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Montana State University Billings vs The University of Montana

Montana State University Billings is a public university in Billings, MT, and The University of Montana is a public university in Missoula, MT. The University of Montana is the more selective of the two, admitting about 96% of applicants against 100% at Montana State University Billings. Montana State University Billings is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,524 a year against $16,784 at The University of Montana. About 47% of students graduate at The University of Montana, compared with 29% at Montana State University Billings. Ten years after enrolling, The University of Montana alumni earn a median of about $44,511, against $44,296 for Montana State University Billings.

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Montana State University Billings

Billings, MT · Public

The University of Montana

Missoula, MT · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Billings, MT
Missoula, MT
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,626
7,488
Acceptance rate
100%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
940–1160
1070–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
23–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,524
$16,784
Full cost / yr
$20,054
$23,570
In-state tuition
$7,280
$8,552
Out-of-state tuition
$22,897
$33,671
Application fee
$30
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,927
$13,960
$30k - $48k
$14,387
$14,892
$48k - $75k
$16,749
$17,180
$75k - $110k
$18,948
$19,269
Over $110k
$20,035
$20,930
Outcomes
Graduation rate
29%
47%
Freshman retention
56%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,531
$35,729
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,296
$44,511
Median debt at graduation
$18,209
$22,400
Student body
Pell grant recipients
25%
28%
First-generation students
38%
30%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Aug 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 Montana State University Billings or The University of Montana harder to get into?
The University of Montana is harder to get into. It admits about 96% of applicants, compared with 100% at Montana State University Billings. 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 Billings or The University of Montana?
Montana State University Billings is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,524 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $16,784 at The University of Montana. 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 Billings and The University of Montana?
Before aid, Montana State University Billings costs about $20,054 a year and The University of Montana about $23,570. 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 Billings or The University of Montana?
Montana State University Billings. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,927 there, against about $13,960 at The University of Montana. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Montana State University Billings or The University of Montana?
The University of Montana is the larger of the two, with about 7,488 undergraduates against 2,626 at Montana State University Billings.
Does Montana State University Billings or The University of Montana have a better graduation rate?
The University of Montana has the higher graduation rate, at about 47% against 29% at Montana State University Billings.
Do graduates of Montana State University Billings or The University of Montana earn more?
The University of Montana alumni earn more on average: a median of about $44,511 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,296 for Montana State University Billings. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Montana State University Billings and The University of Montana require SAT or ACT scores?
Montana State University Billings is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. The University of Montana is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Montana State University Billings and The University of Montana look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 940–1160 at Montana State University Billings and 1070–1280 at The University of Montana. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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