Montana State University Billings vs The University of Montana-Western
Montana State University Billings is a public university in Billings, MT. The University of Montana-Western is a public university in Dillon, MT. Both admit about 100% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $16,524 a year at Montana State University Billings after aid, and about $16,558 at The University of Montana-Western. About 50% of students graduate at The University of Montana-Western, compared with 29% at Montana State University Billings. Ten years after enrolling, Montana State University Billings alumni earn a median of about $44,296, against $43,229 for The University of Montana-Western.
See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.
Start the free quiz
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Billings, MT
Dillon, MT
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,626
1,198
Acceptance rate
100%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
940–1160
890–1120
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,524
$16,558
Full cost / yr
$20,054
$21,403
In-state tuition
$7,280
$6,670
Out-of-state tuition
$22,897
$20,130
Application fee
$30
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,927
$14,822
$30k - $48k
$14,387
$14,058
$48k - $75k
$16,749
$15,951
$75k - $110k
$18,948
$17,785
Over $110k
$20,035
$20,125
Outcomes
Graduation rate
29%
50%
Freshman retention
56%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,531
$37,252
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,296
$43,229
Median debt at graduation
$18,209
$21,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
25%
35%
First-generation students
38%
36%
International students
2%
0%
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.
- Is Montana State University Billings or The University of Montana-Western harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 100% of applicants. 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-Western?
- Montana State University Billings is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,524 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $16,558 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.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Montana State University Billings and The University of Montana-Western?
- Before aid, Montana State University Billings costs about $20,054 a year and The University of Montana-Western about $21,403. 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-Western?
- Montana State University Billings. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,927 there, against about $14,822 at The University of Montana-Western. 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-Western?
- Montana State University Billings is the larger of the two, with about 2,626 undergraduates against 1,198 at The University of Montana-Western.
- Does Montana State University Billings or The University of Montana-Western have a better graduation rate?
- The University of Montana-Western has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 29% at Montana State University Billings.
- Do graduates of Montana State University Billings or The University of Montana-Western earn more?
- Montana State University Billings alumni earn more on average: a median of about $44,296 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 Billings and The University of Montana-Western 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-Western is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do Montana State University Billings and The University of Montana-Western look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 940–1160 at Montana State University Billings 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?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school