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Montana State University-Northern vs The University of Montana-Western

Montana State University-Northern is a public university in Havre, MT, and The University of Montana-Western is a public university in Dillon, MT. Both admit about 100% of applicants. Montana State University-Northern is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,664 a year against $16,558 at The University of Montana-Western. About 50% of students graduate at The University of Montana-Western, compared with 42% at Montana State University-Northern. Ten years after enrolling, Montana State University-Northern alumni earn a median of about $49,505, against $43,229 for The University of Montana-Western.

Montana State University-Northern

Havre, MT · Public

The University of Montana-Western

Dillon, MT · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Havre, MT
Dillon, MT
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
761
1,198
Acceptance rate
100%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
950–1140
890–1120
ACT (middle 50%)
16–21
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,664
$16,558
Full cost / yr
$16,578
$21,403
In-state tuition
$6,982
$6,670
Out-of-state tuition
$21,875
$20,130
Application fee
$30
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,940
$14,822
$30k - $48k
$9,242
$14,058
$48k - $75k
$12,451
$15,951
$75k - $110k
$16,315
$17,785
Over $110k
$16,578
$20,125
Outcomes
Graduation rate
42%
50%
Freshman retention
64%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,045
$37,252
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,505
$43,229
Median debt at graduation
$18,500
$21,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
33%
35%
First-generation students
34%
36%
International students
0%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
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-Northern 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-Northern or The University of Montana-Western?
Montana State University-Northern is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,664 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-Northern and The University of Montana-Western?
Before aid, Montana State University-Northern costs about $16,578 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-Northern or The University of Montana-Western?
Montana State University-Northern. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,940 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-Northern or The University of Montana-Western?
The University of Montana-Western is the larger of the two, with about 1,198 undergraduates against 761 at Montana State University-Northern.
Does Montana State University-Northern 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 42% at Montana State University-Northern.
Do graduates of Montana State University-Northern or The University of Montana-Western earn more?
Montana State University-Northern alumni earn more on average: a median of about $49,505 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-Northern and The University of Montana-Western require SAT or ACT scores?
Montana State University-Northern 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-Northern and The University of Montana-Western look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 950–1140 at Montana State University-Northern 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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