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Montana State University vs The University of Montana-Western

Montana State University is a public university in Bozeman, MT. The University of Montana-Western is a public university in Dillon, MT. Montana State University admits about 82% of applicants and The University of Montana-Western about 100%, making Montana State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $16,558 a year at The University of Montana-Western after aid, and about $22,499 at Montana State University. About 57% of students graduate at Montana State University, compared with 50% at The University of Montana-Western. Ten years after enrolling, Montana State University alumni earn a median of about $53,263, against $43,229 for The University of Montana-Western.

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Montana State University

Bozeman, MT · Public

The University of Montana-Western

Dillon, MT · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Bozeman, MT
Dillon, MT
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
14,451
1,198
Acceptance rate
82%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1065–1285
890–1120
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,499
$16,558
Full cost / yr
$25,905
$21,403
In-state tuition
$8,460
$6,670
Out-of-state tuition
$33,287
$20,130
Application fee
$38
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,797
$14,822
$30k - $48k
$18,570
$14,058
$48k - $75k
$21,977
$15,951
$75k - $110k
$24,732
$17,785
Over $110k
$25,905
$20,125
Outcomes
Graduation rate
57%
50%
Freshman retention
79%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,757
$37,252
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,263
$43,229
Median debt at graduation
$22,500
$21,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
35%
First-generation students
23%
36%
International students
1%
0%
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 The University of Montana-Western harder to get into?
Montana State University is harder to get into. It admits about 82% 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, Montana State University 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 $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 The University of Montana-Western?
Before aid, The University of Montana-Western costs about $21,403 a year and Montana State University about $25,905. 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 The University of Montana-Western?
The University of Montana-Western. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,822 there, against about $17,797 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 The University of Montana-Western?
Montana State University is the larger of the two, with about 14,451 undergraduates against 1,198 at The University of Montana-Western.
Does Montana State University or The University of Montana-Western have a better graduation rate?
Montana State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 57% against 50% at The University of Montana-Western.
Do graduates of Montana State University or The University of Montana-Western earn more?
Montana State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,263 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,229 for The University of Montana-Western. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Montana State University and The University of Montana-Western require SAT or ACT scores?
Montana State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. The University of Montana-Western is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do Montana State University and The University of Montana-Western look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1065–1285 at Montana State University 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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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school