language proficiency scores

Check program specific requirements

Submit official transcripts

Submit personal statement

Submit entrance exam scores

Submit recommendation letter

Submit English language proficiency

Check program specific requirements

CollegeDunia Reviews7.6/10 Read 4 reviews7.8/10 Read 3 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

ranking# 25 for Engineering by Collegedunia.com 2025
# 136 for Engineering by US News 2025
# 1001 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
# 108 for Education by US News 2025
exam scoresDuolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6/9PTE - 50/90TOEFL - 70/120Duolingo - 105/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 83/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -21000Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -18920
application datesOct 28, 2024 (Application Deadline For Spring 2025 Intake)
Apr 29, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake)
Jun 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake)
Nov 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Spring Intake)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsRowan UniversityMontclair State University
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1922
1908
Student:Faculty Ratio17:1
17:1
Male:Female54% Male, 46% Female39% Male, 61% Female
Location Facts

Rowan University is a public research university in Glassboro, New Jersey, with a medical campus in Stratford and medical and academic campuses in Camden.


Montclair State University (MSU) is a public research university in Montclair, New Jersey, with parts of the campus extending into Little Falls. 


Library

The Campbell Library is home to nearly 350,000 print volumes, along with nearly 400 scholarly databases, 900,000 e-books, and 16 streaming video platforms. Housed at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in Camden, the CMSRU Library is comprised mainly of electronic books, journals, databases and related-specialty collections. Located in the Academic Center on the Stratford campus, the Health Sciences Library serves Rowan-Virtua SOM and GSBS students and faculty, other students and staff of Rowan University.


Harry A. Sprauge library provides access to important resources like databases, e-books, journals, publications, research papers etc.


Campus Life

Rowan provides housing for over 6,500 students in 13 University owned housing complexes and 5 affiliated housing units.Students have a choice between halls, apartments, or townhouses. The Chamberlain Student Center is the main location for dining on campus. Dining options include the Owl's Nest restaurant, Peet's Coffee, Grill Nation, Jersey Mike's Subs, Freshens, Sono, Crust, Chef Jet, Smoked, Breakfast & Co., Bowl Life, Pop Up, and the Marketplace convenience store. The Student Center is also home to the Student Government Association, Conference and Event Services, the Greek Affairs Office, Student Activities, the Mailroom, and the Information Desk. There are more than 100 clubs and organizations at Rowan University; along with more than 30 Greek organizations on campus. Rowan University has 18 sports teams (8 men's and 10 women's).The football, field hockey, and track & field teams compete at John Page Memorial Field at Coach Richard Wackar Stadium. 


The Division of Student Development and Campus Life is composed of dedicated professional staff and departments that touch every aspect of the student experience, supporting student progress from admission to graduation. They are passionately committed to creating a compassionate and inclusive campus community for all students. University encourages students to participate in the full breadth of vibrant student life experiences that are provided on campus through events, clubs, organizations, self-exploration and holistic wellness. The university works tirelessly to provide the students with a safe and secure environment for living, learning and personal growth. Montclair State University is home to 22 residence halls and is capable of housing 5,200 individuals. The University also offers residential Living Learning Communities. Participants of Living Learning Communities have opportunities to live together with other students who are taking similar courses or have a common college-based major. Chartwells, Montclair State’s dining services provider, focuses on providing excellent nutrition through quality ingredients – specializing in locally sourced, in-season foods. The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) has a variety of fun events and programs available for current students! From on campus organization fairs, to weekend movies, off campus trips to broadway and your favorite game of bingo, there is something for everyone! University has a beautiful Student Recreation Center open to all current students available all year round at no extra fee. You can either work out or enjoy open basketball, volleyball, soccer, racquetball, ping pong or swim.


