Montclair State University

Montclair State University traces its roots to 1908, when it opened as a normal school to train teachers for New Jersey classrooms. Over the decades, it evolved into a large public institution with around 18,000 undergraduates, expanding beyond education into fields like business, health, and performing arts. Nestled in Montclair, a walkable suburb 12 miles west of Manhattan, the campus offers a wooded, hilly setting amid upscale homes and indie shops. Students who thrive here often seek hands-on career preparation in a diverse, no-frills environment and don't mind a commuter-heavy atmosphere.