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Carroll College vs Montana State University

Carroll College is a private college in Helena, MT. Montana State University is a public university in Bozeman, MT. Carroll College admits about 71% of applicants and Montana State University about 82%, making Carroll College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $22,499 a year at Montana State University after aid, and about $23,960 at Carroll College. About 68% of students graduate at Carroll College, compared with 57% at Montana State University. Ten years after enrolling, Carroll College alumni earn a median of about $61,772, against $53,263 for Montana State University.

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Carroll College

Helena, MT · Private

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Helena, MT
Bozeman, MT
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,092
14,451
Acceptance rate
71%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1050–1300
1065–1285
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
21–27
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,960
$22,499
Full cost / yr
$55,626
$25,905
In-state tuition
$41,484
$8,460
Out-of-state tuition
$41,484
$33,287
Application fee
$0
$38
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,072
$17,797
$30k - $48k
$16,329
$18,570
$48k - $75k
$19,139
$21,977
$75k - $110k
$23,919
$24,732
Over $110k
$28,005
$25,905
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
57%
Freshman retention
82%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,507
$44,757
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,772
$53,263
Median debt at graduation
$25,757
$22,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
16%
First-generation students
20%
23%
International students
0%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 28
Jul 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Carroll College or Montana State University harder to get into?
Carroll College is harder to get into. It admits about 71% of applicants, compared with 82% at Montana State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Carroll College or Montana State University?
Montana State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,499 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,960 at Carroll College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Carroll College and Montana State University?
Before aid, Montana State University costs about $25,905 a year and Carroll College about $55,626. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Carroll College or Montana State University?
Carroll College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,072 there, against about $17,797 at Montana State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Carroll College or Montana State University?
Montana State University is the larger of the two, with about 14,451 undergraduates against 1,092 at Carroll College.
Does Carroll College or Montana State University have a better graduation rate?
Carroll College has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 57% at Montana State University.
Do graduates of Carroll College or Montana State University earn more?
Carroll College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $61,772 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,263 for Montana State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Carroll College and Montana State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Carroll College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Montana State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Carroll College and Montana State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1050–1300 at Carroll College and 1065–1285 at Montana State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school