Hostel#Off campus (not with family) - $12025
#On campus - $12236
#Off campus (with family) - $3681
#Off campus (not with family) - $12142
#On campus - $14458
#Off campus (with family) - $2310
Famous Alumni

Nick Comoroto, professional wrestler
Jim Cook Jr, journalist and playwright
Scott DePace, TV director, The Howard Stern Show
Steve Dildarian, creator of the HBO animated series The Life & Times of Tim
Lince Dorado, professional wrestler.
Ric Edelman, financial planner and radio host


Barbara Buono, former New Jersey State Senator and former New Jersey Democratic Gubernatorial nominee
Andrew R. Ciesla, former member of the New Jersey Senate who represented the 10th Legislative District.
Marion Crecco, member of the New Jersey General Assembly from 1986 to 2002

A. J. Khubani, founder, president and CEO of Telebrands Corp

Jay Alders, fine artist, photographer and graphic designer, best known for his original surf art paintings
Tobin Bell, actor, earned master's degree in environmental education
Jason Biggs, actor who briefly attended as an English major


City Life

Glassboro, NJ is an attractive town southeast of Camden home to numerous wonderful sights including Rowan University Arboretum displaying tranquil grounds and gardens or Chestnut Branch Park ideal for picnicking; they organize vibrant events like Glassboro Craft Beer & Music Festival each June. The total population of the small town is around 20k and with a median income of $21,453. The cost of living is on a bit higher side with the median rent being $1,242. 


Montclair, New Jersey is located just 13 miles from New York City. This is a highly walkable suburb that has been called “where the city meets the suburbs,” as well as “one of the coolest suburbs in America,” thanks to its excellent public schools, thriving arts and music scenes, tasty dining options, expansive parks (including the first countywide park system in the United States), and seemingly endless entertainment options. This suburb is also home to some of the nation’s most prestigious public institutions. Whether you’re interested in a job in finance, the arts, education, or entrepreneurship, Montclair’s proximity to New York City and dynamic economy provide you with countless alternatives. Companies including Google, New York University, Apple, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, American Express, Montclair State University, Johnson & Johnson, Goldman Sachs, Reuters, and NBC Universal all have offices in or around Montclair, NJ, and employ many locals. Montclair’s cost of living index is a whopping 172.4, 72% higher than the national average. While utilities, transportation, and groceries all cost more than the national average, health services cost slightly less.


Weather
Comparison Notes

Rowan University vs Montclair State University

Subject Strength & World Rankings (2025/2026)

Rowan University, located at Glassboro, New Jersey, is known for Engineering, Business, Education, and Health Professions. It is not well ranked in QS or THE world rankings, but regionally ranked as a strong public university in New Jersey, particularly for professional programs and applied sciences.

Montclair State University (MSU) in Montclair, New Jersey, is recognized for Business, Education, Arts, Communication, and Social Sciences. Similar to Rowan, it is not listed in QS or THE global university rankings but has an expanding research profile subsequent to achieving R2 status, thus becoming one of the best research public universities in New Jersey.

General Information

Rowan was established in 1923 and encourages around 19,000 students in undergraduate and graduate levels at the moment. Rowan is famous for its approach of innovation, especially after it received a donation of $100 million during the 1990s that enhanced its engineering school.

Montclair State, established in 1908, has approximately 22,000 students and features more than 300 programs. It is New Jersey's second-largest public university, with a lively suburban campus within commuting distance of New York City, offering excellent opportunities in media, arts, and business.

Acceptance Rate & Admission

Rowan boasts an acceptance rate of approximately 83%, with average admitted student GPAs of 3.4 and SATs of 1080–1280.

MSU is a bit more selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 76%, and accepts students with average GPAs of 3.6 and SAT scores ranging from 1090–1290. Both are open but MSU has a slightly more academic profile.

Research Impact & Facilities

Rowan is an R2 research university, with emphases on applied research in engineering, biomedical sciences, and business. Its collaborations with local industries enhance innovation and entrepreneurship.

MSU, which is similarly an R2 university, has a robust research in communications, environmental science, psychology, and education. Its location near New York City enhances collaborations in arts, media, and policy studies.

Cost & Financial Aid

The tuition at Rowan is roughly $14,000 annually for in-state and $24,000 for out-of-state students.

MSU's fees are a bit lower, around $13,500 in-state and $22,000 out-of-state. Both provide merit awards and need-based assistance, with MSU usually cheaper overall, especially for in-state students. 

Graduate Studies & Alumni Outcomes

Rowan graduates typically enter engineering, teaching, and healthcare, with mid-career incomes of around $85,000 (INR 70 lakh).

MSU graduates succeed in business, media, education, and government service, earning an average of $82,000 (INR 68 lakh) in mid-career salaries. Rowan has more extensive networks in engineering and STEM degrees, while MSU has more intimate connections in education, media, and business in the NYC metropolitan area.