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Carroll College vs The University of Montana-Western

Carroll College is a private college in Helena, MT, and The University of Montana-Western is a public university in Dillon, MT. Carroll College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 71% of applicants against 100% at The University of Montana-Western. The University of Montana-Western is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,558 a year against $23,960 at Carroll College. About 68% of students graduate at Carroll College, compared with 50% at The University of Montana-Western. Ten years after enrolling, Carroll College alumni earn a median of about $61,772, against $43,229 for The University of Montana-Western.

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Carroll College

Helena, MT · Private

The University of Montana-Western

Dillon, MT · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Helena, MT
Dillon, MT
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,092
1,198
Acceptance rate
71%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.43–3.93
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1050–1300
890–1120
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
16–21
Test policy
Considered
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,960
$16,558
Full cost / yr
$55,626
$21,403
In-state tuition
$41,484
$6,670
Out-of-state tuition
$41,484
$20,130
Application fee
$0
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,072
$14,822
$30k - $48k
$16,329
$14,058
$48k - $75k
$19,139
$15,951
$75k - $110k
$23,919
$17,785
Over $110k
$28,005
$20,125
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
50%
Freshman retention
82%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,507
$37,252
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,772
$43,229
Median debt at graduation
$25,757
$21,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
35%
First-generation students
20%
36%
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 The University of Montana-Western harder to get into?
Carroll College is harder to get into. It admits about 71% of applicants, compared with 100% at The University of Montana-Western. 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 The University of Montana-Western?
The University of Montana-Western is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,558 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 The University of Montana-Western?
Before aid, The University of Montana-Western costs about $21,403 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 The University of Montana-Western?
The University of Montana-Western. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,822 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 The University of Montana-Western?
The University of Montana-Western is the larger of the two, with about 1,198 undergraduates against 1,092 at Carroll College.
Does Carroll College or The University of Montana-Western have a better graduation rate?
Carroll College has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 50% at The University of Montana-Western.
Do graduates of Carroll College or The University of Montana-Western earn more?
Carroll College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $61,772 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,229 for The University of Montana-Western. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Carroll College and The University of Montana-Western require SAT or ACT scores?
Carroll College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. The University of Montana-Western is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do Carroll College and The University of Montana-Western look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1050–1300 at Carroll College and 890–1120 at The University of Montana-Western. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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