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Montana State University vs Rocky Mountain College

Montana State University is a public university in Bozeman, MT, and Rocky Mountain College is a private college in Billings, MT. Rocky Mountain College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 70% of applicants against 82% at Montana State University. Rocky Mountain College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,751 a year against $22,499 at Montana State University. About 57% of students graduate at Montana State University, compared with 48% at Rocky Mountain College. Ten years after enrolling, Montana State University alumni earn a median of about $53,263, against $49,036 for Rocky Mountain College.

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT · Public

Rocky Mountain College

Billings, MT · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Bozeman, MT
Billings, MT
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
14,451
840
Acceptance rate
82%
70%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.37–3.87
SAT (middle 50%)
1065–1285
893–1133
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,499
$19,751
Full cost / yr
$25,905
$46,093
In-state tuition
$8,460
$35,582
Out-of-state tuition
$33,287
$35,582
Application fee
$38
$35
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,797
$15,404
$30k - $48k
$18,570
$13,781
$48k - $75k
$21,977
$14,957
$75k - $110k
$24,732
$19,892
Over $110k
$25,905
$25,150
Outcomes
Graduation rate
57%
48%
Freshman retention
79%
69%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,757
$41,783
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,263
$49,036
Median debt at graduation
$22,500
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
31%
First-generation students
23%
32%
International students
1%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jul 1
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 Montana State University or Rocky Mountain College harder to get into?
Rocky Mountain College is harder to get into. It admits about 70% 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, Montana State University or Rocky Mountain College?
Rocky Mountain College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,751 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,499 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.
What is the full cost of attendance at Montana State University and Rocky Mountain College?
Before aid, Montana State University costs about $25,905 a year and Rocky Mountain College about $46,093. 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, Montana State University or Rocky Mountain College?
Rocky Mountain College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,404 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, Montana State University or Rocky Mountain College?
Montana State University is the larger of the two, with about 14,451 undergraduates against 840 at Rocky Mountain College.
Does Montana State University or Rocky Mountain College have a better graduation rate?
Montana State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 57% against 48% at Rocky Mountain College.
Do graduates of Montana State University or Rocky Mountain College earn more?
Montana State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,263 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,036 for Rocky Mountain College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Montana State University and Rocky Mountain College require SAT or ACT scores?
Montana State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Rocky Mountain College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Montana State University and Rocky Mountain College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1065–1285 at Montana State University and 893–1133 at Rocky Mountain College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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