Monmouth University
Monmouth University is a private nonprofit university in West Long Branch, NJ ranked #622 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 3,684 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 89.0%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Computer and Information Sciences.
Day to day, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 79.9% first-year retention, and 71.9% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $30,988, about $13,990 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -55.0%, roughly 140.3 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $55,825. That's about $12,137 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Monmouth University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Monmouth University graduates 71.9% of students within six years and keeps 79.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Monmouth University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $46,552 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $17,698 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,560 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $62,904 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 30.4% of Monmouth University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $18,924 to $39,015 depending on family income. Use Monmouth University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $33,773/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $39,015/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $55,825
- 10-Year Median Earnings $55,825
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $23,250
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 72.3%
- Employment Rate 87.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Monmouth University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Monmouth University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Monmouth University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Monmouth University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Monmouth University graduates earn $55,825 median, the -55.0% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 580-660
- SAT Math 560-650
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 24-29
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 3,684
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 79.9%
- Graduation Rate 71.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Monmouth University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Monmouth University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 89.0%, Monmouth University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 89.0% acceptance rate, Monmouth University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1140 and 1310 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Monmouth University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Communication and Media Studies, and Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 26.9%
- Communication and Media Studies 8.6%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 7.4%
- Psychology, General 5.2%
- Education, General 4.9%
- Biology, General 4.9%
See more majors
- English Language and Literature, General 4.1%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 3.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $88,812
- 2. Computer and Information Sciences, General $88,775
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $81,305
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Mathematics $73,949
- 5. Biology, General $72,096
- 6. Political Science and Government $68,531
- 7. Chemistry $66,546
- 8. Health and Medical Administrative Services $65,891
- 9. Criminal Justice and Corrections $63,503
- 10. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $61,672
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $131,719
- 2. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $115,351
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $99,582
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Homeland Security (Master's Degree) $78,542
- 5. Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degree) $76,453
- 6. English Language and Literature, General (Master's Degree) $74,792
- 7. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $69,183
- 8. Education, General (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $68,949
- 9. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $63,483
- 10. Social Work (Master's Degree) $62,567
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $88,812—44% more than Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General ($61,672). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $131,719 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Monmouth University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 308 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 98 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 94 graduates)
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 85 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree, 79 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (30 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Communication and Media Studies
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Psychology, General
- Education, General
- Biology, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Social Work
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Political Science and Government
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Music
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- History
- Chemistry
- Homeland Security
- Mathematics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Design and Applied Arts
- Anthropology
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Special Education and Teaching
- Computer Engineering
- Sociology
- History and Political Science
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Online Master's Degrees (18 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Education, General
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Communication and Media Studies
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Anthropology
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (10 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Archeology
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Accounting and Related Services
- Geography and Cartography
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (4 programs)▼
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Gerontology
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,684
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 36.7%
- Female Students 63.3%
- Caucasian 67.5%
- Asian 2.2%
- Hispanic 18.1%
- Black 5.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 30.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Monmouth University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Monmouth University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Monmouth University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Monmouth University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 63.3% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Monmouth University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Monmouth University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Monmouth University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -55.0% ROI. Ranked #622 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $30,988 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $55,825 median earnings. With 71.9% graduating within six years and 79.9% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Monmouth University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #622 ranking, Monmouth University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $30,988 annually, Monmouth University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 79.9% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $21,692 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -55.0% ROI and $55,825 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $20,988+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Monmouth University ranks #622 of 1942 institutions, with 1252 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 71.9% six-year graduation rate sits 9.4 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 79.9% first-year retention is 3.1 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -55.0% return on investment is 140.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $55,825 run about 28% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $30,988 is roughly $10,970 higher than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 79.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 87.1% employment rate within three years sits 18.9 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $30,988 is about $10,970 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 30.4% trails the national share by 3.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Monmouth University, a private nonprofit university in West Long Branch, NJ, secures a B+ grade in our latest review. It stands at #622 among 1942 schools Grades by category break down as Completion B+, Support B, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability C.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 79.9% of first-year students return, and roughly 71.9% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -55.0%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $30,988 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $62,904.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $31,916 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $23,250 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 30.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $55,825 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 28% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 87.1%.
The ROI comes in near -55.0%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
89.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Monmouth University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address West Long Branch, NJ 07764-1898
- Website www.monmouth.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$153.2M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate23.2%