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Carroll College vs Montana State University-Northern

Carroll College is a private college in Helena, MT, and Montana State University-Northern is a public university in Havre, MT. Carroll College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 71% of applicants against 100% at Montana State University-Northern. Montana State University-Northern is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,664 a year against $23,960 at Carroll College. About 68% of students graduate at Carroll College, compared with 42% at Montana State University-Northern. Ten years after enrolling, Carroll College alumni earn a median of about $61,772, against $49,505 for Montana State University-Northern.

Carroll College

Helena, MT · Private

Montana State University-Northern

Havre, MT · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Helena, MT
Havre, MT
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,092
761
Acceptance rate
71%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1050–1300
950–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
16–21
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,960
$12,664
Full cost / yr
$55,626
$16,578
In-state tuition
$41,484
$6,982
Out-of-state tuition
$41,484
$21,875
Application fee
$0
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,072
$9,940
$30k - $48k
$16,329
$9,242
$48k - $75k
$19,139
$12,451
$75k - $110k
$23,919
$16,315
Over $110k
$28,005
$16,578
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
42%
Freshman retention
82%
64%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,507
$45,045
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,772
$49,505
Median debt at graduation
$25,757
$18,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
33%
First-generation students
20%
34%
International students
0%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 28
Rolling

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-Northern harder to get into?
Carroll College is harder to get into. It admits about 71% of applicants, compared with 100% at Montana State University-Northern. 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-Northern?
Montana State University-Northern is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,664 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-Northern?
Before aid, Montana State University-Northern costs about $16,578 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-Northern?
Montana State University-Northern. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,940 there, against about $17,072 at Carroll College. 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-Northern?
Carroll College is the larger of the two, with about 1,092 undergraduates against 761 at Montana State University-Northern.
Does Carroll College or Montana State University-Northern have a better graduation rate?
Carroll College has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 42% at Montana State University-Northern.
Do graduates of Carroll College or Montana State University-Northern earn more?
Carroll College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $61,772 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,505 for Montana State University-Northern. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Carroll College and Montana State University-Northern require SAT or ACT scores?
Carroll College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Montana State University-Northern is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Carroll College and Montana State University-Northern look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1050–1300 at Carroll College and 950–1140 at Montana State University-Northern. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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