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The University of Montana vs Montana State University-Northern

The University of Montana is a public university in Missoula, MT. Montana State University-Northern is a public university in Havre, MT. The University of Montana admits about 96% of applicants and Montana State University-Northern about 100%, making The University of Montana the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,664 a year at Montana State University-Northern after aid, and about $16,784 at The University of Montana. About 47% of students graduate at The University of Montana, 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 $44,511 for The University of Montana.

The University of Montana

Missoula, MT · Public

Montana State University-Northern

Havre, MT · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Missoula, MT
Havre, MT
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,488
761
Acceptance rate
96%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1280
950–1140
ACT (middle 50%)
23–28
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,784
$12,664
Full cost / yr
$23,570
$16,578
In-state tuition
$8,552
$6,982
Out-of-state tuition
$33,671
$21,875
Application fee
$30
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,960
$9,940
$30k - $48k
$14,892
$9,242
$48k - $75k
$17,180
$12,451
$75k - $110k
$19,269
$16,315
Over $110k
$20,930
$16,578
Outcomes
Graduation rate
47%
42%
Freshman retention
75%
64%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$35,729
$45,045
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,511
$49,505
Median debt at graduation
$22,400
$18,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
33%
First-generation students
30%
34%
International students
1%
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 The University of Montana or Montana State University-Northern 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-Northern. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, The University of Montana or Montana State University-Northern?
Montana State University-Northern is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,664 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 The University of Montana and Montana State University-Northern?
Before aid, Montana State University-Northern costs about $16,578 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, The University of Montana or Montana State University-Northern?
Montana State University-Northern. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,940 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, The University of Montana or Montana State University-Northern?
The University of Montana is the larger of the two, with about 7,488 undergraduates against 761 at Montana State University-Northern.
Does The University of Montana or Montana State University-Northern have a better graduation rate?
The University of Montana has the higher graduation rate, at about 47% against 42% at Montana State University-Northern.
Do graduates of The University of Montana or Montana State University-Northern earn more?
Montana State University-Northern alumni earn more on average: a median of about $49,505 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,511 for The University of Montana. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do The University of Montana and Montana State University-Northern require SAT or ACT scores?
The University of Montana is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Montana State University-Northern is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do The University of Montana and Montana State University-Northern look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1280 at The University of Montana and 950–1140 at Montana State University-Northern. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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