Montclair State University

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2026 College Rankings: Montclair Ranked No.1 Public School in New Jersey in New Washington Monthly Rankings

The University is also ranked in the Top 100 overall in the publication's latest rankings of the best colleges and universities in America

Montclair, NJ (09/04/2026) — Montclair State University has been ranked as the No. 1 public institution in New Jersey in Washington Monthly magazine's 2026 "Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars" rankings, which evaluate schools based on their contribution to the public good in four broad categories: access, affordability, outcomes, and promoting public service.

Highlights from the 2026 Washington Monthly Best Colleges for your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars Rankings

  • No. 1 public institution in New Jersey
  • No. 93 overall (ahead of public institutions including The Ohio State University, the University of Florida and Rutgers University-New Brunswick)

The ranking comes on the heels of Montclair being ranked as one of the best schools in the nation by Time Magazine in its "America's Best Colleges 2026-2027" rankings.

"Montclair State University is defined by an unwavering commitment to both access and excellence," says Montclair President Jonathan Koppell. "Too often, higher education treats these as competing objectives, and rankings reinforce an outdated notion that exclusivity is a measure of quality.

Washington Monthly breaks that mold by recognizing what matters: accessibility, student outcomes and the public impact of our institutions. Montclair is proud to be ranked the No. 1 public university in New Jersey and one of the Top 100 universities in the United States because it reflects what we demonstrate every day: an excellent education can and should be within reach for all students."

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