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The University of Montana vs The University of Montana-Western

The University of Montana is a public university in Missoula, MT. The University of Montana-Western is a public university in Dillon, MT. The University of Montana admits about 96% of applicants and The University of Montana-Western about 100%, making The University of Montana 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 $16,784 at The University of Montana. About 50% of students graduate at The University of Montana-Western, compared with 47% at The University of Montana. Ten years after enrolling, The University of Montana alumni earn a median of about $44,511, against $43,229 for The University of Montana-Western.

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The University of Montana

Missoula, MT · Public

The University of Montana-Western

Dillon, MT · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Missoula, MT
Dillon, MT
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,488
1,198
Acceptance rate
96%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1280
890–1120
ACT (middle 50%)
23–28
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,784
$16,558
Full cost / yr
$23,570
$21,403
In-state tuition
$8,552
$6,670
Out-of-state tuition
$33,671
$20,130
Application fee
$30
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,960
$14,822
$30k - $48k
$14,892
$14,058
$48k - $75k
$17,180
$15,951
$75k - $110k
$19,269
$17,785
Over $110k
$20,930
$20,125
Outcomes
Graduation rate
47%
50%
Freshman retention
75%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$35,729
$37,252
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,511
$43,229
Median debt at graduation
$22,400
$21,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
35%
First-generation students
30%
36%
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 The University of Montana-Western harder to get into?
The University of Montana is harder to get into. It admits about 96% 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, The University of Montana 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 $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 The University of Montana-Western?
Before aid, The University of Montana-Western costs about $21,403 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 The University of Montana-Western?
The University of Montana. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,960 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, The University of Montana or The University of Montana-Western?
The University of Montana is the larger of the two, with about 7,488 undergraduates against 1,198 at The University of Montana-Western.
Does The University of Montana 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 47% at The University of Montana.
Do graduates of The University of Montana or The University of Montana-Western earn more?
The University of Montana alumni earn more on average: a median of about $44,511 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,229 for The University of Montana-Western. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do The University of Montana and The University of Montana-Western require SAT or ACT scores?
The University of Montana 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 The University of Montana and The University of Montana-Western look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1280 at The University of Montana 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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